Mystery Bird

[JOATMON]

I had forgotten about this Firebird and spotted it behind tall weeds. I decided to stop and try to get a photo without trespassing.
This car is somewhat of a mystery having been parked in this same location since new.
I remember a guy lived in a wood frame house in front(house has been razed). He was a younger fella (of course this was well over 20 years ago) and he kept this car spotless. I used to see him driving it and later washing and wiping it down. I think its something special like a WS6 or something. I'm not real knowledgable on the Pontiac 4th gens. I don't know what happened to the guy or why the car just sits there under this little carport after all these years.
Maybe he died or went to jail or something else? Thought the Pontiac folks here might want to see it as a barn find and possibly ID it as a rare car.406314063240633

[Injuneer]

That's a 2002 Trans Am “Collector's Edition” WS6. Sort of Pontiac’s “last gasp” for the Firebird. Made 1,066 coupes, 657 convertibles, all were yellow. All had the LS1 with the WS6 Ram Air package. Shame to let it sit outdoors, even under the car port.

Seem to sell for at least $20K in decent used condition. A mint, “delivery miles” with all documentation, original shipping covers on seats, etc. can go in excess of $100K at auction.

[JOATMON]

Thanks Fred, I had no idea it was that rare. It makes me wonder if I should look in to it more. I have a friend that's in the used car business and grew up real close to the car's location. I think I'm gonna tell him about it and see if he can unravel the mystery. He sells tons of late model cars but occasionally will buy and sell a nice older car.
Appreciate the ID on the car.
Nolan

[Z28pr0jekt]

Usually they have a black bird on nearly the entire hood but I don't see it on that one. Like this, it's my friend's:
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[harner]

Yes, appears to be a de-stickered CETA or maybe repainted yellow. Would make a great revival to restore it back to it's original form.

[Injuneer]

Could be a fake, could be a repaint. The yellow color (code 54U - Collector Yellow) was exclusive to the Collector's Edition. WS6 hood could be aftermarket. Hard to tell from the photos.

[JOATMON]

I got a closer look today and took some photos. Did not touch it because I was actually trespassing on somebody's property. I think I've figured out the missing decal thing. It appears it may have had been wrecked at some point with the front cap and drivers door having been repainted and the decals never replaced.

[JOATMON]

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[SSlowBoat]

Poor CETA