Firebird Models List/History by ACW

79 minute read

Compliments of ACW @ www.ls1tech.com

Main factory models:

• Firebird (base, V6) (1967-2002)
• Sprint (1967-1969) (Firebird Sprint with the high performance 230 cubic inch displacement (cid) version of the Overhead Cam in-line 6, was rated @ 215 bhp, equipped with a Quadrajet and floor mounted manual 3 speed; Known as W-53 rated 215 bhp in '68.)
• Esprit (1970-1981) (replaced Sprint as 'luxury' model between base Firebird and sporty Formula)
• Formula (1970-1981, 1987-2002) (Pontiac produced the Formula model from 1970 through 1981 and again from 1987 through the present. The Formula has always been available with the Trans Am hardware as optional equipment, though with a different, but aggressive look of its own. From 1970 through 1975 the Formula package included a fiberglass hood with two long scoops extending toward the nose. In 1976 the scoops were scaled back in a one year only design. Also for '76, an optional Formula appearance package became available with a contrasting paint scheme. This package was offered as an option through 1981. In 1977 the scooped hood was again redesigned to a more subtle look which was also carried through 1981. When the Formula was re-introduced in 1987, it included Formula graphics on the doors, larger wheels and tires than the base Firebird and a standard rear spoiler. It came with the base Trans Am engine as standard equipment, and most of the Trans Am hardware could be optioned. This theme was carried through 1992. In 1993, when the fourth generation Firebird debuted, the Formula shared the base Firebird's nose, but again had its own rear spoiler and could be ordered with all the Trans Am hardware, including the WS6 Ram Air package starting in 1996.)
• Firebird SE (1982-1986) (replaced Esprit; equivalent of Camaro's Berlinetta version)
• Trans Am (1969-2002) (Conceived to campaign in the SCCA's road racing series (with a special de-stroked 303-cubic-inch V8 never installed on the production car), Pontiac paid $5 to the racing organization for each Trans Am sold as a license fee for the name. The original T/A's were known for few frills and mostly raw performance power with a European approach to the muscle car battle. The automotive press was extremely critical of the 1st generation Trans Am because the name came from the Sports Car Club of America's race series. all U.S. built T/A's for '69 came with one of the two 400 cid Ram Air engine choices. The transmission that came as standard equipment was the 3 speed manual, with the 4 speed manual and Turbo Hydro Matic 3 speed automatic available as extra cost options. Trans Am color options for 1969 consisted of one choice - Cameo white with two full length Lucerne Blue racing stripes. The blue treatment was carried over covering the rear tail light panel as well. The final day of 4th-gen production at the assembly plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec was August 27, 2002.)
• GM special packages: early engine-focused
  • Firebird 326 (1967-1969) (Firebird 326 was Pontiac's standard model equipped with a 2 barrel 326 cid V8, rated @ 250 bhp & manual 3 speed "on the tree" transmission; replaced by the Pontiac L-30 350 rated 265 bhp in '68.)
  • Firebird HO (1967-1969) (Firebird HO was the high-output version of the 326 V8. It was rated @ 285 bhp, equipped with a Quadrajet, dual exhausts, heavy duty suspension and special 'H-O' body striping; replaced by the Pontiac L-76 350 HO rated 320 bhp in '68.)
  • Firebird 400 (1967-1968) (Firebird 400 was Firebird's 'king of the hill' for '67 with the 400 cid rate of 325 bhp in both Base & Ram Air versions. Throttle restrictors prevented the '67 Firebird Ram Air 4 barrel secondaries from fully opening @ Wide Open Throttle. Tuners such as Royal Pontiac were able to quickly rectify the handicap. This tuning matched the performance of the exact same engine combination that was available in, the then 'top-dog' of Pontiac, the GTO Ram Air which was rated 360 bhp in '67. 1968 saw the choices expand to four 400 cid engines for the Firebird.)
  • Formula SD-455 and Trans Am SD-455 (1973-1974) (In 1973, Pontiac released a limited production engine known as the Super Duty 455 (SD 455). The engine was optional in '73 and '74 on both Formulas and Trans Ams. The SD-455 was a race bred engine that featured a special heavy duty block, forged pistons, four bolt main caps, a provision for dry sump oiling, round port heads that were reported to flow better than Chryslers' Famed Hemi, "header" style exhaust manifolds, and an 800 cfm carb. Original SD-455 cars are valuable collectibles today. Production: 1973: 43 Formulas, 252 Trans Ams; 1974: 58 Formulas, 943 Trans Ams. In addition there were some SD-455 crate motors sold through dealers as factory 'Service Replacement' engines.)
• GM special packages: black/gold
  • Pontiac 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Trans Am (1976) (black with gold accents) (Black was finally offered on a T/A this year, but only about 2590 of them. The Y82/Y84 Special Edition's made their debut as a limited run of Pontiac Motor Division 50th anniversary package cars. The Starlite black exterior was highlighted in gold with pin stripes, starting at the front bumper, wrapping around the body via the wheel openings, finishing it's journey at the rear bumper. Completing the gold exterior accents were a specific hood bird decal, headlamp bezels, grilles, fascia mounted Firebird crest, and honey comb wheels. A small portion of the cars also received black chrome splitter tail pipes. Inside, a gold finished engine turned instrument panel applique replaced the silver tone of other T/A's and the black spokes in the Formula steering wheel were supplanted by a gold version. Either the 400 automatic or 455 manual combinations could be ordered. It was on this special T/A that an option would be introduced that would literally open up an entire market - the T-Top. Originally slated to be fitted to all anniversary edition cars, only 643 were actually produced with the tops. 643 with Hurst T-Tops and 1,947 hardtop coupes; Total 2590.)
  • Black Special Edition Trans Am (1977-1981) (black with gold accents) (1980 and 1981 were Turbo) (Patterned after the 1976 Pontiac Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition model, the '77 was basically carryover. Priced at $556.00 with out Hurst Hatches (Y81) and $1141.00 with (Y82) , the package included specific gold trimmed exterior appointments. Some of the S.E's also had "black chrome" splitter tail pipes. The Trans Am callouts were still done gothic style as on the '76 (but without the 50th anniversary logo), the and there was enough gold tape on the car to trim the wall paper of a small house. But this was the look, and that was what was important. The black took on a near sinister appearance, with the gold accents lending a "custom" look. By continuing to extend the theme into the interior by including a formula steering wheel with gold spokes, and the instrument panel bezel and console trim plate, and door accents being finished in a gold simulated engine turned applique completed the task. In 1978, the black and gold variety returned, but now were available only with t-tops. Pontiac coded those SE's built at the Van Nuys, California plant and the Norwood, Ohio plant differently. The Norwood cars had a RPO of Y82 and the Californian's, Y84 (This does not mean that all cars built in Van Nuys were sold in California.). The components of the SE package were carryover for '78. Total production: 1977: 15567, 1978: 3643, 1979: 11554, 1980: 6094, 1981: 5263.)
  • Gold Special Edition Trans Am (1978) (gold with brown accents) (After two years of success with the black & gold Special Editions, Pontiac decided to try a new angle- reverse the colors! Solar Gold with black accents was chosen to supplement the "bandit". Most gold SE's were built in Norwood, Ohio, as the Van Nuys, Ca. plant had to use a different paint due to EPA regulations. The paint from Van Nuys had a greenish cast to it, versus the more pure gold look of the Ohio models. Pontiac made only a half year of the Y88, dubbed the Gold Special Edition Trans Am. Total production for the Y88 Trans Am are 8,676 units, all of them had T-Tops. 1,267 units were built with the Pontiac 400 with 4-Speed transmissions & only 880 were built with the 403 Olds motor with mandatory automatic transmission and smog pump. Total invoice price for this car was $6,021.40. Total retail or sticker price was $7,968.00.)
