Again, thanks to The GTA Source Page special contributor Lou Wassel for his assistance and insight in compiling this page section.
This section documents a passion that starts young—something shared by little boys and girls alike: playing with toy cars and building plastic models. We all can remember the joy of getting that new Matchbox or Hot Wheels at the local “5¢-and-10¢” store, or visiting our favorite hobby shop and grabbing that new car model right off the shelf. For the majority of enthusiasts, that is precisely how this wild “car craze” began. There have been countless Internet memes describing how the car collection “sickness” began $0.99 at a time.
No comment from the gallery here… and no judgment, either.
Model kits and toy cars were virtual rites of passage for certain generations, and a way to experience cars that you never thought you might get to in person or as an adult. And let’s be honest – some of us never stopped.
You’ll still find grown collectors digging through fresh cases at Walmart or Target. Do YOU remember your first Firebird or Trans Am 1/64 car? Sure you do! If we all had a dollar for every one that’s been sold over the years… well, we wouldn’t be sitting here reading this website, would we? That’s for sure.
So, what is the goal here? The purpose of this section is not to document every single Trans Am GTA model kit or toy car that was ever produced; that might not even be humanly possible at this stage of the game.
The model kits and the vast majority of the diecast collectibles you will see come from the collection of The GTA Source Page; as such, the diecasts are not displayed in their original boxes but in 1/18 scale plastic cases. Full disclosure being the fact that several of boxes for the early releases were destroyed a number of years ago in a weather-related home incident; only ten (10) of the boxes for the collection remain at present.
The images of the diecast replicas in their box(es) are courtesy of either eBay or contributor Steve Zalimas. Steve was kind enough to send photos of his vast diecast collection to supplement certain diecast releases that The Source Page does not currently possess. I also consulted contributor George Scala for additional documentation and authentication information.
You’ll see some non-production scheme diecast releases featured in this section, but the main focus will be to document the standard production GTA-specific model and toy releases that have been issued since the mid-1980s in various scales by such companies as ERTL, AMT, Revell, Auto World, and Greenlight (G/L).
So let’s take a look back at the cars that started it all – and the ones we’re still chasing today. And for some of us, that path led straight to one car in particular – the Pontiac Trans Am GTA.
Back in the day, working with model and toy companies wasn’t the streamlined process it is today. Now there are design groups and committees that ensure things like design accuracy, licensing, and product representation are handled much like any other process in the marketing of a new vehicle. In the days of the GTA, there were no “set” procedures as to how to acquire prints and drawings from GM for scale models; it was more a case of ‘get whatever information you could, whenever you could get it.
According to then-Firebird Marketing Manager Lou Wassel, back in the time of the GTA all that tasking and organization fell directly on his shoulders. He contacted the toy companies personally and worked to ensure Firebird scale models met ALL the standards they needed to meet.
Lou took the most minute details quite seriously and he was always protecting the Firebird releases to ensure that the product representation was always correct, especially for the Trans Am… and by extension, the GTA.
So what did that effort produce? Let’s take a look:
Monogram appears to have been the first companies to release a plastic model kit for the new 1987 Firebird GTA. Reproduced in 1:24 scale, this kit (#2743) featured a level of detail in a small-scale kit that hadn’t been seen in Firebird models up to that point. The inclusion of the GTA’s standard DD9 side mirrors helped give the model an accurate appearance, although no emblems or badging were included. Molded in black, it was a solid kit to kick off the GTA era.
Today, this kit remains a notable starting point for GTA model collectors, despite its lack of factory badging.
Revell upped the ante in a ‘big’ way with this 1:16 scale ’87 Firebird GTA kit (#7470). Accuracy again was a strong point on this kit despite the elongated look of the box art; for instance, it included both sets of 1987 mirrors so the builder could match their model to their own car or preferred style. This fifty-eight (58) step kit had the GTA emblems cast in high relief on the body parts, requiring intricate dry brushing to make for a correct appearance.
This feature would carry through many of the model kits produced during the GTA’s lifespan.
ADMIN NOTE: All GTA model kits produced through 1992 utilizing V8 engines retained the original 1987-style air intake configuration. This results in an inaccurate engine bay representation for later model years. Achieving proper accuracy requires scratch-building or modifying the intake system.
To date, MPC‘s kit is the only known 1988 Pontiac Firebird GTA model kit made for that model year. Produced in 1:25 scale as kit #6209, it was comparable to the previous Monogram 1:24 kit, both in design and features. This kit was the first to feature a “2 in 1” assembly option, with a wild street version available to the builder; also of interest was the fact that the box specified that the kit was supplied with the 5.0 engine instead of the standard GTA 5.7 engine.
