Pontiac Firebird
The Trans Am made it famous — Burt Reynolds made it a legend.
The Firebird shared GM's F-body platform with the Camaro but developed a distinct performance identity through the Trans Am variant. The 1973–74 Super Duty 455 cars are the last great muscle car Pontiacs, and the 1977–81 Trans Am — immortalized by Smokey and the Bandit — is one of the most recognizable American cars of the decade.
History
The Firebird launched in 1967 alongside the Camaro, differentiated by Pontiac's divided grilles, unique sheetmetal, and its own engine lineup. The Trans Am variant arrived in 1969, named after a racing series Pontiac was actually barred from competing in. The second generation (1970–81) became the iconic form — long hood, short deck, available T-tops from 1976.
Emissions regulations devastated most muscle cars by 1972. Pontiac fought back with the Super Duty 455 in 1973–74, producing 290 hp net — remarkable for the era. The 1977 Smokey and the Bandit film, featuring a black and gold Trans Am, made the car a cultural phenomenon and drove demand through the rest of the decade.
Notable Versions
Super Duty 455 (1973–74)
310 hp net in the emissions era — the last truly powerful Firebird. Extremely rare and valuable.
1969 Trans Am
First year of the Trans Am nameplate. White with blue stripes. Very rare; fewer than 700 hardtops built.
WS6 Handling Package (1976–81)
Performance suspension and wheels. The driving enthusiast's choice for second-gen Trans Ams.
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
F-body rust mirrors the Camaro
Cowl, lower rockers, floor pans, and rear quarters at the wheel arches. All are common and expected.
Super Duty 455 requires full documentation
The SD-455 is rare enough that fakes are uncommon, but values are high enough that documentation is still essential.
Hood decals were often removed
The screaming chicken and other large hood graphics were removed by some owners. Re-applied decals are often obvious; inspect carefully.
T-tops leak universally
T-top equipped cars (1976+) almost universally develop leaks at the header rail seals. Inspect the ceiling and floor carefully.
Quick Specs
- Engine options
- 326–455 V8, 400 T/A
- Horsepower
- 165–335 hp (SD-455: 310 hp net)
- Wheelbase
- 108 in
- Transmission
- 4-spd manual, TH350/400 automatic
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
Pontiac Firebird For Sale
2 listings currently available