• GM special packages: 'LadyBirds'
  • "SkyBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1977-1978) (blue) (In 1977 Pontiac introduced the Skybird, originally to be named after the 1976 show car called Bluebird, but that name was already used by Bluebird Body Company located in Georgia. The Skybird was coded W60. It consisted of a Lombard Blue two-tone paint scheme, coded #21 with an accent code of #58 (Bright Blue) for 1977 and a paint code of #30 (Lombard Blue) and the same accent paint code for 1978. It came with loads of blue stripes and a special "feathery" Skybird decal. Color matched grills, taillight bezels, snowflake 15" x 7" wheels (YJ8), white wall tires (OBW), color matched custom cloth (24B) or custom vinyl (24N) interior, including seatbelts (AK1), Formula steering wheel (NK3) and carpet. The Skybird was available with several engine combos from the Buick 231 V6 to the Olds 403 V8 engine, for smog and high altitude areas. Some of the models may have received a gold spoked steering wheel or Hurst t-tops. Total price for the Skybird package was an extra $342 with cloth interior and $315 with vinyl. In 1978 it was up to $461 with cloth interior and $430 with vinyl.)
  • "RedBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1978-1979) (red) (The Redbird option replaced the Skybird midyear in 1978. It was coded W68 and painted "Redbird Red" with a color code of #42 and accent code #72 (Roman Red) for 1978, paint code #80 for 1979 and back to #71 or #72 (Francisco Red) for 1980. The Redbird option consisted of the same options as the Skybird, except the base color was Red and the stripes were gold. The custom interior was available in vinyl (74N) or cloth (74B). The Redbird option continued until midyear 1980. Some of the 1979 models received the gold steering wheel, dash, and front arrowhead emblem just like the Special Edition Trans Am's. Engines available for 1978 and 1979 were the 3.8 Buick V6 to the Olds 403 V8 powerplant. In 1980, the Redbird was available with the 3.8 Buick V6 to the 5.0 Chevy 305. Total cost for the Redbird package in 1978 was $465 with cloth interior and $430 with vinyl interior. In 1979, it was up to $491 with cloth interior and $449 with vinyl. According to a 1978 Pontiac product manual update dated December 8,1977, the Skybird appearance package was to be replaced by the Redbird Appearance package. Production of the Redbird edition began in February 1978 as the W68 appearance package added to the Esprit model. Price of the Redbird package was the same as the Skybird M.S.R.P. $461.00 with cloth trim and $426.00 with Vinyl trim.)
  • "YellowBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1980) (yellow) (In mid-1980 the Yellowbird was introduced. It was the third and last color change for the Firebird Esprit Appearance Packages. The Yellowbirds were coded W73 with a paint color code of #56 with an accent color code of #37. They also consisted of the same options as the Sky/Redbird, including the the Redbird's gold stripes. The Yellowbird came with the camel tan (62B) custom cloth or custom vinyl (62N) interior and had blacked out taillights with yellow horizontal ribs rather than the usual color matched section. Most of the Yellowbirds received the gold steering wheel and dash. The Yellowbirds could also be ordered with an extra-cost rear spoiler (D98) for $58. Total price for the Yellowbird option was $550 with cloth interior and $505 with vinyl interior.)
• GM special packages: sport packages
  • Recaro Special Edition Trans Am (1982-1984) (On January 28th, 1982, Pontiac Motor Division (PMD) announced the specially equipped Recaro Trans Am in an internal bulletin broadcast. This package was only available on Trans Am's which were black with gold trim and had charcoal interior done up in Parella cloth. On top of all the Trans Am goodies, this limited edition included standard multi-adjustable Recaro front bucket seats (AQ9), standard T-tops (CC1), standard WS6 performance package (WS6), 4-wheel disc brakes (J65), limited slip rear axle a.k.a. positraction with 3.23 : 1 gears (G92), 32mm rear sway bar, 21mm front sway bar, stiffer springs & shocks, quick 12.7 : 1 steering box ratio, P215/65R15 steel belted Goodyear Eagle GT radials on Recaro-specific 15"x7" gold-painted turbo cast aluminum wheels (N89), and a choice of the 165HP Cross-Fire dual throttle body injected (TBI) 5.0 V8 engine (LU5) with functional cold air induction hood and a 3-speed automatic Turbo Hydramatic TH200c transmission (MX1), or the 145HP 4bbl 5.0 V8 engine (LG4) with a four-speed manual transmission (MM4). The Recaro option price was $2,968 with the LU5/MX1 combo or $2,486 with the LG4/MM4 combo. No other drivetrain options were available, though an original LG4/MX1 Recaro is known to exist. Special black exterior door handle inserts proclaimed "RECARO T/A" in gold lettering for identification. The Firebird logo and Pontiac lettering on the taillights was done up in gold paint as well. It was the best that PMD and Recaro had to offer in 1982. PMD said they would build "about 2000" Recaros for the 1982 model year. An official number has never been found, so the "about 2000" figure stands as the accepted total production numbers. Recaros represent less than 4% of the total number of Trans Am's made that year. "About 2000" Recaro Trans Am's were produced for the 1982 model year. In 1983 they made about 2500 and in 1984 they made 1321. 1983 and 1984 were made to order, so 1982 is really the only limited edition among the 3 years. The Recaro seat option was greatly amplified and marketed as the Recaro Special Edition T/A; the package content was quite complete and included specific graphics and other items both inside the car and out, including the first use of the famous "venetian blind" hood bulge decal.)
  • Firebird SSA / XS (1989) (SSA was the sport appearance package (exclusive to only a few states, I think CA was one of them) they gave to V6 Firebirds in 89. They only had SSA badging for the first half of the year, and then dropped it. The Bird has the TA and Anniver. ground effects on it, but has a 2.8 with the 700 R trans. Also on the rear deck just below the wing is an emblem(not decal) that says "Firebird SSA". The car was purchased from the California, Van Nuys plant. Also the wheels have a plastic not metal center with just the Bird in the center and Pontiac on the rim. They are premium wheels. The interior is cloth and very nice with T-tops. "Pontiac Firebird 1967-2000 Photo History" says: "Looking like a Trans Am or GTA, only the rims, hood, and rear spoiler gave it away. 15-inch wheels, the regular Firebird rear spoiler and the plain flat hood came on this bird. Firebirds in the Los Angeles area had "Firebird XS" emblems on the front fender. The San Francisco/Sacramento zone had "Firebird SSA" emblems. These dropped to just the "Firebird" emblem later in this year." Taillights remained the same as the Firebirds without the Sport Appearance Package. Aero kit (with both front and rear bumpers) was the same as the Trans Am.)
  • Trans Am GTA (1987-1992) (GTA stand for Grand Tourismo Americano (or Grand Touring America, in English). 1987 thru 1992 Trans Am GTAs received the L98 5.7 liter (350 ci) TPI V8 (like the Corvette). The GTA came with light weight 16 inch diamond spoke alloy mag wheels and gold "Trans Am GTA" badges. The interior had new bucket seats (optional on the regular Trans Am). The 5.0 liter (305 ci) engine was also available in the GTA with a 5 speed manual tranny, but this required engine deletion of the L98 and had to be special ordered directly from Pontiac.)