AMT/ERTL entered the Trans Am GTA modeling scene with this Firebird GTA kit (#6269). Reproduced in 1:25 scale, this kit of the 1988/1989 GTA Notchback was a solid representation of the 1:1 car. Aside from the decklid change, the kit followed the same general design approach as earlier kit releases. The Notchback body style also set it apart visually from earlier hatchback-based GTA kits.
With all the molded-in details, it made for a nice build when completed. The optional Custom version—featuring a twin-turbo engine, side pipes, wide rear tires, and wild period decals—turned it into one serious street machine.
The next offering from AMT/ERTL was a 1:25 scale version of the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, marketed as the “20th Anniversary Turbo Firebird GTA”. The kit came complete with the Indy 500 logo prominently displayed on the box cover. Aside from the Pace Car-specific engine and associated parts, kit #6932 was largely a rehash of the then-current Trans Am/GTA tooling, with all of the accompanying highs and lows. Still as one of the most recognizable special-edition GTAs, this release carried strong visual appeal despite its reused tooling.
The kit did include a correct set of Pace Car decals; however, interestingly, the sheet only provided a single fender emblem decal.
Monogram returned in 1989 with this 1:24 scale kit of the ’89 20th Anniversary Trans Am (#2905) as a part of their “High Performance Series”. Despite the wildly inaccurate artwork on the box cover, this kit was – and still is – the high bar of all the GTA kits made back in the day. Included in the package were spark plug wires and other niceties, along with a complete (yes, really complete) set of Turbo Trans Am decals. Also notable was the fact that the model represented the super-rare Turbo Trans Am hardtop model, of which only 39 were built out of the production run of 1,555 cars.
Because of its accuracy, detail, and subject matter, this kit remains one of the most sought-after GTA releases among collectors.
AMT/ERTL introduced the Banshee-era Firebirds with this 1:25 scale 1991 Pontiac Firebird GTA kit. No other major model company is known to have offered a kit of the final 3rd Generation GTAs. This kit (#6024), released in 1990 for the 1991 model year, was a faithful representation of the restyled Firebirds. Its details and overall quality were comparable to the company’s earlier GTA model kits.
The model featured solid detailing and good parts fitment, resulting in a clean presentation when completed. However, builders seeking accurate emblems were left without options, as none were included on the decal sheet. Dry-brushing or intricate detail marker work remained the only solutions.
AMT/ERTL marked the final year of the 3rd Generation Firebirds with this 1:25 scale Pontiac Firebird GTA kit. Featuring a ’92 Jamaica Yellow GTA on the box, kit #6158 was simply a reissue of the previous Banshee-era ’91 kit with updated packaging.
The kit contents were identical to the earlier release. This represents the final 1:25 scale GTA kit of the era, effectively closing the chapter on 3rd Generation Firebird modeling.
Fast forward to 2023, and Revell released an updated 1:16 scale ’87 Pontiac Firebird GTA kit (#14535). This large-scale, Skill Level 5 kit – featuring 144 pieces – offers a faithful representation of the first-year GTA. An update of the original 1987 large-scale release, the kit features an opening hood, doors, and hatchback, along with a number of subtle refinements. The all-new, complete decal sheet is a standout improvement, including three sets of GTA emblems and numerous additional markings to enhance overall accuracy when completed.
With this release, the GTA modeling story comes full circle—bringing modern accuracy and detail to the car that started it all.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the diecast collectible replicas… starting with the 1/64 scale cars.
1/64 scale toy cars… man, who hasn’t had a bunch of those in their lifetime? Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgi, Maisto, Johnny Lightning… all names well known to small-scale toy car enthusiasts and collectors. There were no GTA or related small 1/64 diecasts produced in all the years the GTA was in production. Generic Firebirds and Trans Am cars were seen in mass during those years from the 1980s to the 2000s, but were mostly variations on the 2nd Generation Firebirds built from 1970-1981. Who among us hasn’t buried a few of those in a mud puddle or a dirt castle in their front yard?
The boom on detailed specialized small scale replicas really didn’t materialize until the onset of specialized diecasts made by toy companies beginning in the mid-2000s. Enter Greenlight (G/L) Collectibles… more on them later.
Just be very glad they exist.
Released in late 2007 by GreenLight as part of the “Speed” series, this 1:64 scale 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA (#23600) was produced in conjunction with Speed Channel and the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction. The model replicates an actual ’87 GTA (Lot #322) that sold at Barrett-Jackson for $14,300… tying this release directly to a documented 1/1 auction vehicle.
As part of the early Speed series releases, this model represents one of GreenLight’s first themed GTA offerings.
