Pontiac Firebird a “Pony Car” icon of the 60s and 70s.

1969 Pontiac Firebird Ad

The Pontiac Firebird remains in the hearts and memories of many automobile enthusiasts. Even though, the iconic pony car’s production ended in 2002 who can forget that iconic “screaming chicken” hood decal. Every generation of the Firebird remains a favorite model at local muscle car shows and events.

Introduced in February of 1967 and built on the GM’s F-Body platform.  The Pontiac Firebird shared most of the body panels with the Chevy Camaro introduced 5 months earlier. Pontiac was late to the game so to save time they used many of the same body panels as the Camaro. The car was offered in both a two-door coupe or convertible and was available with either an inline “straight” 6 or V-8 engine.

1968 Pontiac Firebird Red Front

A Brief History of the Pontiac Firebird

In 1964 Ford released the Mustang and was an instant success. Pontiac’s general manager Jhon DeLorean was the first executive at GM to realize that GM needed their own Pony Cars to compete with the Ford Mustang. GM had Chevrolet quickly start working on the Camaro. John DeLorean however had his own idea on how to fight the Mustang. He wanted to start production of the Pontiac’s experimental car the Banshee.

The Banshee was a two-seater sports car with a short rear deck and long hood line. This did not sit well with Chevrolet’s management, because the banshee would also rob sales from the Corvette. The Corvette dominated the sports car market in the US at the time and so, GM forced Pontiac to use the new F-body platform to build their new Pony-Car.

Pontiac did not have much time to develop the 67 and 68 Firebirds. They were forced to use most of the same body panels of the Camaro. However, DeLorean had Pontiac’s engineers and styling department work on distinguishing the Firebird from the Camaro. He wanted the Firebird to be a more upscale sports car compared to the Camaro.

The Pontiac Engineers delivered by giving the Firebird a split grill, a different hood, Taillights, and Pontiac’s wraparound bumper. They also fine-tuned the suspension by giving the Firebird a wider stance, installing wider tires, and lowering the ride height. This gave the Firebird better ride and handling capabilities compared to the Camaro. Pontiac’s lineup of engine options also helped further distinguish the 2 models.

The Firebird finally hit the showroom on February 23, 1967. and was an instant success. Even though Pontiac got a late start they sold over 80,000 Firebirds in 1967.

For 1969 Pontiac had the time it needed to further change the Firebird’s body lines giving the Pontiac Firebird a more unique and refined look. Pontiac continued to develop the Firebird alongside the Camaro for 35 years. Production of the Firebird ended in 2002 with over 2 million sold.

1967-1969 The First Generation Firebirds

For 1967 both the doors and fenders interchange with the Camaro as they are identical. The rear quarter panels are also the same, however, the Firebird also featured louvers stamped into them, unlike the Camaro. To further differentiate the Firebird from the Camaro, Pontiac’s Styling Division designed a different hood and front end for the Firebird. They incorporated the front bumper into the front end and it came to a point resembling a bird’s beak.

1969 Pontiac Firebird Red

Styling in 1968 remained the same except for minor changes. The front doors lost the window vents, and new side marker lights were added.

In 1969 the Pontiac Styling Division gave the Firebird’s sheet metal a redesign. Also, available for the first time, was the all-new “Trans-Am” (Named after the SCCA Trans American Racing class) package. The Trans Am models came with improved power and handling upgrades along with body upgrades. Trans Ams were only available in white with metallic blue stripes and came with a special Ram Air hood and rear decklid spoiler. Only a total of 689 hardtops and 8 convertibles Trans Ams were built in 1969.

First Gen Models

1967

• Base – 175 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a single-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird Sprint – 215 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 326 – 250 horsepower 326 cubic inch V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird H.O. – 285 horsepower 326 cubic inch V8 H.O Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 – 325 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 Ram Air – 335 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.

1968

• Base – 175 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a single-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird Sprint – 215 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 350 – 265 horsepower 326 cubic inch V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 350 H.O. – 320 horsepower 350 cubic inch V8 H.O Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 – 325 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 H.O. – 330 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 H.O. Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 Ram Air – 335 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.

