Images: Hemmings.com

There has been a resurgence in turbocharger technology in the last five years as automakers seek to maintain automotive performance, while improving fuel economy. Turbochargers are able to do both, and we are standing on the cusp of a wave of turbocharged vehicles…but not for the first time. Back around 1980, the country was going through the same problems we face today, a slow economy and high gas prices. But that didn’t damper peoples appetites for muscle cars.

That was why GM built the 1980 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo, as primitive emissions equipment had sucked the fun out of performance cars. Even the addition of a turbocharger to the 301 V8 only boosted horsepower to a paltry 210 horsepower. Hemmings Auto Blog came across what could be an original pace car version of a Trans Am Turbo in what we will generously call “fair” shape.

GM promoted the Trans Am Turbo as a pace car during 1979, and it is unknown what happened to the actual pace vehicles after they had served their time. According to the seller, the Turbo Trans Am comes with experimental papers, pace car lights, and had other options like big tires and an alcohol-injection system…which was removed. Sounds like this may have been more than just a pace car to us.

And it will take a lot of work to restore it. Even though it is an Arizona car, the interior and engine need an overhaul, as does the sun-faded exterior. But it could be a cool, unique muscle car to show off some day. Would you ever rock a Turbo Trans Am, or is it just not cool enough?