Here is a 1989 Firebird Bandit II.  The Bandit II Firebirds show an obvious flashback to the Second Generation Special Edition Trans Am's of the 70's and early 80's.  The Bandit II Firebirds were produced by a company called "Choo Choo Customs" (sometimes referred to as "Chattanooga Customs" or "The Custom Center") out of Tennessee.  This Bandit II was strictly an Appearance Package that was performed on Firebirds from 1987 to 1992 and consisted of a "mock" shaker scoop on the hood, custom gold decals and striping reminiscent of the Special Edition Trans Ams, gold snowflake type rims, special ground effects, and custom embroidery on the front seat head rest signifying the "Bandit II", and a plaque on the dash signifying the serial number of the car such as #143 out of 500.  The package was mainly performed on the base Firebird with the 305 V-8, but there are also some base model Firebirds out there that have this package done and have the V-6 engine in them.  According to various sources, there were approximately 500 produced each year for 1987, 1988, and 1989, and then 600 produced each year for 1990, 1991, and 1992.  In the past 8 years or so, I have only seen a handful of these cars.... less than 10 actually.  Out of all of these cars, I have never seen a serial number out of the 100's.  So, how many of these cars were actually produced is really unknown.  I do know that you really do not see many of these cars out there on the roads today.  Next year in 2009, this car will reach the 20 year age and then be considered a “Classic” car.  The values on the Third Generation Muscle Cars from the 1980’s will start to increase in value much like the Second Generation cars of the 1970’s did about 8 or 9 years ago. 

     This is a great example of a 1989 Bandit II Firebird Limited Edition.  The car is black inside and out.  The exterior was stripped to metal and painted with a basecoat/clearcoat that really shines.  The decals for the car had to be custom made because of the rarity of these cars and match the originals. The car was also fitted with new tires and rims with new centercaps and lugnuts as well and really finish off the exterior of this car.  This car is a definite remind of the Special Edition Trans Ams of the late 70’s with the gold decals and pin-stripping.  As you can see from the photos, the reflection of this car is truly amazing.   I have all photos of the car before I restored it. The underside, trunk and engine of this car looks as good as the exterior.

     The deluxe interior of the car has also undergone a complete restoration as well with new carpet and floor mats, headliner, new door panels and trim, new dash, and also new seat covers which again had to be custom embroidered to match the originals.  The original factory AM/FM cassette radio has also been installed and all the accessories have been tested and working.  The looks of this interior really stands out with the custom deluxe cloth interior and the gold embroidery on the seats.  All of the side panels and trim are in excellent condition as well as the center console and glovebox lid.  All of the options still work on the car such as the power windows and locks, power windows, wipers, lights, and the cruise control.

   The car is equipped with the 305 V-8 Fuel injected engine that was rebuilt less than 45,000 miles ago along with the automatic transmission.  The engine was also recently serviced and was given a complete tune up with all new plugs, wires, cap, coil rotor, filters, and more.  The transmission was also serviced with a fluid and filter changed as well as the rear end.  The brakes have also been serviced with new shoes and drums in the rear and new pads and rotors and bearings up front for confident braking power.

     This car is truly an amazing example for that serious collector.  I do not know how many are actually left out there, but now is your opportunity to own a piece of the past.  This is an extremely rare car and will only go up in value and will be an incredible car to add any collection.