The Notchback was a factory option only available on the Trans AM GTA model and only for the 1988, and part of 1989, model years. There was a total of 718 Trans AM GTAs with the optional Notchback produced during the 1988 model year.

Instead of the normal hatch glass that was found on the Third Generation Firebirds, the optional Notchback package replaced the hatch glass with a fiberglass decklid, small glass rear window, and straight decklid spoiler. In addition to the fiberglass decklid, the optional Notchback package replaced the standard Trans AM GTA rear seats with unique rear seats featuring integrated headrests.

The pictures above illustrate a side by side comparison between a 1988 Trans AM GTA and a 1988 Trans AM GTA equipped with the Notchback option. The GTA equipped with the Notchback option features a fiberglass decklid that replaces the standard glass hatchback that was normally found on the 1988 Trans AM GTA. The Notchback also uses the straight decklid spoiler instead of the standard aero spoiler found on the 1988 Trans AM GTA.

The Notchback option also included integrated headrests in the rear seats. These are the same rear seats that would later be used on the 1989 Turbo Trans AM GTA.

Besides the aforementioned differences, the GTA Notchback was the same as the "standard" GTA. Any optional items that was available on the GTA (e.g., digital instrument cluster, sub-woofer, T-Tops, 5.0L with 5-speed transmission, etc.,) was also available on the GTA Notchback.

Auto-Fab, Inc. of Auburn Hills, MI manufactured the fiberglass decklids for the GTA Notchback. According to sources at Pontiac, the fiberglass decklid had numerous fitment issues from the start, as well as quality issues, that was never really resolved during the period the Notchback was available.

According to Pontiac, the optional Notchback package on the 1988 Trans AM GTA was only available for the 1988 model year with a total of 718 being produced. A Pontiac Car Distribution Bulletin stated that no 1989 Trans AM GTAs would be made available with the optional Notchback package and that the Notchback option was effectively canceled on August 30, 1988. However, Pontiac records show that some 1989 Trans AM GTAs with the optional Notchback package were produced. For further information on the 1989 Trans AM GTA with the optional Notchback package, please see the following page: 1989 GTA Notchbacks

How much did the Notchback option cost?
The Notchback option was a $700 option on the GTA.

Was there an aftermarket Notchback decklid?
Yes, there was an aftermarket Notchback decklid. There are some slight appearance differences between the original Notchback decklid from GM-Pontiac and the aftermarket Notchback decklid.

What is the differences between an original Notchback and aftermarket?
All original Notchback decklids from GM-Pontiac contained a GM VIN theft sticker. Additionally, all Notchbacks have a Notchback RPO code on the SPID sticker, the invoice and the window sticker if the GTA was originally equipped with the Notchback option.

An article on the Internet says that only 50 Notchbacks with the 350 V-8 were produced. Is that correct?
No, the article is not accurate. There is no proof to support that claim. All GTAs came standard with the 350 V-8, including the GTAs with the optional Notchback option, but the 305 V-8 could be ordered for a credit.

A book noted the possibility that Notchbacks were limited to specific exterior colors. Is that correct?
The Notchback was available with all of the same exterior colors that was available on the 1988 GTA. These available exterior colors was as follows: White, Black, Flame Red Metallic, Bright Red and Gunmetal Metallic.