Also released in conjunction with SPEED and Barrett-Jackson, this is the “Green Machine” Chase version of the 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA (#23600) from GreenLight. Based on the same Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction vehicle, this variant features G/L’s signature Chase treatment. Characterized by their metallic green finish, these models were typically limited to approximately 2–3% of total production… and are highly sought after today by collectors.
As a result, Green Machine versions can command up to 5X the value of a standard black SPEED series GTA.
GreenLight released the “Black Bandit” series (#11) of 1:64 scale collectibles in 2015, with this triple-black 1987 Pontiac Firebird GTA (#27760) included in the lineup. The signature “triple black” aesthetic – featuring a black body, interior, and wheels – defined the series, which consisted of six (6) vehicles in total.
The 1987 GTA stands out as one of the more sought-after releases in the set. Its popularity among collectors has made it one of the standout pieces from the Black Bandit lineup.
Naturally, there was also a “Green Machine” Chase version of the Black Bandit 1987 Pontiac Firebird GTA. Produced by GreenLight in 2015, this variant (#27820) was distinguished by its metallic green wheels. As with other Green Machine releases, these models typically accounted for only 2–3% of total production for Black Bandit Series #11, making them highly sought after by collectors.
As a result, examples can command up to five times the value of the standard Black Bandit GTA when offered for sale. This represents the Chase variant of one of the most popular releases in the Black Bandit series
Issued in 2008 as part of GreenLight’s Muscle Car Garage “Stock & Custom” series, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (#12640) was not identified on the packaging as a GTA model. However, the car features GTA-specific details including emblem markings, the correct Flame Red Metallic finish, and gold wheels – making it correctly identified as a 1:64 scale 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA.
This release also stands out for its opening hood, a feature not previously seen on G/L Firebird diecasts in 1:64 scale. This combination of features makes it one of the more interesting early G/L Firebird releases.
This is the “Green Machine” Chase version (#12852) of the 1989 Pontiac Trans Am (GTA), released in 2010 as part of GreenLight’s Muscle Car Garage “Stock & Custom” series. Like the standard release, this version also featured the opening hood As with other Green Machine releases, these variants were typically limited to approximately 2–3% of total production, making them highly sought after by collectors.
As a result, examples can command up to five times the value of the standard maroon Muscle Car Garage GTA.
Issued in 2013, this 1:64 scale 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am (#13074) from GreenLight was marketed with full 20th Anniversary Indianapolis 500-themed packaging, including front, back, and end panel graphics. This version featured Pace Car door decals consistent with the full-size vehicle, along with a prominent 20th Anniversary crest on the front panel and “TURBO” branding on the packaging ends.
The attention to packaging detail made this release stand out even among other G/L TTA offerings. As a result, it remains one of the more desirable 1/64 scale Turbo Trans Am diecast releases among collectors.
Released in 2009 as part of GreenLight’s Muscle Car Garage Series 3 “Hobby Collection,” this 1:64 scale 1989 Pontiac Firebird TTA (#28630) features an un-decaled version of the car packaged with a scale piece of shop equipment intended for diorama use. While the included accessory added an interesting element, it is unlikely that most collectors would open the packaging simply to retrieve the tools.
As a result, most examples remained sealed, preserving both the car and accessory as part of the display.
The “Green Machine” Chase version of the 1989 Pontiac Firebird TTA (#28630) was also released as part of GreenLight’s 2009 Muscle Car Garage “Hobby Collection” Series 3. While retaining the same item number and overall configuration as the standard release, this Chase variant was distinguished by its metallic green wheels. The model also included the same enclosed 1:64 scale shop equipment accessory.
Like the standard release, the un-decaled presentation remained. As with other Green Machine releases, these Chase variants were produced in limited quantities and typically command a significant premium over the standard version.
In more recent years, the 1/64 GTA diecasts continued to come almost regularly…
GreenLight resumed 1:64 scale GTA releases in 2024 with a series of limited-edition exclusives produced for distributor Midwest Diecast.
The first of these was this 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA (#51565-A), finished in 40U White with correct gold accents and a 19D Black interior. The packaging was particularly noteworthy, featuring a large 3rd Generation Firebird emblem and Pontiac script prominently displayed on both the front and back—making it one of the more visually striking presentations among recent releases.
Distributor exclusives such as this have become increasingly important in the modern GreenLight lineup.
The second 2024 Midwest Diecast release from GreenLight was this 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA (#51565-B), this time in the correct 81U Bright Red exterior featuring correct gold accents and a 19D Black interior.
The excellent packaging continued here as well; representing a high-water mark for G/L’s miniature GTA offerings, the presentation makes for a striking display on a collector’s shelf or in a case.
