1988 Pontiac Sunbird GT
Personal story and photograph submitted by owner Christopher Neumann
for participation in the the 2008 GM Century Cruise
In 1982, GM began building its J-cars. Tens of thousands were built throughout the 80’s and 90’s in numerous incarnations across many of the GM divisions. Examples include the Chevrolet Cavalier, Buick Skyhawk, Oldsmobile Firenza, Cadillac Cimarron, etc. However, as Motor Trend observed, "With the Sunbird Turbo, Pontiac has combined all of the available elements to generate what is possibly the ultimate J-car". (Collectible Automobile Magazine retrospective. June 1993 - page 82).
Although this model is based on the humble J-car platform, this particular vehicle is likely one of the finest surviving drop-top examples of its more sporty offerings. Including this vehicle in the GM 100 parade would represent the J-car platform well. The sight of it may help observers recall the days when they owned a similar car – whether Pontiac or another J-car offering. It would also serve as a good representation for Pontiac styling cues of the 80’s, as this car has just the right amount of Pontiac’s We Build Excitement styling.
As it was for many, my first vehicle was a 1988 Sunbird – specifically a Turbo GT. For years I looked for a good representation of my first car. After finding a few convertible versions in condition virtually beyond restoration, approximately one year ago I was delighted to find this one the east coast very well preserved. Now I treasure it and I’d be pleased to share it with anyone who may be interested. At just over 5,000 miles today, it practically is a new vehicle, but allows me to recall special memories from my days in high school. In addition to the usual drive to school, football games, the amusement park and so on, at times my friends and I also made occasional laps around the Woodward Avenue circuit. We were in high school and we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the ride. Today that circuit is the official Woodward Dream Cruise route.
GM’s Century Cruise pays tribute to GM’s past and the passion owners have for their vehicles. On Saturday, August 16, 2008 this vehicle and more than 100 other classic GM vehicles will cruise from the GM Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center up Woodward Avenue to the heart of the Woodward Dream Cruise in Royal Oak and the surrounding suburbs. One of these vehicles will be crowned “top cruiser” based on a text voting campaign.
Next GM Century Cruise Participant
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