1969

• Base – 175 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a single-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird Sprint – 215 Horsepower 230 cubic inch Six-Cylinder OHV Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 350 – 265 horsepower 326 cubic inch V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 350 H.O. – 325 horsepower 350 cubic inch V8 H.O Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 – 325 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 H.O – 330 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 H.O. Engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 Ram Air III – 335 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
• Firebird 400 Ram Air IV – 345 horsepower 400 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor.

First Generation Pontiac Firebird Specifications

Production – 1967-1969
Assembly – Van Nuys, California, Norwood, Ohio, USA
Body styles –  2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Engines –  230 Cubic Inch Pontiac OHC I6, 326 Cubic Inch Pontiac V8, 350 Cubic Inch Pontiac V8, 400 Cubic Inch Pontiac V8
Transmission – 2-speed automatic, 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic, 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual
Wheelbase – 108.1 in (2,746 mm)
67 Length – 188.8 in (4,796 mm)
67 Width – 72.6 in (1,844 mm)
67 Height – 51.5 in (1,308 mm)
68 Length – 188.8 in (4,796 mm)
68 Width – 73.6 in (1,869 mm)
68 Height – 50.2 in (1,275 mm)
69 Length – 191.1 in (4,854 mm)
69 Width – 73.9 in (1,877 mm)
69 Height – 49.6 in (1,260 mm)

1970-1981  Second Gen Pontiac Firebird

February 25, 1970, marked the introduction of the Second Gen Pontiac Firebird.  All models received a complete overhaul. All F-body’s got a redesigned subframe and suspension. The Pontiac Styling Division gave the new Firebird an “Endura” front bumper that resembled the newly redesigned 1970 GTO. The convertible option was discontinued, and 4 models were offered: the Base Firebird, the Esprit, the Formula, and the Trans Am.

Second Gen Models

• Base Firebird – A low-budget model that came standard with an inline 6-cylinder engine.
• Firebird Esprit – A higher-scale model, available with more plush options.
• Firebird Formula – An inexpensive Performance model with the Ram Air hood and the same drive train options as the top line Trans AM.
• Firebird Trans Am – The Top model with a shaker hood, functional front and rear spoilers, wheel flares, and aerodynamic elements to improve performance.

Second Generation Pontiac Firebird Specifications

• Production – 1970–1981
• Assembly – Van Nuys, California (1970–1971, 1978–1981) Norwood, Ohio, United States (1970–1981)
• Body style – 2-door coupe
• Platform – F-body
• Engine – 231 Cubic Inch (3.8 L) Buick V6,250 Cubic Inch (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6, 265 Cubic Inch (4.3 L) Pontiac V8, 301 Cubic Inch (4.9 L) Pontiac V8, 301 Cubic Inch (4.9 L) Pontiac turbo V8, 305 Cubic Inch (5.0 L) Chevrolet LG3 V8, 305 Cubic Inch (5.0 L) Chevrolet LG4 V8, 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) Buick V8, 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8, 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8, 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) Pontiac V8, 400 Cubic Inch (6.6 L) Pontiac V8, 403 Cubic Inch (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8, 455 Cubic Inch (7.5 L) Pontiac V8
• Transmission – 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 3-speed automatic
• Wheelbase – 108.2 in (2,748 mm)

1989 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo

1982-1992  Third Gen Pontiac Firebird

The F-body again went for a complete redesign for 1982. GM needed to reduce the fuel consumption of the F-body cars. To accomplish this the engineers focused on weight reduction and aerodynamics. The new aerodynamically shaped Firebirds came with a more sloped windshield, hideaway lights, and full glass hatchback.

Third Gen Models

•  SE 1982 to 1986
• GTA 1987 to 1992
• Trans Am 1982 to 1992
• Turbo TA 1989.

