Pontiac Firebird: 20 Model Reviews to Help You Catch Up if You’re Too Young

16. GM Firebird Concept Cars (1955)

Despite the fact that the first Pontiac Firebird was introduced in 1967, the name was already used by General Motors on four very popular concept cars presented in the late `50s. Named GM Firebird I to IV, those were purely show cars with rocket inspired styling, big fins and advanced equipment.

The first Firebird had a jet engine and was basically an airplane on wheels. Later cars were bit more conventional, but still pretty crazy.

17. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Turbo (1980)

The second generation F-Body Firebird was introduced in 1970 and by late `70s was one of the dominant cars in the segment. Unfortunately, the days of big cube motors and high horsepower ratings were gone so Pontiac decided to invest in new technology to generate power. That new technology was turbocharging and in late 1979 it introduced the Trans Am Turbo.

The engine in question was 301 V8 with Garrett turbocharger bolted on it. Power output was relatively modest at 200 to 210 HP but the torque number was high at 340 lb-ft which resulted in solid performance.

18. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA (1991)

We have already mentioned Trans AM GTA which was one of the best Firebirds made in the `80s. The essence of GTA package was to install Corvette-sourced L89 engine into F-Body chassis and create the ultimate performer.

By 1991, the GTA package matured into a great driving and handling model which had restyled front and rear and cool looking body kit. The 5.7-liter now delivered healthy 245 HP and produced vivid performance.

19. Pontiac Trans Am Convertible 2000

If you wanted to combine performance with the comfort and enjoyment of an open top car, there was no better way than to look for early 2000s Trans Am Convertible. The glorious soundtrack from its 5.7-liter V8 with wind in the cabin provided the driver with unforgettable experience.

The good news is that early `2000s Trans Am convertibles are relatively cheap and easy to find so we suggest you snap up this cool piece of Pontiac`s muscle car history.

20. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am racing 1970

A lot of people don’t know this, but Pontiac Trans Am got its name from Trans Am racing championship which was very popular in the late `60s. Pontiac entered the series in 1970 with a newly introduced Firebird Trans Am and to comply with the rules, the engineers installed a 305 Chevrolet V8 engine.

The car didn’t win any championship titles but it was successful in its own right winning Watkins Glenn, Lime Rock and several other races during 1970/1971 season.

This is the history of the Pontiac Firebird – the symbol of a generation. All of these cars were iconic in the development of the muscle car, using upgraded, modern designs and equipment. If you see one of these beauties on the road, consider yourself lucky, as most are rare and highly collectible.