  • Notchback Trans Am GTA (1988) (In 1988, Pontiac offered the notchback as a factory option on the GTA. There were 718 produced. The notchback is a fiberglass piece that bolts on in place of the regular glass hatch (with the exception of a few differences). It has a small back window which comes directly down behind the rear seats (at a 75 degree angle). Then a flat area (like a trunk lid) extends to the rear of the car with a ridge running down the center. It has a spoiler, but not like the standard wrap around one. While aftermarket reproductions are found all around, an option code of AA8 was used for the factory notchback along with the 10th character of the VIN being a 'K'.)
  • Trans Am GT (1994) (additional luxury features such as leather seats; regular Trans Am, but with all the options including "up-level" rear spoiler and GS-C tires coming standard on the car. All 1993 Trans Ams had the GT treatment as standard, but they were not referred to as GTs. In 1995 and after, the treatment got broken down into a number of options like on the Formula)
  • Firebird SCE (Southern California Edition) (1994) ("Pontiac Firebird 1967-2000 Photo History" says: "The 1994 Firebird SCE (Southern California Edition) package. As in most years, Pontiac came out with low production specialty cars in certain markets to preview new possible options to the public. In this case, special SCE decals (pillar, behind door glass), white and silver wheels with special wheel caps (SCE on them), and another rear spoiler mounted onto the Firebird's integrated rear spoiler (look close, you see two). White seems to be the only color.")
  • Firebird Sport Appearance Package (1997-2002) (The Sport Appearance Package for the V6 Firebird was offered from 1997 to 2002 as RPO Code W68. It included ground effects, fog lamps, and a dual-outlet exhaust system with aluminum tips.)
  • Formula WS6 and Trans Am WS6 (1970.5-1995) (performance suspension package)
  • Formula WS6 Ram Air (1996-2000) and Trans Am WS6 Ram Air (1996-2002) (Ram Air, Freer flowing exhaust system, suspension upgrades, Increased cooling, 17 inch wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires)
  • Formula 1LE (1991-1999), Trans Am 1LE (1988-1999), Firehawk Trans Am 1LE (2001-2002) (performance suspension and weight reduction package)
• GM special packages: pace cars
  • NASCAR Daytona 500 Parade Car 10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (Although Pontiac produced 7,500 of the tenth anniversary cars, a handful of cars were prepared as pace cars on the NASCAR circuit, most notably those which wore the Daytona 500 guise. These are probably the most collectable of all 10th Anniversary Trans Ams. Sixty of these 10th Anniversary cars were involved in a "dealer drivaway program" where local dealers received a car that was used to parade around the Daytona Motor Speedway. These cars had "Daytona 500" emblems on the doors as well as NASCAR logos affixed to the rear quarter panels. The cars serial numbers were not believed to have documented and Pontiac offered the decal package accross the parts counter so verifying an actual Daytona 500 Parade car may prove to be difficult.)
  • Indy 500 Pace Car Turbo Trans Am (1980) (To prove the Turbo Trans Am's viability as a big engine replacement, the 1980 Indianapolis 500 would be paced by the first time in history by a Firebird. Pontiac produced 5700 Turbo Trans Am Indy 500 Pace car replicas, complete with stickers and decals to make it look just like the rear thing. Outside, the car was painted in a similar style to the 10th Anniversary Trans Am, with white replacing the silver complemented with gray accents. The "Turbo" cast aluminum wheels were painted white to match the exterior and had many areas machined away exposing the natural aluminum as had been commom practice on the "Snowflakes". The exterior mirrors were painted gray and were given a dual black/red pinstripe which also followed many of the detail lines on the car. The hood bird was an exaggeration for the optional new for 1980 Turbo hood bird with the wing tips stretching to nearly the front fenders. Five were actually used as pace cars in the 1980 Indy 500.)
  • NASCAR Daytona Firecracker 400 Pace Car Turbo Trans Am (1980) (Daytona Motor Speedway used Turbo Trans Ams to pace the Firecracker 400. These cars were all single color and used the natural finish turbo cast aluminum wheels.)
  • NASCAR Edition Turbo Trans Am (1981) (The paint scheme mirrored the previous '79/'80 style but was black over white. Inside there were some big changes. The Trans Am seats, which had been largley unchanged since 1971 were replaced with a set of Recaro buckets. Red inserts in the seating area contrasted with the black bolsters and seatbacks. The rear seating area was finished in the same pattern.)
  • Daytona 500 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Trans Am (1983) (November 1, 1982 marked the introduction of the 1983 25th Anniversary Daytona 500 Limited Edition T/A; limited to a run of 2,500 cars, this was the first third-generation T/A to sport an "aero" body kit. About 520 five-speed manual Pace Cars produced in 1983.)
  • Daytona 500 Pace Car Trans Am (1985) (No factory limited edition T/As were built for 1985, but there was an official Daytona 500 Pace Car for that year; a two-tone white and charcoal color, the car featured a special hood bird decal and all the appropriate lettering and graphics.)
  • Indy 500 Richmond Trans Am Pace Car (1995) (1995 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible - Indy Pace Car, Fully Loaded, Canadian Car. Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Blue with red letters.)
• GM special packages: anniversary
  • 10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (two-tone Silver) (aka TATA for Tenth Anniversary Trans Am) (To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trans Am, Pontiac created a truly special edition. The 10th was painted in a gorgeous silver and charcoal two tone, accented by red-silver-charcoal stripes. Silver dominated the base of the car, with the charcoal covering the roof, most of the hood, a small portion of the door beltline, and bumper accents. On the hood, the biggest bird to be fitted to a T/A was included. So large was the bird, each wing tips were a separate decal fitted to the fenders. The hood bird and Trans Am/engine decals followed the general theme of the car being finished in multiple hues of silver/charcoal, red, and black. To aid in the visual distinction between the tenth and standard Trans Am's, a new "turbine" smooth brightly polished dished aluminum wheel was specific to the anniversary edition. Finishing the package was a pair of overly large Firebird decals affixed to the B-pillars (A smaller Firebird decal replaced the bright metal emblem on all other Trans Ams). The interior fitted to the tenth anniversary 'birds were perhaps the most lavish of all Trans Ams. The entire interior was finished in a light gray/silver hue, including the steering wheel and horn button (The spokes were still matte black). Silver leather (with vinyl seatbacks & bolsters) covered the specificly styled front and rear seats, although they still lacked a reclining mechanism. It should be noted that the six-color embriodered bird had a special machine imported from France to produce the emblem. Thicker carpeting was laid on the floor and additional sound deadening muted the mechanical sounds we bought Trans Ams for. Most were fitted with every conceivable option, including mirrored t-tops, power windows, door locks, and trunk opener, and the WS6 Special Performance Package. Either the 403 Olds or the 400 Pontiac engines were available, as no records indicate a 301 V8 equipped tenth. Breaking the $10,000 mark, the 10th's base price was $10,620.00.)
  • 15th Anniversary Trans Am (1984) (Pontiac recognized the Trans Am's 15th Anniversary by releasing a special Trans Am that was white with blue stripes, blue Trans Am decals and a blue "Venetian blind" decal on the offset hood bulge. The car also had a multi-tone gray interior that had Recaro seats, a white leather wrapped steering wheel , shifter **** and parking brake handle. T-tops were also standard on the package as were white aluminum wheels. The cars were powered by the 190 hp 5.0 liter "corporate" V-8 and a 5 speed manual transmission. Pontiac built approximately 1500 15th Anniversary Trans Ams.)
