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Pontiac Firebird
Firebird
Vehicle Model
A sports coupe produced by
Pontiac from 1967-2002. A high-performance variant was badged as the
Pontiac Trans Am since 1969. Through all generations, the Firebird shared platform with the
Chevrolet Camaro .
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Pontiac Firebird page on 13 April 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License .
The Pontiac Firebird is an automobile that was built by Pontiac from the 1967 to the 2002 model years. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro. This coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, which shared its platform with another pony car, the Ford Mustang.
The name "Firebird" was also previously used by Pontiac's parent company General Motors for the General Motors Firebird 1950s and early-1960s concept cars.
First generation (1967–1969)
The first generation Firebirds had a characteristic Coke bottle styling. Unlike its cousin the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, who had wished to produce a two-seat sports car of its own design, based on the original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared such a vehicle would directly compete with Chevrolet's Corvette, and the decision was made to give Pontiac a piece of the pony car market by having them share the F-body platform with Chevrolet.
Second generation (1970–1981)
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 1969s were listed in early Pontiac literature without a model-year identification. This generation of Firebirds were available in coupe form only; convertibles disappeared after the 1969 model year.
Replacing the "Coke bottle" styling was a more "swoopy" body style, while still retaining some traditional elements. The top of the rear window line going almost straight down to the lip of the trunk lid, a look that was to epitomize F-body styling for the longest period during the Firebird's lifetime. The new design was initially characterized with a large C-pillar, until 1975 when the rear window was enlarged.
Third generation (1982–1992)
The availability and cost of gasoline (two fuel crises had occurred by this time) meant the weight and the fuel consumption of the 3rd generation had to be considered in the design. In F-body development, both the third generation Firebird and Camaro were proposed as possible front wheel drive platforms, but the idea was scrapped. The state of the art of computerized engine management was in its infancy, and as long as saving fuel was the primary objective, it was not possible to have high horsepower and torque numbers. They did manage to cut enough weight from the design so that acceleration performance would be better than the 1981 models. They also succeeded in the fuel consumption department, offering a 4-cylinder Firebird that would provide 34 miles per gallon. GM executives decided that engineering effort would best be spent on aerodynamics and chassis development. They created a modern platform, so that when engine technology advanced, they would have a well-balanced package with acceleration, braking, handling, and aerodynamics. For the time being, they would have world class aerodynamics and handling, and excellent fuel economy.
Fourth generation (1993–2002)
The fourth-generation Firebird amplified the aerodynamic styling initiated by the previous generation. While the live rear axle and floorpan aft of the front seats remained largely the same, ninety percent of the Firebird's parts were all-new. Overall, the styling of the Firebird more strongly reflected the Banshee IV concept car than the 1991 "facelift" did. As with the Camaro, major improvements included standard dual airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, 16-inch wheels, rack-and-pinion power steering, short/long-arm front suspension, and several non-rusting composite body panels. Throughout its fourth generation, trim levels included V6-powered Firebird, and V8-powered Formula and Trans Am. The T5 five-speed manual transmission was standard with the V6s, as was the Borg-Warner T56 six-speed manual for the V8s. A four-speed automatic was optional for both, featuring built-in electronic controls beginning in 1994.
Cultural References
Pat Monahan (lead singer) drove a 1967 Firebird in the music video for the song "Drive By" by the band Train.
