The Pontiac Firebird was mostly known for its performance capabilities and distinctive styling. The high-performance Trans Am muscle car, in particular, offered exhilarating acceleration, impressive handling, and a thrilling driving experience. This iconic variant gained significant pop culture recognition through its appearances in movies, TV shows, and music videos. The most notable example is the black and gold Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit.” Today, Firebird vehicles, from 1967 to 2002, remain a popular American muscle car that enthusiasts love to collect.
History
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors. Its history dates back to 1967, and the Firebird shared its platform and many components with the Chevrolet Camaro. Here’s a brief overview of the Firebird’s history:
First Generation (1967-1969):
Introduced in 1967, the first-generation Firebird was available in various trims, including the base, Sprint, and high-performance Firebird 400. It offered a range of V8 engine options and featured a distinctive “Coke bottle” styling with a long hood and short deck design.
Second Generation (1970-1981):
The second-generation Firebird debuted in 1970, featuring a more streamlined design. Notable models during this era include the iconic Trans Am. The Trans Am featured aggressive styling cues, a functional “shaker” hood scoop, and performance-oriented upgrades.
Third Generation (1982-1992):
The third-generation Firebird was introduced in 1982, alongside the Chevrolet Camaro. In general, it featured a more aerodynamic and modern design. Over the years, the Firebird underwent several styling updates and offered a range of engines, including V6 and V8 options.
Fourth Generation (1993-2002):
The fourth-generation Firebird debuted in 1993, adopting a more rounded and sleek appearance. It featured improved handling and performance capabilities, thanks to enhancements in suspension and engine technology. The Firebird Trans Am received a significant boost in popularity with the introduction of the high-performance WS6 package.
Discontinuation:
The Pontiac Firebird and its sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro, were discontinued after the 2002 model year due to declining sales and changes in the automotive market. Pontiac, as a brand, was discontinued by General Motors in 2010.
Throughout its history, the Pontiac Firebird gained a devoted following and became an iconic symbol of American muscle car culture. Its powerful engines, aggressive styling, and high-performance variants, particularly the Trans Am, made it a legend among automotive enthusiasts.
Interesting facts about the Pontiac Firebird
- The Pontiac Firebird was first introduced in 1967 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang.
- The Firebird Trans Am variant, which gained immense popularity, was first introduced in 1969. The Trans Am featured distinctive design elements such as a large hood scoop, rear spoiler, and iconic “screaming chicken” decal on the hood.
- The Firebird offered several high-performance variants throughout its production history, including the Ram Air and WS6 packages. These options included enhancements such as more powerful engines, improved suspension, and aerodynamic upgrades.
- In 1993, the Firebird underwent a significant redesign for its fourth generation. The new model featured a more aerodynamic and streamlined appearance, with pop-up headlights and a rounded body shape.
- Pontiac released several limited-edition versions of the Firebird, such as the 10th Anniversary Trans Am in 1979 and the Firehawk performance variant in the 1990s. Overall, these special editions often featured unique styling cues, performance enhancements, and exclusive badging.
How much is a Pontiac Firebird worth now?
Generally, older Pontiac Firebird models from the first and second generations (1967-1981) tend to be more valuable due to their classic status and limited availability. Well-preserved, low-mileage examples or high-performance variants such as the Firebird Trans Am can command higher prices. These classic Firebirds can range in price from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands or more, depending on their condition and desirability.
Alternatively, newer Firebird models from the third and fourth generations (1982-2002) are typically more affordable compared to the classic models. However, specific trims, limited editions, or special variants like the Trans Am WS6 can have surprisingly higher values. The price range for these models can vary, with some well-maintained examples selling in the range of a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars.
Here are some current Pontiac Firebird models for sale, ranging in year and condition:
- 1980 Pontiac Firebird Formula – $16,500
- 1971 Pontiac Firebird – $31,500
- 1967 Pontiac Firebird Coupe – $49,900
- 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – $26,000
- 2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 – $45,000
Is the Firebird coming back?
Although the Pontiac namesake was phased out in 2010, automakers have been known to reinvent certain models decades down the road. Unfortunately, with General Motors discontinuing the Chevy Camaro after 2024, it’s highly unlikely that even the Firebird would make a valiant return. With the electric car era in full swing, it’s clear America’s muscle and sports car fascination is a thing of the past.