The 2024 “Chase” version of the Midwest Diecast-exclusive 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA (#51565-C) was also released by GreenLight to accompany the two standard color variants. This example featured an unpainted “raw” metal finish that closely mimicked the 87U Gunmetal Metallic exterior color that was offered in 1987, while retaining the correct gold accents and the 19D Black interior, along with the same “Limited Edition” packaging.
As expected, these special Chase variants typically command three to five times the value of the standard releases. This release completed the three-car Midwest Diecast GTA 1/64 set for 2024.
ADMIN NOTE: GreenLight also released 1:64 scale Midwest Diecast 2024 variants in White, Bright Red, and bare-metal Grey finishes featuring grey wheels in place of the GTA’s correct gold wheels.
These versions are not included here, as The GTA Source Page focuses on documenting production-correct diecast representations.
Auto World entered the 1:64 scale GTA market in 2024 with an all-new casting of the 1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA. This release represented the first diecast representation of the ’91 GTA in any scale. Issued as part of Deluxe Series Release 1 – Version A, the diecast was packaged in a two-car set alongside a 1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6. Auto World had previously released a 1:64 version of the ’91 Firebird Formula, but this marked the first appearance of the GTA model.
The ’91 GTA featured a correct 41U Black exterior with a 66C Beechwood interior, along with accurately applied Gold accents and model-specific taillamp details. However, the use of a generic chrome five-spoke wheel—shared with the included ’96 WS6—detracted from the overall accuracy, as it did not replicate the factory PW7 gold diamond-spoke GTA wheel design.
Auto World’s Deluxe Series Release 1 – Version B for 2024 again paired the all-new 1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA with a different example of the 1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6. This time, the GTA was finished in a 80U Bright Blue Metallic exterior (a color actually introduced for the 1992 model year) with the same 66C Beechwood interior. Exterior detailing remained consistent with Version A, including the use of the non-standard chrome five-spoke wheels.
Releases such as this highlighted the growing presence of 1991–92 GTA models in the diecast market, suggesting potential for further expansion across additional scales and manufacturers.
The story of the Pontiac Trans Am GTA as it pertains to 1:18 scale collectibles has been a long and winding tale, filled with missed and overlooked opportunities—but we’ll focus on the high points.
From the period immediately following the end of GTA production in 1992 through the early 2000s, adult diecast collectibles saw first a steady rise, then an explosive surge in popularity—particularly in 1:18 scale. Most of the well-known marques were well represented: GM, Ford, Chrysler, and even manufacturers such as AMC, Tucker, and Studebaker all found their way into diecast form.
Within the Pontiac lineup, however, attention centered primarily on the GTO and early Firebird models. The GTOs—typically from 1965 to 1970—were produced by companies such as GMP, ERTL, and even Maisto. Firebird representation largely came from ERTL’s “American Muscle” series, which focused on 1967–1973 models, along with the popular 1977 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. And that was essentially the extent of it.
So where did that leave the later cars? ERTL offered little encouragement to Third-Generation enthusiasts, moving directly into Fourth-Generation offerings such as the 25th Anniversary Trans Am without so much as a nod to the 1982–1992 models. For the most part, Third-Generation F-car enthusiasts were not on the radar of diecast manufacturers, and the cars themselves were largely overlooked during this period. Many Second- and Third-Generation F-cars might never have been represented at all were it not for “lower-tier” manufacturers such as Sun Star.
When Sun Star released their 1:18 scale 1982 Camaro Indy Pace Car in 2002, it only heightened the frustration among Firebird enthusiasts. Subsequent releases of additional ’82 Z28 variants gave Camaro collectors something to rally around—even if overall quality was average—while Firebird fans were left watching from the sidelines. The situation only worsened when Sun Star followed up with 1979 Trans Am releases, including the 10th Anniversary model, effectively adding insult to injury for Third-Generation Firebird enthusiasts.
Fortunately, that wait would not be much longer – but the eventual solution was not what most would have expected. For those closely following diecast production and the emergence of new manufacturers in the early 2000s, however, the answer may have been hiding in plain sight.
Enter GreenLight Collectibles.
Founded in 2002 by Kevin Davey, GreenLight began as a company focused on sports-oriented goods and IndyCar diecast replicas. That detail would prove to be significant.
The company entered the diecast market in 2003 with 1:64 scale replicas of IndyCar Series racing machines, particularly those featured in that year’s Indianapolis 500. Not long after, GreenLight expanded into 1:18 scale and producing detailed replicas of Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars to complement their racing lineup, like the 1986 Corvette Convertibles that paced the 1986 Indy 500.
And among those Indy 500 Pace Cars was… a family friend hiding in plain sight.
