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The entire point of the American muscle car was to put performance in the hands of us regular folks. Pony cars with powerful Detroit V8s were once entry-level sports cars, but now many have become collectors items. Some sell for six figures, and you’ll struggle to find many under $30k. A collector’s car like that isn’t something you want to thrash. Enter the 1982-85 Pontiac Firebird.

I bet you didn’t expect to see a RWD, V8 muscle car on Hagerty’s list of eight 1980s classics you can get for $5,000 or less. And most folks think of the Firebird as a relatively expensive muscle car. But that’s because a 1985 in the Trans Am trim level can easily go for $15,000.

A non Trans Am, which has the same 5.0-liter V8, sometimes changes hands for $5,000 or less. Best of all, you can get these Radwood-era classics with a stick shift.

Red Pontiac Firebird
1984 Pontiac Trans Am | Bring a Trailer

The 1984 Pontiac pictured sold on Bring a Trailer for an absurd $3,700. It had the high output tune of the 5,0-liter L69 V8 and a 5-speed transmission. The only major modification was an aftermarket exhaust. And of course there’s that eye-catching red paint.

I’ll be honest, these cars are a bit rare at that price point. But a quick search turned up a few more. Bring a Trailer also saw a 1986 automatic car go for $5,700.

Next, find out what makes the Jeep Comanche the perfect classic truck bargain. Or if you’re dreaming of your own Firebird you can see a full buying guide in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.