Third-Generation Firebird Specifications

Production – 1982–1992
Assembly – Van Nuys, California, USA Norwood, Ohio, USA
Body style –  3-door hatchback coupe
Engines – 151 CID Pontiac I4, 173 Cubic Inch X V6, 191 Cubic Inch X V6, 231 Cubic Inch Buick Turbo V6, 305 Cubic Inch Chevrolet V8, 350 Cubic Inch Chevrolet V8
Transmissions –  4-speed automatic, 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual
Wheelbase – 101 in (2565 mm)
Length – 1982-1988 Firebird: 190.5 in (4839 mm)
1982-1988 – Trans Am: 191.8 in (4872 mm)
1990–92 – Firebird: 195.1 in (4956 mm)
1990-92 – Trans Am: 195.2 in (4958 mm)
Width –  72.4 in (1839 mm)
Height – 49.7 in (1262 mm)
Fuel capacity – 15.5 US gal (58.7 L/12.9 imp gal)

1993 – 2002 Fourth Gen Pontiac Firebird

Production of the Fourth Gen started in 1993 and continued until 2002. Pontiac continued to improve the performance of the Firebird. The Exterior and interior were redesigned, giving a very space-age look. The front got an all-new suspension to improved handling. For power, the top Birds got the new LT1 275 horsepower 5.7 Liter V8. With a 4 speed Automatic or six-speed manual transmission. For the fourth and final generation, Pontiac produced some of the best performing Firebirds since the muscle car era of the late 60s early 70s.

Unfortunately, sales numbers continued to drop and so, GM decided to stop production of the F-Body cars.

Third Gen Models

• Base
• Formula
• WS6
• Trans Am

Fourth-Generation Firebird Specifications

Production – November 1992 – August 30, 2002[28]
Assembly – Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec
Body style – 2-door liftback, 2-door convertible
Platform – F-body
Engines – 207 Cubic Inch (3.4 L) L32 V6 (160 hp), 231 Cubic Inch (3.8 L) L36 V6 (205 hp), 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) LT1 V8 (275-305 hp), 350 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) LT4 V8 (330 hp), 346 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) LS1 V8 (305-330 hp), 346 Cubic Inch (5.7 L) SLP Firehawk LS1 V8 (345-350 hp)
Transmissions – THM 4L60 4-speed automatic (1993), THM 4L60E 4-speed automatic (1994–2002), T-5 5-speed manual (V6 engine), T56 6-speed manual (V8 engine)
Wheelbase – 101.1 in (2,568 mm)

Pontiac Engine

Pontiac Firebird Engines

Through the years the Firebird came with many engine packages. The early base models came with an inline 6 cylinder and later with a V6. However, it was the powerful Pontiac V8 that made the Firebird so iconic. Such as the 1969 and 1970 400 Ram air IV, which produced 345 HP and 430lb-ft of torque. The 455 HO and the famed 455 Super Duty of 1973 and 1974. A 455 option was available up to 1976 and the 400 was available up to 1979.

In 1980 The Trans Am went Turbo. Pontiac introduced a Turbocharged version to the 301 cubic inches (4.93 liters) V8. However, production of the Pontiac V8 stopped in 1981 and all Firebirds produced after that used a Buick V6 or a Chevy V8 engine. In 1989 Pontiac released a 20th Anniversary model that used a Turbocharged Buick V6 rated at 240 HP.

Links to Firebird Pontiac Engines Information

Pontiac V8 Engine 

Pontiac V8 Engine Codes and Specifications

Pontiac V8 Engine Tune-Up and Torque Specifications

Pontiac V8 Head Casting numbers and Specs

Pontiac V8 Intake Manifold 

Special Options

Trans AM Package.

Introduced in 1969 and named after the popular “Trans Am” racing series sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America.  The Trans Am is the top option of the Firebird line.  All Trans Am’s came with special styling, handling package, aerodynamic components, and the top engine options.

Firebird Screaming Chicken Hood Decal

Screaming Chicken Hood Decal

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am’s iconic screaming chicken hood decal was designed in 1970. However, it did not get added to the hood until 1973.

T-Top Roof

The Firebird got its T-Top roof in 1976.  At first, it was only available in special TA’s but was eventually available in all models.