  • 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indy 500 Pace Car (TTA) (1989) (1989 was the year Pontiac released the 20th Anniversary Trans Am. It was a GTA model powered by the conservatively rated 245 hp Buick built 3.8 liter turbo V6 with special Pontiac heads and tuning, mated to a 4 speed overdrive automatic. Capable of 150 mph from the factory, this special T/A was the first production auto to pace the Indy 500 that was not modified to meet the rigors of bringing the Indy racers up to speed. The car was white with gold GTA wheels and gold Turbo Trans Am fender insignia. It had specific 20th anniversary badges on the nose and sail panels and Indy 500 insignia on the bottom of the front fenders. Some cars were delivered with Indy 500 pace car decals on the doors. The others received their decal package in the rear hatch back area for later installation if desired. They all came with a camel interior. The rarest being the T-top delete hardtops. Of those, 24 received leather interiors and the remaining 15 hardtops were in leather. Pontiac built 1555 20th Anniversary Turbo Pace Car Trans Ams.)
  • 25th Anniversary Trans Am (1994) (Introduced on January 27, 1994, the 25 th Anniversary T/A was offered as a $995 option for T/A models, including the new convertible. All white exterior (plus white 5-spoke 16" wheels with 25th Anniversary center caps) and blue stripe (about 6" wide) running from nose to tail. The interior got white leather seats and appointments with 25th Anniversary logos. Logos were also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors. Production was limited to 2000 cars (1750 coupes and 250 convertibles).)
  • 30th Anniversary Trans Am (1999) (White with Blue trim color scheme, blue-tinted alloy wheels, white leather interior. appearance package on the Trans Am WS6 available only in 1999. All white exterior and two blue racing stripes running from nose to tail. The interior got white leather seats with black dash and console appointments with 30th Anniversary logos on the headrests and floormats. The rims were a special blue tinted chrome 17 inch wheel, with 30th Anniversary center caps. The convertibles had a blue top. There were 1600 made – 1065 T-top coupes and 535 convertibles. (1000 coupes and 500 convertibles were originally planned.) All but 65 coupes and 35 convertibles were sold in the United States. The rarest of these are the 6 speed, manual transmission, equipped convertibles. It has been reported that 100 or less of these rare manual transmission convertibles have been produced.)
  • 30th Anniversary Trans Am Daytona 500 Pace Car (1999) (One paced the Daytona 500 on February 14th, 1999, the 14th time a Firebird paced the race out of 41. Also on hand at the track during the weekend, were 30 convertible 30th T/A WS6 cars done up in the pace car package that were used to escort the drivers around the track. All thirty were fully loaded with automatic transmissions.)
  • "35th Anniversary" Collector's Edition Trans Am (2002) (Collector Edition Yellow) (anniversary of the Firebird, but package is for Trans Am) (yellow paint, black wheels, special graphics) (As the Firebird flagship, the Collector Edition includes a full roster of standard equipment including power amenities, remote keyless entry, power driver's seat, Monsoon stereo, and T-tops (on coupe). Options are limited to traction control, CD changer, and Hurst short-throw six-speed shifter. Of course, no special-edition Firebird is complete without a dramatic graphics package. A contemporary take on "Smokey and the Bandit" era tradition, the Collector Edition features black ribbons and small "screaming chicken" decals. Jay Leno drove a 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am WS6 as the pace car for the 2002 Daytona 500, with no modifications. Two track-essential accessories will not be offered to the public: the Daytona 500 decals and flashing lights. Three 2002 CE cars were outfitted as pace cars.)
  • NHRA Special Edition Formula and Trans Am (2000-2002) (It was a commemorative edition to celebrate the NHRA's 50 year anniversary (in 2001), and Pontiac being a major sponsor of the NHRA for many years. In 2000 there was a total of 215 NHRA Firebirds produced, of which 97 were Formulas. In 2001 there was only 145 produced and in 2002 there were 535 produced. The total number produced is 895. The rarest is a few Formula Convertable NHRA SE models with like maybe 15 of them. Basically it comes with PS cooler(which all '02's have now), GSC's on 16". The autos came with 3.23's and 6 speeds came with the default 3.42. Nothing really except for the really cool badges. You could only get NHRAs in white, black, pewter, or red. Also, when you ordered a Formula / Trans Am, you had a choice between the WS6 or NHRA package. It was either or, and they could not be combined. Pontiac has been the Official Car of the NHRA since Oldsmobile's departure as Official Car at the end of the 1995 Season. The NHRA option added $1,070 - $1,095 to the sticker price and included (but not limited to) the following: Hurst manual 6-speed (3.42 ratio) or automatic transmission (3.23 ratio), power-steering cooling, P245/50ZR16 performance tires, and NHRA-specific badges & keychain. The appeal of the 1SH option package (NHRA Special Edition) is parallel to the appeal of any "anniversary edition" car or "special pace car edition." It is a special designation to commemorate the NHRA drag racing series. The NHRA badges were made by Morgan Design Group.)
  • Pontiac 75th Anniversary Firebird and Formula (2001) (Pontiac made a special package to commemorate the brand's 75th anniversary. It was designated with RPO code 1SX. Rather than any substantial performance or appearance changes, however, Pontiac opted to bundle the packages with badging and popular options. In fact, the Grand Am GT anniversary model was the only Pontiac to get its badging at the factory. All other '75th' cars received dealer-installed (optional) insignias. The Firebird V6 cars got the badging and the 3800 V6 performance package. The Formula got the badges, and a Hurst shifter in a manual or a 3.23 rear axle in an automatic. The Formula package probably also bundled T-tops, leather steering wheel, leather shift ****, and TA-style chrome 5-star wheels. There was no anniversary package known for the Trans Am, but some dealers may have installed the badges. At least some of them were installed on the B-pillars (behind the side windows). The other Pontiacs offered with '75th Anniversary' packages were the Grand Am GT, Sunfire SE coupe, Bonneville SE, Grand Prix GT/GTP, Montana, and Aztek. When the 2001 Firebird was still listed in the new car section of cars.com, the 75th Anniversary package was listed as one of the options. There wasn't much advertisement for it, but many dealerships were decorated with 75th Anniversary paraphernalia. The promotion ran from March 15, 2001 to April 30, 2001, and included various price discounts.)