The 1989 20th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Trans Am – better known as the Turbo Trans Am – was announced for 1/64 scale release in 2006. Once it became known that G/L was producing Indy Pace Car diecasts, The GTA Source Page and others began encouraging the company to consider producing a 1:18 scale version of the TTA. The subsequent announcement of its release in 1/18 scale was met with considerable enthusiasm, but for many GTA enthusiasts, that alone was not enough.
Discussions soon expanded to include the possibility of producing Trans Am GTA diecast replicas alongside the ’89 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. Several parties advocated for this approach, noting that the existing TTA tooling provided an ideal foundation. Because the Turbo Trans Am itself was based on the GTA platform, much of the diecast could be reused with minimal modification. While certain components – such as the exhaust and rear seatbacks – would remain specific to the Turbo Trans Am, the majority of the model could be adapted efficiently to represent a proper GTA.
To their credit, G/L responded to that feedback. By incorporating a correct Tuned Port Injection V8 engine into the existing platform, they committed to producing the first 1:18 scale Trans Am GTA diecasts, offered in a range of original factory colors.
As expected, demand was immediate, and these releases quickly disappeared from retailers – marking the long-awaited arrival of the Trans Am GTA in 1:18 scale form.
THIS is the release that started it all for 1:18 scale GTA-related diecast replicas.
Issued in 2008 as part of GreenLight’s “Pace Car Garage” series, this 1:18 scale 1989 20th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Trans Am (#11803) marked the first high-detail representation of the platform in this scale. The example in The Source Page’s collection carries a 2008 copyright date and individual production number of #0414.
The level of detail achieved in this release was notable for its price point at the time. The model featured comprehensive exterior and interior detailing, including the rear spoiler-mounted strobe lights used on the full-size Pace Cars—an uncommon feature in diecast models of this era.
While multiple versions of the T-top ’89 Pace Car were produced in various forms, this example represents the original release and is the only version currently included in The GTA Source Page collection.
A particularly rare release from GreenLight was this 24K Gold version of the 1989 20th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Trans Am, issued as part of the “Pace Car Garage” series. Like the standard release, this version retained all Pace Car-specific detailing.
Originally intended to be part of a three-car “Precious Metals” set – featuring Gold, Silver, and Bronze variants – production was planned at just sixty-six (66) units of each color, with advance orders taken for the full set.
However, after the Gold cars were completed and delivered, the Silver versions reportedly failed to meet internal quality standards, resulting in the cancellation of the program before any Bronze examples were produced.
Issued under special item number #50815 with a 2008 copyright date, the sixty-six (66) Gold examples remain among the rarest G/L releases. As a result, they have become some of the most valuable pieces on the secondary diecast market, with several documented sales exceeding $1,000.
Following the release of the 24K Gold Turbo Trans Am, GreenLight introduced this 2009 “Green Machine” Chase version of the 1989 20th Anniversary Pontiac Trans Am TTA (#50825). This release represented one of the earliest uses of the ‘Green Machine’ concept in 1:18 scale.
Produced under a non-standard item number as well, this release marked the first time a GreenLight TTA was offered without Indianapolis 500 Pace Car door decals or explicit Pace Car identification, with the packaging simply referring to the model as a Turbo Trans Am.
Finished in the signature metallic green associated with G/L chase variants—including matching green wheels—this version continued the limited-production theme, with just sixty-six (66) units produced. These were distributed to customers who had originally placed advance orders for the canceled “Precious Metals” set.
As a result, this release effectively served as a replacement offering, and today ranks alongside the 24K Gold version in both rarity and collector value.
OK, here we go now… moving onto the 1/18 scale Trans Am GTA replicas:
Based on the tooling developed for the ’89 Indy 500 Pace Car release, GreenLight expanded into dedicated 1:18 scale GTA replicas with this 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA, issued as part of the “Muscle Car Garage” series.
Finished in correct 41U Black with a 66D Camel interior, this release (#12804) carried a 2008 copyright date. The example in The Source Page’s collection bears an individual production number of #0968.
As with the earlier Pace Car models, the level of detail offered at this price point was notable for its time, helping to establish these releases as a significant step forward in 1:18 scale GTA representation.
Also released as part of the “Muscle Car Garage” series, this 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA is finished in correct 81U Bright Red with a 66D Camel interior.
Like the black example, this release carried a 2008 copyright date and an item number of #12804. This version shared the same underlying casting and detailing, offering an additional factory color option within GreenLight’s initial 1:18 scale GTA lineup.
The example in The Source Page’s collection bears the individual production number of #0008.
ADMIN NOTE: All subsequent GreenLight 1:18 scale Trans Am GTA diecast releases produced through 2026 carry a 2008 copyright date on the chassis, regardless of their actual year of release.
