Pontiac Trans Am Picture Gallery
The Pontiac Firebird was introduced in 1967, based on the F-body platform it shared with the Chevrolet Camaro. It could be equipped with anything from a one-barrel inline six, to a 325 horsepower 400 cubic inch V-8. A major restyling occurred in 1970 which included an integrated, body-colored Endura front bumper.
The Trans Am was introduced in 1969 as on option package on the Firebird. It was available in only two colors, white with blue stripes, or blue with white stripes. It came standard with a Ram Air engine, front and rear spoilers, and a special hood with functional hood scoops. Less than 700 units were sold.
The Firebird was restyled for 1970, and the Trans Am package now included a rear-facing shaker hood scoop as well as aerodynamically designed wheel well flares, and a front air dam. 1972 saw the introduction of the 455 cubic inch engine, and a year later the SD-455. The Super Duty 455 is considered the last of the high performance muscle car engines and was rated at 310 horsepower and 390 ft-lbs of torque.
The third generation Firebird Trans Am was produced from 1982 to 1992. In 1982 the most powerful engine was the 5.0 liter Cross-Fire injection 165 horsepower V8. By 1992, a 230 hp 5.7 liter (350 cid) Tuned Port Injection was available. For the Trans Am's 20th Anniversary in 1989, Pontiac created a special edition which used the Buick Grand National's turbocharged 3.8 liter V6. Though rated at just 250 hp and 340 ft-lbs of torque, it was as fast as the legendary SD-455 Trans Ams of 1973-74.
The fourth generation Firebird was manufactured from 1993 to 2003. The 350 cubic inch LT1 small block engine (initially rated at 275 horsepower) was the top engine up to 1997. Form 1998 to 2003, the all-aluminum LS1 350 from the Corvette was used. It was rated up to 325 hp in the ram-air versions. V-6 Firebirds, initially rated at 160 hp, produced 205 hp by 2003.