• Modified models: early power
  • Fitch Firebird 400 and Sprint (1967) (John Fitch was the first SCCA national champion driver. GM hired him to run a factory Corvette race team at Sebring in 56 and or 57. After that he started John Fitch & Co. in Falls Villiage CT, his big thing was making modified Corvairs called Sprints. They were availiable throught certain Chevy dealers, similiar to Yenko's. He also tweaked other cars such as a 67 Olds, some VW's. He later became involed in automotive safety barriers. Fitch knew John DeLorean who was running Pontiac in 1967, and DeLorean sent Fitch 1 400ci Firebird and 1 OHC 6 cylinder with a four barrel (Pontiac Sprint engine) to play around with as an engineering exercise. When he was done with the 2 cars they where brought back to Pontiac for the evaluation and also to Lime Rock race track in CT. The Fitch cars ran back to back tests with Pontiac engineering dept cars called PFST. At the end of the tests Fitch felt his car was better suited for everyday street driving while the Pontiac PFST wasn't real a street car, more of a race car. My understanding is Pontiac never backed the Fitch car program other than send Fitch the first 2 cars, and Fitch busy with his other projects at the time, never really marketed them other than a few magazine road tests. Fitch doesn't remember how many cars he made in the end, it seem to be around 6-8 cars, all 400ci engines except the 1 OHC Sprint. The Sprint car had factory options of rally gages, console, tilt, wood wheel, deluxe interior, 4 speed, am/fm, hood tach, rally wheels, tinted glass, power disc brakes, and radial tires (actual option on Firebirds in 67). For Fitch mods there's Koni Front shocks, Lucas Flame thrower driving light, mesh in front of the light/grill, adjusted caster, rubber bumpers on the shaft of the front shocks (to change spring rate), re-valved steering and brakes, headlight flasher switch, one time wiper switch, light monitoring panel, leather steering wheel cover, Judson coil, dual exhaust, and the fins an the quater panels (they were to cooling the brakes and let air into the interior but never developed). Also for the 6 cylinder car Fitch want to supercharge it, but never actually developed it. A fitch opted car would sell for about $1000 more than the sticker price on a car. Fiberglass fins are designed to scoop air into interior of car for fresh air supply with all windows closed. Fins also provide easy identification of Fitch-Bird, as opposed to standard Firebird, and were definitely eye-catching. The Fitch-Birds were distinguishable from standard by a wire mesh grille and headlight cover at the front, and Butress-Back tops, trademarks that have distinguished Fitch's recent design efforts. On the test car, the built-in air vents in the Buttresses were non-functional. Fitch estimates cost of the Fitch Firebirds, complete with modifications, at approximately $1000 above the price of a well-equipped standard Firebird Sprint or Firebird 400, depending upon model desired.)
  • Pontiac Firebird Sprint Turismo (PFST) (1967) (The PFST cars were tested with the Fitch Firebird. The PFST exhibited much less lean through test curves than the Fitch-modified Firebird 400. PFST is aimed at SCCA sedan racing class. While shy on power, compared with other sedan racers with 300-cid V-8 engines, the 6-cyl. PFST is a match for anything in handling. More efficient antiroll bar, wide rims, and racing tires gave PFST tremendous cornering power, yet breakaway was controllable. Fitch car handled in acceptable fashion, with roll more apparent from outside than while driving. The PFST uses a 230-cid 1967 Firebird Sprint basic engine because it has a greater rpm potential than the longer-stroke 250-cid 1968 engine. A high-performance camshaft, recalibrated carburetor (single four-barrel) and distributor, and fabricated dual exhaust system, increase output approximately 50 bhp. The PFST engine is a bit weak at low speed, but turns on above 4000 rpm. From 4000 to 6000 rpm, the PFST sounds like a real race car, and moves down the road at a rate surprising to those accustomed to big V-8 power. The cylinder head rework performed on the standard Sprint head obviously is effective. As impressive as the engine modifications were, it was the suspension that was the eye opener. PFST became almost free from body roll even in rapid transient conditions. Steering response of the car, which has a faster-than-stock steering ratio, is excellent. The PFST carried 15x8.5-in. wheels and 10-in. wide Firestone road racing tires. The PFST could probably be raced with success by a reasonably competent race driver without danger or difficulty. In short, it's an enjoyable club racer, good enough to win some local track trophies.)
  • Royal Pontiac "Bobcat" Firebird (various sub-models) (1967-1970) (Royal Pontiac was a dealership located in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded by dragracer Ace Wilson, Royal Pontiac began making modifications to Pontiacs back in 1959, and selling these cars to customers. The Royal Bobcat "kit" could be ordered through the mail by any enthusiast. It consisted of a large box containing thinner head gaskets, blocked heat riser intake gaskets, distributor recurve kit, larger jets for the carb(s), rocker arm locknuts, colder spark plugs (Champion J10Y), and the necessary gaskets (valve cover, valley pan) to perform the modification. It also included Royal Racing Team club decals, Royal Bobcat body stickers, a "GR-RRR" lisence plate, and "Royal Pontiac" license plate frames. This was a very popular kit in the mid to late 60's. The kit could also be installed by Royal, and for these they went a little further by also blueprinting, cc'ing, and milling the cylinder heads. In addition to Firebirds, the "Royal Bobcat" package was also available for the Catalina, Grand Prix, and GTO.)
  • Lane "American Eagle" Firebird (1967) (No substantial documentation is currently known of the existence of this dealer modification package, but here is the information that was provided to FirebirdGallery by a previous owner of one of these cars. Lane Buick Pontiac Olds in Fairfield, California decided to build a limited number (14 according to the source) of special '67 Firebirds with what they called the "American Eagle" package. The dealership started with either a Polar White or Montego Cream Firebird. Each came with a custom interior coded either red, black, or blue. Next the following modifications were applied: 1) A lucerne blue stripe was added running the length of the middle of the car. 2) The air cleaner, riser, valley pan, and master cylinder cover were chromed. 3) The A.I.R. pump and alternator were polished aluminum. 4) A heavy duty radiator and dual exhaust were added. 5) All emblems were inset with red paint, and the slits on the quarters received the same treatment. These cars were rated at 260hp. They were equipped with the 326 2bbl V8 and contained the same crank and cam as the 326 HO. They were also outfitted with consoles, floor shifters, power steering, Rally IIs, full rally gauges, and manual drum brakes.)
  • Myrtl Motors "Tiger" Firebird (1968) (various sub-models) (Myrtl Motors Corp. was located at 61-20 Fresh Pond Rd., Maspeth, NY. Myrtle Motors was also in the business of "tweaking" Pontiacs for customer enjoyment, just like Royal Pontiac. Although they never garnered the attention Royal Pontiac did, Myrtle Motors built some very stout cars. The mods performed by Myrtle Motors to the 428 powered Firebird were almost identical to the famous Royal Bobcat package. The cost ranged from $2,781.00 to $5,149.74. Myrtl also modified GTOs.)
  • Canadian "Comanche" Firebird (1969) (Promoted as "a true North American Grand Touring car", it was sold exclusively in Montreal at Grant Hamilton Pontiac Buick, in Toronto at City Buick Pontiac-GMC, and in Ottawa at Surgenor Motors. The "Comanche" Firebird was only available at 3 dealerships in Quebec, Canada as listed in the brochure on the left. The dealers ordered a loaded Firebird from the factory, each with a gold leather interior (the only color available in leather). They were then re-painted a non-Firebird gold color with white accents. It is estimated that only about 30 of these were converted for sale to the public, and rumor has it Paul Newman may have bought one when he was filming in Montreal. Included options: Vinyl roof with special emblems, Marchal fog lamps, High speed driving lights with quartz bulbs, Special chrome hood louvers, Turbo Hydramatic or 4-speed close ration (either included a console), Variable ration power steering, Front power disc brakes, Remote trunk release, Radio, Door guards, Mirror group (vanity mirror and remote control mirror) Custom seat belts, Rally mag wheels, Special sport tilt steering wheel, Bucket seats (with the full leather interior), Rally Gauges with clock or tach, Floor mats (front and rear), Koni adjustable shocks, Special tire pump, Heavy duty air cleaner, Heavy duty radiator, Pirelli tires with special suspension, Power top (convertibles only), Rear defogger.)