As GreenLight continued to release diecast GTA replicas, the company demonstrated a clear learning curve. Minor inaccuracies present in earlier releases – such as trim colors, door handles, and wheel details – were progressively corrected in subsequent editions. Over time, these incremental improvements resulted in noticeably more accurate and refined representations of the Trans Am GTA.
The next GreenLight release from 2009 was this 1989 Pontiac Trans Am GTA, again issued as part of the “Muscle Car Garage” series and additionally marketed as a “20th Anniversary Edition” with a box sticker.
The model was finished in 75U Flame Red with a 66D Camel interior. Notably, the exterior finish was non-metallic, differing from the metallic appearance of the full-size cars. This release carried item number #12810, and the example in The Source Page’s collection bears the individual production number of #0307.
This release reflected the incremental refinements seen in G/L’s early GTA lineup.
These four releases comprised the initial 1:18 scale offerings from GreenLight for both the 1989 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car and the Trans Am GTA. All were well received by collectors; in fact, some 1989 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car owners purchased multiple (10+) examples in an effort to obtain production numbers matching their full-size vehicles.
While not without minor inaccuracies, these early releases represented a significant step forward at the time.
After this initial wave, G/L allowed the market to settle before introducing the next round of 1:18 GTA offerings. When the lineup expanded again, it marked the first appearance of non-standard colors and configurations within the G/L Trans Am GTA diecast garage.
The first release in GreenLight’s 2011 grouping was this 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA, finished in correct 87U Gunmetal Metallic with an 82D Medium Dark Grey interior. The exterior color on this car was really nicely done.
The packaging identified this model as part of the “Under the Hood” series, though it lacked any additional series branding beyond Pontiac logos and crests. While the box designated the car as a 1988 GTA, the license plate on the model itself identified it as a 1989 – an inconsistency not uncommon in diecast releases of this period. The license plate featured was also an Arkansas license plate—a detail of particular note given The GTA Source Page’s origins.
Also of interest: this is the only G/L Trans Am GTA example in The Source Page’s collection that does not carry a printed production number on the underside.
One of the first “non-standard” color releases from GreenLight in 2011 was this 1989 Pontiac Firebird GTA, finished in 23U Medium Maui Blue on the exterior, coupled with a 19D Black interior.
Despite the exterior box labeling, the model itself does not carry full GTA identification, and the color was not one offered on the GTA model in any production year. As such, it can be more accurately interpreted as a fully optioned 1989 Trans Am with select GTA features rather than a strictly correct GTA representation.
This release carried item number #12933 and, like other models in the series, retained a 2008 copyright date.
The second 2011 “non-standard” release from GreenLight was this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA, finished in the correct 41U Black exterior with a 66D Camel interior.
While the model carries full GTA identification, several exterior elements are not accurate. The use of black wheels deviates from the factory gold GTA design, and the large hood decal – derived from earlier second-generation Firebird graphics – is not representative of any production GTA configuration. This release is typical of G/L’s experimentation with alternate visual treatments during this period.
Issued as item number #12835, this release has proven more difficult to locate on the secondary market and typically commands a premium as a result.
The final 2011 release from GreenLight was this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am (#12809). This issue marked the first time the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car diecast was “dressed down” to represent a standard 20th Anniversary Trans Am configuration.
All Pace Car-specific markings and equipment were removed, including the roof-mounted light bar and the strobe light assembly beneath the rear spoiler.
Overall quality showed continued improvement, particularly in trim detailing, with emblems generally correct in color, placement, and appearance.
For its next releases, GreenLight returned to Pace Car subjects, this time focusing on NASCAR with a pair of famous 1987 Pace Car examples.
Released in 2013, this 1987 Daytona 500 Pace Car Pontiac Trans Am GTA (#12858) was finished in the correct 81U Bright Red exterior with a 62D Camel interior. The model featured the full complement of Pace Car-specific graphics seen on the full-size vehicles, along with the distinctive roof-mounted rotating beacon.
One minor omission is the absence of the “Winston Cup” decal located below the rear fender clearance lamp on the 1:1 cars. Despite this, the model presented well overall and remained a faithful representation of the twin 1987 GTAs used for Pace Car duty at the event.
Like earlier Pace Car releases, this model built upon G/L’s established tooling. The example in The Source Page collection carries an individual production number of #0634.
Released alongside the 2013 Daytona 500 Pace Car, this 1987 Talladega 500 Pace Car Pontiac Trans Am GTA (#12859) represented the official Pace Car used for the June 26, 1987 Talladega 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race.
While the original vehicle was finished in a 81U Bright Red exterior with a 19D Black interior, this diecast is rendered in a slightly darker shade more closely resembling 70U Red – an incorrect color for Firebird models. This contrasted with the Daytona 500 release, which more accurately reflected the correct 81U Bright Red exterior finish.