Pontiac 50th Anniversary Edition.

The 1976 anniversary Trans AM was the Firebird with the Iconic Black paint and Gold trim.

WS6 Special Performance Package

In 1978 Pontiac introduced the WS6. This package added bigger wheels and tires, Stiffer springs, larger anti-roll bars, and a close-ratio steering box. This greatly improved the Firebird’s road-holding performance.

1977 Bandit Trans Am With T-tops

Firebirds Trans Am a Movie and TV Star.

In 1977 The Trans Am starred in the Smoke and the Bandit Movie. Sales for 1978 and 1979 skyrocketed for the iconic black and gold-trimmed Trans Am featured in the movie.
In the early 80s, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am got a starring role in the very popular television series “Knight Rider”. KITT a 1982 customized black Firebird that talked, drove itself, and was able to jump over other cars or obstacles.

Firebird in Movies and TV Shows

1974 – MCQ
1976 – Cannonball
1977 – Smokey and The Bandit
1978 – Hooper
1980 – Smokey and The Bandit II
1980 – The Hunter
1982 – Knight Rider
1983 – Smokey and The Bandit III

Some Firebird Milestones

1967 – Introduction of the Firebird.
1969 – First year of the  “Trans Am”.
1970 – Second Gen production starts, Trans Am gets the Shaker Hood.
1973 – The Firebird SD 455 becomes the last true muscle car of the 70s.
1973 – Screaming chicken hood decal.
1975 – New roofline and wraparound rear window to help with rear visibility.
1976 – Introduction of the T-Top – Pontiac 50th anniversary edition, first Firebird with Black paint and Gold trim.
1977 – Front end gets a facelift with quad head amps – Smokie and the Bandit Move helps boost Firebird Sales.
1978 – WS6 Special Performance Package
1979 – 10th Anniversary of the Trans Am
1980 – First Turbocharged Trans AM
1981 – Last year of the Pontiac V8 engine
1982 – Production of the Third-Gen begins
1992 – Knight Rider TV show.
1988 – First year of GTA (Great Trans Am)
1989 – 20th Anniversary edition Trans Am with a turbocharged V6 engine
1993 – production of the Fourth Gen begins.
2002 – The last year of production

Watch this cool vintage Promo Film of the 1967 Pontiac Firebird.

Posted on YouTube By: oneagainstfive

Video Transcript:

00:31 Firebird acclaimed simple beauty of a deluxe personal sports car with a luxurious trim of the Grand Prix’s.
00:46 Long low, low silhouette, a look of youth, the feel of youth, a touch of Sebring, Lemans,  the roar of the crowd at Watkins Glen.
01:01 The style in class that makes a second car exciting. Passenger comfort that answers the demands of a suburban family.
01:14 Firebird the car for the single guy or gal is on the move. Knows how to enjoy life. it’s a personal car that can be tailored to any case.
01:29 Firebird a deluxe personal sports car with wide track stability, and lightning-quick handling, and all of luxury you want.
02:13 The look and performance of competition, the beauty of a true custom sports car. Firebird

Watch this 1967 Pontiac Firebird TV Commercial.

Posted on YouTube By: MaccaIsntDead

Video Transcript:

00:05 If you think boating is the great American sport for 1968, try this.
00:10 Pontiac announces the great American sport for 1968.
00:15 Wide tracking. What’s wide tracking?
00:20 It’s the difference between playing ordinary driving and driving a car like this new 1968 Pontiac Firebird
00:35 wide tracking is the way the 68 Firebird handles, corners and maneuvers.
00:42 Improved with a new ride you won’t believe until you try it.
00:46 And there are five Firebirds to choose from all magnificent.
00:53 If you think you’re ready for wide tracking. The great American sport.
00:57 See a Pontiac dealer. Or don’t you want to make waves?

The Firebird remained in production for 35. Production stopped in 2002 but, the Pontiac Firebird is still an iconic America Sports / Muscle Car.

The rights to the “Trans Am” name were purchased and are still being made today using the GM Camaro as a donor car by Trans AM Wordwide.