Bibliography
Title & Subtitle Details
Pontiac Firebird & Trans Am 1970-1981 Shop Manual
Year & Type: 1981 Service ManualEditor: Alan Ahlstrand Publisher: Clymer Publications Dimensions: 7" x 10.175" softcoverContent: 268 pages w/black & white illustrationsTopics: Pontiac Firebird , Pontiac Trans Am Availability: Reference Desk
1981 Pontiac Service Manual
Pontiac, Grand Prix, LeMans and Firebird Year & Type: 1981 Service ManualPublisher: General Motors Corporation Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" softcoverContent: 800+ pages w/black & white illustrationsTopics: Pontiac , Pontiac Grand Prix ,Pontiac LeMans , Pontiac Firebird , and Pontiac Trans Am Availability: Reference Desk
1995 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird Service Manual
Book 1 of 2 Includes all except Driveability and Emissions (6E) Electrical Diagnosis (8A)Year & Type: 1995 Service ManualPublisher: General Motors Corporation Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" softcoverContent: 1,200+ pages w/black & white illustrationsTopics: Chevrolet Camaro , Pontiac Firebird Availability: Reference Desk
1995 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird Service Manual
Book 2 of 2 Includes Driveability and Emissions (6E), Electrical Diagnosis (8A)Year & Type: 1995 Service ManualPublisher: General Motors Corporation Dimensions: 8.5" x 11" softcoverContent: 600+ pages w/black & white illustrationsTopics: Chevrolet Camaro , Pontiac Firebird Availability: Reference Desk
Photographs
Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Race Car Model - 3,720KB
Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Race Car Model - 3,240KB
Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Race Car Model - 3,977KB
Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Race Car Model - 3,580KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,336KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,395KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,190KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,610KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,757KB
Supercharged Drag Racer Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of Pontiac Firebird Supercharged Drag Racer - 4,283KB
1969 Photo by David Straight on Unsplash
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird - 1.5MB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: June 7, 2010
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird - 4,796KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,141KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,102KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,296KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Emblem - 4,109KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Wheel - 4,159KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,469KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,448KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird - 3,952KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Rear Emblems - 4,186KB
1969 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Turn Signal Light - 4,034KB
1969 350 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,055KB
1969 350 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 3,265KB
1969 350 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,009KB
1969 350 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 2,511KB
1969 400 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,367KB
1969 400 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible - 4,296KB
1969 400 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Dashboard - 3,918KB
Modified 1973 Formula 400 Photo ©2018 Bill Crittenden 2018 Woodstock on the Square Benefit Car Show
View photo of Modified 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 - 3.3MB
Modified 1973 Formula 400 Photo ©2018 Bill Crittenden 2018 Woodstock on the Square Benefit Car Show
View photo of Modified 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 - 3.0MB
Modified 1973 Formula 400 Photo ©2018 Bill Crittenden 2018 Woodstock on the Square Benefit Car Show
View photo of Modified 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 - 1.9MB
1974 Formula 455 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show
View photo - 3,978KB
1974 Formula 455 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show
View photo - 3,392KB
1974 Formula 455 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show
View photo - 2,833KB
1974 Formula 455 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden The Cars Time Forgot Car Show
View photo - 2,613KB
1976 Formula 400 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden Sold for $9,000 at the Mecum 2012 Fall Premier Auction
View photo of 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 - 3.0MB
1976 Formula 400 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden Sold for $9,000 at the Mecum 2012 Fall Premier Auction
View photo of 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 - 3.5MB
