Pontiac Firebird a 4 Generation Car with Some Special Editions

The Pontiac Firebird was an American automobile built by Pontiac from 1967 to 2002. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, it was introduced on February 23, 1967. The release of the Firebird coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. Interestingly, the name “Firebird” was also previously used by General Motors for the GM Firebird series of concept cars in the 1950s. The cars were ubiquitous. Did you own one?

Pontiac Firebird Generations

The first generation of the Pontiac Firebird had the characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing the styling trend Pontiac, the Firebird’s bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end. The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cubic inch SOHC inline-six. Based on the architecture of the standard Chevrolet 230 cubic inch inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and produced 165 horsepower. The “Sprint” model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 horsepower. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666, and the convertible was $2,903.

The second-generation debut for the 1970 model year was delayed until February 26, 1970, because of tooling and engineering problems; thus, its popular designation as a 1970½ model, while leftover 1969 Potaic Firebirds were listed in early Pontiac literature without a model-year identification. This generation of Firebirds was available in coupe form only; after the 1969 model year, convertibles were not available until 1989. There were 12 versions of the engine, ranging up to a 455 cubic inch V8.

The cost of gasoline (two fuel crises had occurred by this time) meant the weight and the fuel consumption of the third-generation Pontiac Firebird had to be considered in the design. In body development the the Firebird was proposed as a front-wheel-drive platform, but the idea was scrapped, and the car remained a rear-wheel drive car.  With fuel efficiency being the primary objective, it was not possible to have high horsepower and torque numbers. A four-cylinder Firebird that provided 34 miles per gallon. GM executives decided that engineering effort would best be spent on aerodynamics and chassis development. The largest engine available was a V8 and 350 cubic inches.

The fourth-generation Pontiac Firebird built upon the aerodynamic styling initiated by the previous generation, but ninety percent of the Firebird’s parts were all-new. In its fourth generation, trim levels included the V6-powered Firebird, V8-powered Formula, and Trans Am. Standard manual transmissions were the T5 five-speed manual for the V6S, Borg-Warner′s T56 six-speed manual for the V8S. The 4L60 four-speed automatic was optional for both in 1993, becoming the 4L60E with built-in electronic controls in 1994.

The fourth generation of the Pontiac Firebird lasted until it was discontinued in 2002. Throughout its history, there were several generations of the firebird. The Firehawk was first sold in 1992. The 1992 Firehawks were modified with major engine, intake, suspension, and other upgrades, including the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1’s 6-speed transmission. Producing over 350 horsepower (2 and 390 pound-feet of torque, they were the fastest and most powerful regular production Firebirds ever made.

There were a couple of anniversary Pontiac Firebirds produced. The 25th anniversary of the Trans Am was produced in 1994. It was painted white with a single dark blue stripe down the center of the vehicle that was reminiscent of the 1970 Trans Am. It also featured white-painted, five-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels, white leather seats, and door trim. Otherwise, the power plant was the same. As with the 25th-anniversary edition, the 30th-anniversary edition was either a white WS6 convertible or WS6 T-top coupe, with twin dark blue stripes from hood to tail, and distinct blue anodized five-spoke 17-inch alloy A-mold wheels, with white leather seats and door trim.

Conclusion

There were other special editions of the popular Pontiac Firebird. Firebirds were raced in the Trans-Am series in the 1960s and 1970s. The name also caused controversy because it was used without permission from the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), which threatened the suit. General Motors settled the dispute by paying $5 to the SCCA for each car sold. When the Trans-Am was last seen, the model year 2002 Firebirds were in use. From 1996 to 2006, a WS6 Trans Am coupe provided the body style for the mechanically identical racing cars used in the International Race of Champions (IROC). So, it was raced as well; it was a fast car.