  • Bales "Boss Bird" Trans Am (1971) (The stunning "Boss Bird" Trans Am is a '71 model that was created by Dane Bales, Jr. It features a lowered suspension, SCCA road race style wheels, subframe connectors, worked SD 455 Pontiac engine, Doug Nash 4+1 manual transmission, Race style seats, Fiberglass Hood, Front-Fenders, and Doors, factory styled paint & graphics.)
• 
  Modified models: non-factory convertibles
  • National Coach Engineering Convertible Trans Am (1978-1981) (In 1978, NCE of Michigan began converting Firebirds to convertibles. They put a serial number plate on the driver side door jamb. There were a lot of modifications done to these cars. The frame is reinforced from front to back with flat bar and one inch tubing, the front seats sit lower, the back seat is trimmed 1.5 inches on each side to make room for the top. The sun visors are closer together and the dome light is now at the end of the console. Even the spare tire is relocated. Completed versions carried a price tag in the neighborhood of $30,000, which is expensive even by today's standards. They built about 200 convertibles in 1979.)
  • NCE Convertible 10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (Ten 1979 10th Anniversary cars were converted by NCE. They used a silver leather material for the top along with chrome struts for the top mechanism. In addition, they were also supposed to have a chrome roll-bar. Each one was numbered 1-10.)
  • Custom Coach Convertible Trans Am (1980) (One 1980 converted by Custom Coach is known online, but there might have been more, possibly from additional years. The one known was originally owned by a Canadian.)
  • Auto Forms Sport Roadster Convertible Firebird and Trans Am (1983-1986) (Auto Forms was a company that popped up in the early 80s. They provided a custom conversion service to convert a normal Firebird or Trans Am into a 2-seater roadster convertible. Auto Forms was a company based out of Elkhart, Indiana that performed convertible conversions on Firebirds. It is believe the conversions began in 1983 and were performed through early 1986. Autoform was sanctioned by GM and as such did conversions on both Firebirds and Camaros. The conversions were performed at two different facilities: one in Elkhart, Indiana and the other in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The conversion took about two weeks and cost an estimated $5500. Auto Forms worked directly with participating Pontiac dealers and did not accept customers off the street. New cars were drop shipped to one of the facilities and then delivered to the dealer for delivery to the customer. Year by year production is also not known but its believed that about 600 total cars were built between 1984 and 1986 including both Firebirds and Camaros. About 200 were produced each of those years. The conversion used an extended rear decklid that extended through the rear seating area to the front seats. The decklid was formed with two bullet shaped bulges that sat immediately behind each seat that provided both support for the head rest but also served to enhance the euro style race car look. The decklid was comprised of a 2-layer fiberglass laminate and opened up and back from the front so the top could be retracted for stowage. The rear portion of the decklid functioned as a trunk lid swinging open an external chromed hinges support by the struts re-used from the original glass hatch. The design maintained the size and space of the original trunk. The fiberglass panels came in stock Firebird colors: black, beige and red.)
• Modified models: black/gold
  • Team Lotus "John Player Special" Trans Am Show Car (1974) (Black and Gold) (Of interest was a special black Trans Am show car which emulated the "John Player Special" Formula One cars from Team Lotus. The car had gold pin striping on the hood, roof, deck lid and lower body sides which included the wheel spats and spoilers. Gold head lamp bezels and grille accents were added. The standard argent "honey comb" wheels were replaced by ones finished in gold. Topping off the package was a brilliant gold bird on the hood. Eventually, this theme would make it from show circuit to the showroom.)
  • Trans Am Specialties "Bandit Edition" Trans Am (1981-1982) (series of 200 specially equipped Trans Ams bearing the Bandit name. Universal Studios (producers of "Smokey and the Bandit") granted rights to the name for that limited run to Trans Am Specialties, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where new Pontiacs become Burt Reynolds signature models. Bandits-to-be start as Trans Ams that come from Pontiac thoroughly optioned. The factory fits everything from T-top roof and power windows to lighted vanity mirror and remote trunk release. More importantly, the cars come with all the good hardware under the skin, including 4-wheel disc brakes and the WS-6 suspension with its high-rate springs and anti-roll bars front and rear. This performance equipment is a necessary and proper adjunct to the central element in TA Spec's makeover, a nofoolin' big-bore monster motor straight out of the power-crazed 1960s. The 455 Pontiac V-8 dumps truckloads of torque into a nice but hardly necessary close-ratio Doug Nash 5-speed gearbox. The Bandit transformation entails some welcomed lavishness in addition to Pontiac's factory amenities. Trans Am Specialties installs a pair of Recaro seats (upholstered to match the velour of the rear seat), a Blaupunkt 3001 4-speaker stereo, an Escort radar detector, a motion-sensitive theft alarm and the inevitable CB radio. Goodyear Eagle steel-belted radials in a chunky P255/60R15 size play a major role both visually and functionally. TA Spec mounts these on the factory-optional 15x8 inch alloy wheels. Gabriel Strider shocks, adjusted full firm, bolster the suspension. For identification, we have no wildfowl hood decals or stripes. Yet the name Bandit is in no great danger of being overlooked, appearing as it does no fewer than eight times on or in the car. Airbrushed lettering displays the word immediately aft of each front wheel and across the tail; stick-on block letters spell it out along the top of the windshield; a small dash plaque directly in front of the driver serves as a constant reminder; and carpet mats with the name woven in a contrasting color lie in each front footwell and in the trunk. Despite all those Bandit labels, the car's real identifier is that 7.5-liter powerplant. It wraps the car in an aura of potency and sheer mechanical presence. Some 200 buyers will wind up in a genuine, limited-series Bandit. The distinction will cost them approximately $30,000. Anyone thinking the mechanicals could be duplicated for less is correct; a good portion of that tab covers the rights to the name. And in this case, with that name comes an air of authenticity and exclusivity -- and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty from TA Spec. It's a pretty heady car, this Bandit by Trans Am Specialties (1514 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034). Driving it is an experience in sensation and image. The look plays a part, as does the engine, the name, the price. They all add up to a distinct personality that no one fails to notice-and that flows like electricity through the Recaro cushions into whoever dons the mantle of the Bandit. The `82 version is priced more in line for us working folks, at $16,500. But, while more attractive, the new Bandit is less fearsome. In place of last year's 500-horsepower engine and 5-speed Doug Nash gearbox is a warmed-up Chevy 305 and Borg-Warner 4-speed. Only 200 Bandits were produced this year, and each one is registered with Universal Studios to ensure authenticity. Each Bandit is serial numbered, and the number is air brushed on the front fender as well as the map pouch. For 1982, Chuck Posey of T/A Specialties outdid himself. Not only did he buy the Bandit name from the popular Burt Reynolds series, but he bought Burt himself. Each map pouch is personally signed in gold ink by Reynolds. Once the car is gone gone over and tightened up, it is transformed into a Bandit. Posey adds his own fiberglass hood, air dam, flares and wing These pieces are manufactured by T/A Specialties itself, and it gives the Trans Am one of the most businesslike exteriors in the industry. To make sure the Bandit sticks when it should stick and slides when it should slide, Posey upgraded the very credible WS6 suspension with heavier springs, solid bushings, and Goodyear NCT P245x60x15 radials on 15x7 Appliance aluminum wheels. If you ever tried to run this rubber with the WS6 suspension there's a 50-50 chance that the tires rubbed against the fenderwells on full lock turns. Posey solved this problem by substituting his own design fiberglass fenderwells for the factory item. For optimum handling, Posey dials in alignment settings for camber 1 negative; caster 1 positive; toe-in 1/16 inch. All this boosts lateral acceleration capability from 0.822 for the stock Trans Am to 0.849 for the Bandit. Most important, you get this increased cornering power without any sacrifice in ride comfort. The Bandit feels tighter and more agile, and gives you better road feel and quicker transient response. If the superb exhaust note isn't sufficient to turn you on, the Bandit can be had with a first-class sound system consisting of a Blaupunkt 3001 stereo with Sony equalizer and Panasonic speakers. While the Bandit's sales brochure listed only the 305 engine as being available, Chuck Posey said he'd build a Bandit to order with anything from a 350 LT-1 to a blown 455 with 5-speed trans and 2-speed rear.)
