A CARB-legal LS3 engine, upgraded suspension, and subtle modern styling bring new life to this iconic 1980s muscle car.
With its aggressive styling, pop-culture pedigree, and unmistakable road presence, the 1980 Pontiac Trans Am is a symbol of late-20th century American muscle. Now, one enthusiast has reimagined this icon for the 21st century, combining period-correct aesthetics with Corvette-grade power and modern creature comforts — and it’s all California legal.
The feature vehicle, showcased in a recent AutotopiaLA video, is a painstaking restomod project that honors the legacy of the Trans Am while making it far more potent and livable for modern roads. What began as a well-preserved original has been transformed into a pro-touring beast thanks to a fuel-injected, CARB-compliant LS3 V8 sourced from Schwartz Performance, churning out 430 horsepower. Backing the engine is a stout 4L80E automatic transmission that channels power smoothly to the rear wheels.
Handling has been dialed in with a complete suspension overhaul courtesy of Pro Touring F-Body, including tubular control arms, Viking shocks, and GT-spec rear leaf springs. For braking, Baer discs with custom Trans Am-engraved calipers provide the stopping power needed to match the newfound speed.
The exterior remains largely faithful to the Trans Am’s iconic silhouette, but modern cues like custom Rueda wheels (18" front, 19" rear) and a lowered stance hint at the performance beneath. Inside, the car sports a fully refreshed interior with reupholstered seats, classic-style gauges, and a RetroSound Bluetooth head unit—marrying vintage charm with modern convenience.
Perhaps most impressively, the build maintains street legality in California, one of the toughest emissions environments in the country. It’s a shining example of how classic muscle can be responsibly updated for the modern age, without losing the soul that made it legendary.
This restomod isn’t just a tribute—it’s a transformation, one that blends nostalgia with drive-anywhere performance.