1977 Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising Model Car Show
View photo of 1977 Pontiac Firebird Model - 1,898KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 2,478KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 1,848KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 1,927KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 1,768KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 1,854KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 2,330KB
1978 Sky Bird Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising
View photo of 1978 Pontiac Firebird Sky Bird - 1,691KB
1979 Formula Reserve not met, high bid $10,500 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden
View photo of 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.2MB
1979 Formula Reserve not met, high bid $10,500 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden
View photo of 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.1MB
1979 Formula Reserve not met, high bid $10,500 - Mecum Auctions 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden
View photo of 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.2MB
Modified 1979 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Modified 1979 Firebird - 2.4MB
Modified 1979 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Modified 1979 Firebird - 2.2MB
Modified 1979 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Modified 1979 Firebird - 2.1MB
Modified 1979 Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet
View photo of Modified 1979 Firebird - 2.0MB
1979 Formula Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: June 21, 2010
View photo - 4,519KB
1979 Formula Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden Green Street Cruise Night: June 21, 2010
View photo - 3,905KB
1979 Formula 400 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 4th Annual Grass Lake PTO "Cars for Kids" Classic & Hot Rod Show
View photo - 3,968KB
1979 Formula 400 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 4th Annual Grass Lake PTO "Cars for Kids" Classic & Hot Rod Show
View photo - 3,240KB
1979 Formula 400 Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 4th Annual Grass Lake PTO "Cars for Kids" Classic & Hot Rod Show
View photo - 4,006KB
1985 Pontiac Catalog View 1985 Pontiac Catalog - Pontiac Firebird - 8.5MB
1985 Pontiac Catalog View 1985 Pontiac Catalog - Pontiac Firebird - 7.5MB
1985 Pontiac Catalog View 1985 Pontiac Catalog - 1985 Facts & Figures - 6.5MB
1985 Pontiac Catalog View 1985 Pontiac Catalog - 1985 Facts & Figures - 3.7MB
1989 Formula Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.9MB
1989 Formula Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.4MB
1989 Formula Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 3.7MB
1989 Formula Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden Note from Bill: One last picture on the way out of the show. Such a big show, I couldn't get through it all in time!2013 The Cars Time Forgot
View photo of 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula - 2.4MB
1992 Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising Model Car Show Hosted by C.A.R.S. in Miniature August 1, 2010
View photo - 3,990KB
Custom 1992 Photo ©2015 Bill Crittenden 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show
View photo of 1992 Pontiac Firebird - 4.2MB
Custom 1992 Photo ©2015 Bill Crittenden 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show
View photo of 1992 Pontiac Firebird - 4.4MB
Custom 1992 Firebird & 1964 Buick Skylark at the main corner Photo ©2015 Bill Crittenden 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show
View photo of 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show - 3.4MB
Custom 1992 Firebird & 1964 Buick Skylark at the main corner Photo ©2015 Bill Crittenden 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show
View photo of 2015 Cruisin' Spring Car Show - 3.3MB
2012 Pinewood Derby: Blackhawk Council Pack 367 (Woodstock, Illinois) Photo by Bill Crittenden
View photo of Blackhawk Council Pack 367 2012 Pinewood Derby Car - 3.5MB
2012 Pinewood Derby: Blackhawk Council Pack 367 (Woodstock, Illinois) Photo by Bill Crittenden
View photo of Blackhawk Council Pack 367 2012 Pinewood Derby Car - 3.8MB
Video
Firebird Formula Bye Run
2005 Poncho Show & Go
Video by "m2pmd70"
May 1, 2005
Download Firebird Formula Bye Run in MPEG1 format - 2,094KB
1969 GTO vs. Firebird Formula
2005 Poncho Show & Go
Video by "m2pmd70"
May 1, 2005
Download 1969 GTO vs. Firebird Formula in MPEG1 format - 8,899KB
1977 Trans Am vs. Firebird Formula Final Round
2005 Poncho Show & Go
Video by "m2pmd70"
May 1, 2005
Download 1977 Trans Am vs. Firebird Formula Final Round in MPEG1 format - 15,632KB
Documents
Date Document Name & Details Documents