  • Chattanooga Custom Creations "Bandit II" Formulas and Trans Ams (1990-1991) (Chattanooga Custom Creations converted 600 Formulas and Trans Ams to modern 'Bandit' Editions in 1990 and 1991, which were then sold at Pontiac dealerships. The car featured the ground effects all around, the hood sccop (more like a bubble cause it didn't even appear to be operational like the later 2nd gens at least looked the part), special wheels simulating the 15x8 snowflakes, and interior appointments such as a gold dash and embroidered floor mats and seats.)
• Modified models: wagons
  • Pontiac Trans Am "Kammback" Wagon prototype (1978/1979) (The 'wagon' idea originated in 1978, with the construction of a second-generation Trans Am that made the rounds on the show circuits. That car was later updated with the new-for-1979 styling and eventually was retired to Pontiac's own historical museum.)
  • Pontiac Trans Am "Tandem GTA" Kammback Wagon prototype (1985) (The GTA Kammback wagon grew out of a styling exercise by Pontiac; in attempting to gauge the possible public response to a Firebird-based sport wagon, Pontiac was considering a way to broaden the Firebird's customer base. Unfortunately, it was never committed to production due to the increased cost it would add to the GTA's sticker price. The idea again took flight on a 1985 Trans Am, and then later was transferred to the GTA Kammback wagon. The one example owned by Pontiac still is a regular sight at major car shows around the U.S.)
  • Pontiac Trans Am "Hurst Hauler" Kammback Wagon prototype (2000) (Earlier generations of Firebirds have been modified and sculpted into a station wagon platform for concept vehicles. Now, with the Hurst Hauler, that Kammback roofline makes an appearance on the fourth-generation Firebird. Automotive Services in Sterling Heights, MI, was the progenitor of the idea and performed the initial design tasks. They worked with Custom Design Ltd. in Trevor, WI, to construct the Kammback rear hatch and halo band. The attention-grabbing Standox candy apple red hue with orange tinting was a custom mix. Of course, the chassis components received their share of attention, as well. Mr. Gasket/Eibach springs hunker the Hurst Hauler lower to the ground. Lakewood rear control arms and panhard bar keep things on the straight and level. The Hurst shifter is specially prepared for drag race duty with an integrated Line-Loc switch. Baer Racing brakes stand aft of 18x10-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust II rims wrapped with BFGoodrich g-Force P295/35ZR18 rubber. When Westech Automotive of Silver Lake, WI, set out to extract more oomph from the LS1 V8 engine, they began by balancing and blueprinting the entire assembly. Valve springs and a custom-grind camshaft from Erson Cams work around the CNC'd cylinder heads. Accel fuel injectors, air filter, spark plugs and wires finish off the engine. Expelling the spent gases is a Corsa Performance exhaust. When all of this work was completed, TTS Power Systems burned a special computer calibration module to make sure all the modifications worked together in a friendly fashion. And they certainly did: to the tune of 370 horsepower. The Hurst Hauler made its debut at the 2000 SEMA Show. It also was a support vehicle for the 2001 Hot Rod Power Tour, piloted by the folks from Year One-The Next Generation.)
• Modified models: VHO, Banshees, Firefox/Twin Turbo
  • Carroll VHO Formula (1988) (An aftermarket-modified Formula 350 was concocted by Greg Carroll. His Carroll Supercharging Company of Wyckoff, New Jersey produced the Very High Output (VHO) Formula for sale through selected factory dealers in the Garden State. The car's belt-driven Paxton centrifugal blower gave a 5-psi pressure boost, raising horsepower to 400 and torque to 475 ft-lbs. High Performance Pontiac featured the VHO in its June 1998 issue. The Carroll supercharging package retailed for $8,500, and Carroll's CSC-103H trunk stereo system was a $2,495 option. The conversion voided the normal factory warranty, but Carroll stood behing the powertrain for 1 year or 12,000 miles, as long as proper service was done. Few VHO 350s were built. Dealers included S & M Pontiac in Sussex, NJ and Jim Salerno Pontiac in Randolph, NJ.)
  • Pontiac "Banshee II" prototype (1988) (Named after a 1964 concept car; developed as part of the design process for the fourth Firebird generation. This styling concept for the Firebird has looks (and presumably sounds) that kill. A 4.0 liter V-8 in this sleek Pontiac motivated an all-fiberglass body and tube frame with a very low center of gravity and flush glass to reduce aerodynamic drag. Some of the styling elements of the production Firebird can be seen, such as the twin low-mounted nostrils and the spade-like nose.)
  • Sunset Banshee Formula (1994-1996) (Apparently the Sunset Pontiac Dealership in Clearwater Florida took factory Formulas and converted them into a Banshee look-a-like that included visual and performance changes. The standard package included: Dominator Hood Paint, Side Air Extractors, Windshear GT Rear Spoiler, Flowmaster 2 Chambered Exhaust, Chrome Exhaust Tips, High Performance Air Intake System, K&N Air Filter BF Goodrich P275/40ZR17 Tires, 17" Oz Wheels, Banshee Identification Package, Banshee Embroidered Interior, LT1 Identification, Titanium Window Tint, and Build Number ID Console Plate. Reported Production of these cars: 1994: 17, 1995: 21, 1996: 1.)
  • Rob Louisell Banshee Conversion (1993-1997) (Offered as kit pieces or installed by Louisell, a package for 1993-1997 Firebirds/Formulas/TAs to make them look like the Banshee concept car which cost Pontiac $1.5 million to make.)
  • Pontiac "Firefox" Trans Am GTA prototype (1989) (In the years preceding the introduction of the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, Pontiac was busy building excitement. Some of the exercises included a 3.8 liter high output Turbo Trans Am that delivered 360 hp and 412 lbs of torque. The 3.8 liter HO drivetrain consisted of a ZF six speed and a Dana 44 rear with 3.92 gears. Pontiac also examined twin turbo charging with a 5.7 liter red and black Trans Am equipped with a set of Garrett T-3 turbos. This 5.7 liter was fed by 16 fuel injectors, three GNX fuel pumps, two air meters and two GNX intercoolers. The driveline pieces were the same ZF six speed spinning 3.73 gears. The twin turbo put out 605 hp and 700 lbs of torque. It was among these factory super cars from Pontiac that the original Firefox was born. This sinister 5.7 liter black GTA came with the the ZF six speed and heavy duty Dana rear end as well as suspension modifications.)