Aside from this discrepancy, the model featured well-executed Pace Car graphics and detailing, including the roof-mounted rotating beacon, and presented well overall.
The example in The Source Page collection carries the individual production number of #0657.
Apparently issued as a companion variation to the 2013 Talladega 500 Pace Car release, this minimally adorned 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA has proven difficult to document through normal collector channels, with very little public information regarding its production or distribution.
While retaining the NASCAR-themed packaging and roof-mounted rotating beacon of the standard Talladega Pace Car issue, this version omitted all of the exterior event graphics and departed even further from standard GTA appearance through the use of chrome “steel-style” wheels and narrow blackwall tires in place of the GTA’s correct gold diamond-spoke wheels and performance tire setup.
As a result, the model presented more as an unusual promotional or transitional variant than a factory-correct representation of the Trans Am GTA. Regardless, its obscurity has made it one of the more curious releases in GreenLight’s early 1:18 scale lineup.
Marketed in 2014 as item number #12922, this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (GTA) was reportedly limited to a production run of 600 pieces, suggesting a specialty or sponsored release of some kind.
The model was packaged in a unique “Pontiac Firebird”-branded box not used on other known releases. Unlike previous offerings, the diecast itself carried no GTA identification. However, it was accurately rendered as a well-optioned Trans Am finished in 41U Black with matching PW7 diamond-spoke wheels and a correct 662 Beechwood leather interior.
With its low production total, unique packaging, and limited availability, this release has become one of the more difficult GreenLight Firebird variants to locate on the secondary market.
2015 marked the return of the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am to the 1:18 scale diecast market for the first time in four years, this time as a hardtop coupe.
Issued by GreenLight as item #12932 and packaged in a special “20th Anniversary” branded box, this release represented the Turbo Trans Am in standard production form without Indianapolis 500 Pace Car markings or equipment.
The significance of this model was not lost on enthusiasts, as only thirty-nine (39) actual 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Ams were produced as hardtop coupes. As a result, anticipation for the release was particularly strong among collectors and Turbo Trans Am owners alike.
The example in The Source Page collection carries an individual production number of #0293.
Also of note was the way GreenLight initially finished the undercarriages of the Turbo Trans Am and GTA diecasts. On the actual 1989 Turbo Trans Ams, the body shells were first sprayed with gray primer before the 40U White paint was applied underneath the body sides and lightly “ghosted” inward toward the driveshaft tunnel area. However, the early G/L diecasts instead utilized a largely black-finished underbody treatment that was not fully representative of the 1:1 cars.
As mentioned earlier in this section, production costs necessitated a degree of parts sharing between the TTA and GTA replicas, and several undercarriage components – including portions of the exhaust system and suspension detailing – fell into that category. While some of these carryover details were not strictly correct for the GTA models, they still provided a convincing overall appearance for the time and price point in which these diecasts were marketed.
GreenLight item #13576 was a later 2020 reissue of the 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indianapolis 500 Pace Car in 1:18 scale, although documentation surrounding the release remains limited. Surviving references suggest the model retained the standard White Indianapolis 500 Pace Car configuration and packaging themes associated with earlier TTA releases, but very little detailed information regarding production totals or distribution has surfaced publicly.
As with several other G/L releases from this era, the exact circumstances surrounding the issue remain somewhat unclear due to inconsistent cataloging and limited archival material.
The year 2020 marked the return of this 1988 Pontiac Firebird GTA in 1:18 scale as GreenLight item #13577. Finished once again in correct 81U Bright Red, this release featured a revised and correct 19D Black interior along with newly branded “GTA” packaging.
As noted elsewhere in this section, detail accuracy during this period tended to fluctuate from release to release, with some areas showing improvement while others introduced new inaccuracies. In this case, the most noticeable error was the placement of the gold Firebird emblem on the taillamp panel below the rear decklid lock cylinder rather than above it as found on the actual cars.
Despite such issues, the release still represented another incremental refinement in G/L’s evolving GTA lineup. The example in The Source Page collection carries the individual production number of #0208.
The #13577 release also marked the beginning of GreenLight’s revised approach to undercarriage finishing. Whereas earlier releases utilized a largely black underside with selective silver detailing, these later models began incorporating a treatment intended to better replicate the appearance of the actual cars as painted at the factory.
The updated finish featured a “fogged-in” body-color effect applied over a primer-style base, mimicking the haphazard underside paint application commonly seen on Van Nuys-built Firebirds of all models. Early versions of this revised treatment began as a black-to-grey transition before evolving into the more accurate two-tone grey appearance seen here.
The result was a noticeably more authentic undercarriage presentation and another example of G/L’s gradual refinement of the GTA diecast lineup.