25 November 1970 NHTSA Recall 70V143000 1971 Buick Skylark , 1971 Chevrolet Bel Air , 1971 Chevrolet Biscayne , 1971 Chevrolet Camaro , 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle , 1970 Chevrolet El Camino , 1971 Chevrolet Impala , 1971 Chevrolet Nova , 1971 Oldsmobile F-85 , 1971 Pontiac Firebird , 1971 Pontiac Le Mans Vehicle Speed ControlNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Page - 1 page
19 December 1973 NHTSA Recall 73V250000 1974 Buick Century , 1974 Buick Electra , 1974 Buick Estate , 1974 Buick LeSabre , 1974 Buick Regal , 1974 Buick Riviera , 1974 Chevrolet Bel Air , 1974 Chevrolet Camaro , 1974 Chevrolet Caprice , 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate , 1974 Chevrolet Chevelle , 1974 Chevrolet El Camino , 1974 Chevrolet Impala , 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo , 1974 GMC Sprint , 1974 Oldsmobile 88 , 1974 Oldsmobile 98 , 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass , 1974 Pontiac Bonneville , 1974 Pontiac Catalina , 1974 Pontiac Firebird , 1974 Pontiac Grand Prix , 1974 Pontiac Grand Safari , 1974 Pontiac Grand Ville , 1974 Pontiac Le Mans Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Upper ArmNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Page - 1 page
2 September 1976 NHTSA Recall 76V132000 1977 Buick Century , 1977 Buick LeSabre , 1977 Buick Regal , 1977 Buick Skylark , 1977 Chevrolet Bel Air , 1976 Chevrolet Camaro , 1977 Chevrolet Camaro , 1977 Chevrolet Caprice , 1977 Chevrolet Chevelle , 1977 Chevrolet El Camino , 1977 Chevrolet Impala , 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo , 1977 Chevrolet Nova , 1977 GMC Sprint , 1977 Oldsmobile 88 , 1977 Oldsmobile 98 , 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass , 1977 Oldsmobile Omega , 1977 Pontiac Bonneville , 1977 Pontiac Catalina , 1976 Pontiac Firebird , 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix , 1977 Pontiac Le Mans , 1977 Pontiac Ventura Steering:Wheel And Handle BarNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Page - 1 page
classified date 1990Level 1 Airbag Investigation 1990 Pontiac Firebird National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 980KB - 16 pages
classified date 1991Calspan On-Site Air Bag Deployment Investigation Fleet - 1991 Pontiac Firebird National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 18.9MB - 128 pages
December 1994 Remote Air Bag Deployment Report Vehicle - 1994 Pontiac Firebird National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 179KB - 8 pages
classified date 1995Remote Air Bag Report 1995 Pontiac Firebird, 2-door liftback National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 12.1MB - 207 pages
September 1997 Calspan On-Site Depowered Air Bag Deployment Investigation Subject Vehicle - 1998 Pontiac Firebird National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 222KB - 11 pages
March 2004crash date [Special Crash Investigation Case Number PN35202 Technical Report] Vehicle: 2001 Pontiac Firebird National Highway Traffic Safety Administration PDF - 8.8MB - 160 pages
Merchandise
Type & Item # Name Details
Model Kit - MPC 1-0822 Sundancer '69 Firebird Convertible
Model Kit - MPC 1569-200 1969 Firebird Hardtop 1:25 scale
Model Kit - MPC 6324 69 Firebird 1:25 scale, 2 in 1
Die Cast - Hot Wheels G6692-0715 (C4982) 1969 Pontiac Firebird T/A Realistix, small scale, white w/blue stripes
Die Cast - Hot Wheels J3426-0917D 1969 Pontiac Firebird Red Line, small scale, metallic pink w/Red Line tires
Die Cast - ExactDetail 401 Tin Indian Pontiac Firebird 400 1:18 scale, production 3,000
Die Cast - Hot Wheels R7639-0818 Hot Bird 1970's Pontiac Firebird , Race World Volcano, small scale, blue w/red flames (Short Card)
Model Kit - Revell 85-0807 Firebird Street MachineCustom 1970's Firebird, Motorworks , 1:25 scale
Model Kit - MPC 1-0761 Indy Pace Car Turbo Firebird 1981, 1:25 scale, Golden Wheels Bonus
Model Kit - MPC 1-0808 Firebird 1980's Firebird, 1:25 scale, Golden Opportunity Kit
Die Cast - Action 100426 Alan Kulwicki #97 WLPX1983 Pontiac Firebird , Xtreme Series, 1:24 scale, production 3,792 (ARC 3,504/QVC 288)
Die Cast - Action 100431 Alan Kulwicki #22 Miller1984 Pontiac Firebird , Xtreme Series, 1:24 scale, production 4,500
Die Cast 2 Pack - kidconnection 15080-1601 Pontiac Firebird /2006 Pontiac Solstice Small scale, red Firebird & dark blue Solstice
Model Kit - Revell-Monogram 85-7636 McDonald's Firebird Funny Car 1:24 scale
Model Kit - Revell 85-2159 '98 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air 2 'n 1Motor-City Muscle, 1:25 scale
Die Cast - Action 102782 Dale Earnhardt #1 True ValueDale Earnhardt Legendary Series, 1:24 scale, 1999 IROC Pontiac Firebird Xtreme, 2002 Series, production 39,156
Die Cast - Action 102785 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. #11 True Value1:24 scale, 1999 IROC Pontiac Firebird Xtreme, 2002 Series, production 33,876
Model Kit 3 Pack - Monogram 6241 Pontiac Muscle Cars (Pontiac Firebird , Pontiac GTO , Pro-Street Firebird )1:24 scale, Kay-Bee Special Value Tri-Pack: 1978 Trans Am , 1964 Pontiac GTO , 1980's Firebird Pro Street
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