Also reissued for 2020 was this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am 20th Anniversary Indy 500 Hardtop Coupe, this time representing one of the five (5) Pilot Cars used during the 20th Anniversary program. Of those five Pilot Cars, only one was produced as a hardtop coupe, finished in 40U White with a 662 Beechwood leather interior—the same configuration replicated by this diecast. As such, the release represented a true “1-of-1” Pilot Car configuration.
Marketed as item #13587 and packaged in newly branded 20th Anniversary-themed “Pilot Car” packaging, the model included the correct Indy rocker emblem behind the front wheels. However, one highly unusual omission was immediately noticed by collectors: the 3.8L V6 engine lacked its turbocharger assembly entirely.
Whether this issue affected the entire production run or only select examples remained unclear. The example in The Source Page collection carries an individual production number of #0481.
For 2021, GreenLight returned with another unexpected release in the form of this 1987 Pontiac Firebird GTA (#13588). Representing the company’s first 1987 GTA offering in eight years, the model was finished in the rare 68U Midnight Russet Metallic exterior with the correct 62D Camel interior as well.
Midnight Russet Metallic was exclusive to the GTA model for 1987, with only 372 full-size cars produced in that color combination.
As with several later releases, the specially branded packaging was designed to complement the vehicle itself, resulting in one of the most visually striking presentations in G/L’s entire GTA lineup. The example in The Source Page collection carries an individual production number of #0553.
The most recent GreenLight GTA releases have now been on the market for nearly three years and are detailed below. Much like several of the company’s earlier offerings, these models represented a mixture of highly accurate details alongside noticeable inconsistencies.
Throughout the evolution of G/L’s GTA lineup, detail accuracy often progressed unevenly, with improvements in some areas occasionally accompanied by regressions in others.
First released in 2023 was this 1988 Pontiac Firebird GTA, issued as GreenLight item #13688. Like the earlier 2021 Midnight Russet Metallic release, the model was packaged in a special branded presentation box.
Despite the strong overall presentation, the diecast featured several notable inaccuracies. Most apparent was the undersized GTA nose emblem, which was incorrectly mounted on the hood rather than the nose panel assembly itself.
Although promotional materials identified the finish as 81U Bright Red, the metallic sheen of the color chosen more closely resembled the popular 75U Flame Red Metallic used from 1987-89. The 81U Bright Red was not a metallic color. So while not factory-correct for a Bright Red GTA, the metallic Red finish nonetheless gave the model a distinctive appearance when paired with the 19D Black interior.
Interior and exterior detailing were otherwise well executed, resulting in a visually impressive release overall. The example in The Source Page collection carries the individual production number of #0168.
The most recent GTA diecast released by GreenLight is this 2023 1988 Pontiac Firebird GTA finished in a Dark Grey Metallic exterior.
As with several recent releases, the model was not strictly factory-correct in its configuration. While intended to represent 87U Gunmetal Metallic, the finish used here was noticeably darker than the actual production color, particularly when compared with the much more accurate 2011 Gunmetal GTA release.
The Dark Grey exterior was paired with a non-standard 66D Beechwood interior, despite the fact that actual 1988 GTAs finished in 87U Gunmetal Metallic were only available with either 19D Black or 82D Medium Dark Grey interiors.
Additional inaccuracies included the continued misplacement of the GTA nose emblem onto the hood rather than the nose panel assembly, an issue shared with the companion Red Metallic release. These 2023 diecast GTAs were also the first to be issued without plastic strip banding on the car bodies used to keep the car doors closed and undamaged inside their display box during shipment.
Despite these concerns, the proportions and overall presentation of the model remained strong, particularly for casual collectors and display purposes. As previously noted, these 2023 releases still retained the longstanding 2008 copyright marking on the chassis alongside the stamped individual production number.
The example in The Source Page collection carries an individual production number of #0399.
And as of the creation date of this section, that accounts for all known 1:18 scale Pontiac Trans Am GTA replicas produced by GreenLight Collectibles.
Not so bad for a group of cars that many diecast companies once seemed determined to overlook.
The GTA Source Page has recently been informed through ongoing communications with GreenLight that the company intends to pursue additional updated Pontiac releases for 2027. The website has also been advised that it will remain involved and consulted as future products move toward production, and The Source Page is expected to participate as a supporting sponsor for upcoming GTA-related releases.
Among the most significant missing pieces still absent from the modern diecast market are the 1988 Notchback GTA and the 1991-1992 Trans Am GTAs, both of which The Source Page intends to continue encouraging GreenLight to produce in one or more scales.
Hopefully you have enjoyed this look back at the history of Pontiac Trans Am GTA modeling and diecast collectibles through the years. If anything has been overlooked or omitted, feel free to reach out so the section can continue to be updated and refined over time.