  • Pontiac "Firefox II" Trans Am prototype (1991) (The Firefox II, based on a 1991 Trans Am was built by Pontiac in conjunction with TDM Technologies. TDM is an automotive engineering support firm based in Livonia, Michigan. This incarnation of the original Firefox differs from the original in several areas. The Firefox was powered by a beefed up Tuned Port Injected 5.7 liter with aluminum heads and a bumped up compression ratio of 10.5:1. The Firefox was also given several tried and true TPI modifications. The Firefox had provisions for a catalytic convertor but this prototype was not so equipped. Horsepower levels were an impressive 328 hp at 4500 rpm and a stump pulling 395 lbs of torque at 3500 rpm. It is needless to say that these levels of performance would decimate stock driveline pieces. As was the case with the original Firefox, the shifting duties were handled by a Corvette ZF six speed tranny with power being channeled to a limited slip rear with 3.91 gears. Residing in the rear of Firefox II is a suspension that F-body owners have wanted for the last 10 years, an independent rear suspension. This all aluminum independent rear suspension required the fuel tank to be removed and replaced with a small fuel cell fitted in the luggage compartment. It also required a compact muffler mounted snuggly behind the IRS assembly. The IRS was apparently considered for the 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am and the original Firefox but has never made it on a production F-body due to cost and complexity. The rolling stock was also upgrade to handle the increased performance. The Firefox II rode on sticky 275/40/17 Goodyear Eagle ZR40's and 17 inch BBS 3 piece rims with a honeycomb design similar to the GTA's stock WS6 rims.)
  • Pontiac Twin Turbo Trans Am prototype (1992) (The only surviving example of the Firefox's era is the 1992 twin turbo Trans Am that Pontiac still shows on occasion. Whereas the Firefox was a normally-aspirated car, this 1992 T/A has some features common to the Firefox on it as well, including the complex independent rear suspension.)
• Modified models: California, Rytek, Morgan
  • "California T/A" Trans Am (2000) (No single manufacturer puts together a turnkey version of this Trans Am, but you could assemble it from parts that are readily available in the aftermarket. And what a car you'd have. There's nothing subtle about the California T/A, from its bright flamed paint scheme to its 10-second quarter-mile passes. Wings West created a new W-Type Firebird body kit for the California T/A that includes side skirts and new front and rear facias. Wings West is also responsible for the Commando Style rear-deck wing. That rear wing would be the most outrageous styling feature on the car if it weren't for the pearlescent flames adorning the nose. Southern California paint wizard Pete Santini laid on the licks. The California T/A gets its low-slung stance, with a 1.5-inch drop in front, 1-inch in back, from Eibach coil springs at all four corners. The rolling stock consists of P275/45ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1s wrapped around 9-inch-wide Enkei V1 rims. Morgan Motorsports was tapped to provide muscle for the flamed 'bird, and MMS responded with its Aggressor 475 package. This system tops the stock LS1 block with MMS Stage II cylinder heads, which are factory castings that have been fitted with larger intake and exhaust valves, blended bowls, and Comp Cams valvetrain components. An MMS-ground camshaft replaced the stock bumpstick, and the stock intake system was fitted with a Granatelli Motor Sports mass air flow meter and air cleaner assembly. Exhaust chores are handled by MAC 1-3/4-inch headers, two high-flow cats and a 3-inch Borla cat-back system. Oh, did we mention the 150hp NOS package? When measured on the MMS chassis dyno, the Aggressor 475 sent 411 horses and 370 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. MMS owner Mike Morgan has spent a lot of dragstrip time in the car; and his best effort to date, on slicks and using the nitrous, earned him a 10.77-second/126-mph timeslip. So the California T/A can back up its in-your-face looks with performance to match. There was a four-page article about the California T/A in the July 2000 issue of Hot Rod magazine.)
  • Rytek Projektz "Projekt TranzAm" Trans Am (2000) (Rytek is well known for its audio expertise, and Projekt TranzAm is a rolling billboard to Rytek's abilities in complete concept execution. 550 is the magic number with the Projekt TranzAm. It first comes into play with the engine--as in rear-wheel horsepower output. Achieving this level began with a balanced and blueprinted Morgan Motorsports R350V LS1 V8. Ross pistons atop Callies rods push toward Racing Engine valves in the ported and polished cylinder head chambers. The camshaft is from Competition Cams, as are the pushrods, valve springs and retainers. A Vortech supercharger was given the task of providing 13 psi of aftercooled mega-boost. Finally, a Centerforce dual-friction clutch and flywheel take on the brute output with aplomb. Flowmaster mufflers and Rytek ExZt 2b billet exhaust tips allow for an aural statement of authority. To spec out the underside, Hotchkis Performance was the primary choice in hardware, including springs, underhood strut tower brace, stabilizer bars, trailing arms and panhard rod. Bilstein shocks dampen pavement blows while keeping the TranzAm in fine form when it's slicing around corners. Brembo two-piece rotors and 4-piston calipers control the front braking duties, while Power Stop rotors handle the rear--a commitment united in stopping this the extreme machine. Classics by Bernt coated the entire car in Shimrin Kandy Pagan Gold by House of Kolor. Sparco seats with Rytek brackets are covered in leather (with carbon fiber leather inserts) by Stitchcraft. Wetworks Garage painted the interior, and a white gauge cluster from NR Automotive was set in the dash. Adjustable titanium pedals by SPW ensure that drivers of any size can enjoy the Rytek experience. The audio portion is where the 550 makes its second appearance. An Eclipse head unit flows the tunes though Focal Utopia drivers, u-Dimension Amplifiers and Monster Cables. The amp rack and sub-plate are Rytek exclusives built from billet aluminum. Element Enclosures support the rigid bass infrastructure. An Optima battery helps along the total output of 550 watts. Because of the audio extras, the TranzAm Supertuner became a 2-seat encounter. Whether the sounds of 550 are traveling through the speakers or the exhaust, the Projekt TranzAm sounds really good.)
  • Rytek Projektz "Raptor" Trans Am (2001) (The Pontiac Firebird Raptor is an example of the ultimate in aftermarket tuning for maximum performance in an aggressive yet elegant package. The Firebird Raptor was constructed by Rytek Projektz, a Ventura, Calif.-based automotive marketing and engineering firm. At the heart of Firebird Raptor is a high-performance engine known as the Morgan Motorsports 385 - it's a stroked version of GM's 350-cubic inch LS-1 V8. As tweaked with performance parts by Morgan, the engine produces a pulse-pounding 540 horsepower, with a two-stage Nitrous Express system that creates up to an additional 300 hp at the push of a dashboard button. The MMS 385 LS-1 has ported and polished heads and a lightweight valve train to streamline combustion and power. Rich tan leather graces the custom racing seats and every panel, mold and trim on the interior, including the trunk compartment, which houses a unitized billet aluminum 2300-watt high density amplifier racking system. It was displayed at the 2001 SEMA show.)
  • Morgan Motorsports 421 SD Trans Am (2001) (Morgan Motorsports (MMS) is a southern California tuning shop that specializes in wringing high-horsepower performance out of a number of GM products, primarily those with LS1 motors. Owner Mike Morgan's latest project, the 421 SD, substantially revamps the Trans Am with engine, suspension and brake modifications, as well as a subtle body and interior re-work from stylist GNdesign. The 421 SD name, of course, recalls the 421-inch Super-Duty engine package used in early '60s Pontiac drag- and road-race cars. The heart of the 421 is its Aggressor 600 engine package. MMS took apart the stock LS1, sleeved the block to reach a 4.125-inch bore, and then reassembled the short block using a SCAT LS1 billet crankshaft, Callies forged I-beam rods and Ross racing 2618 alloy pistons, and a new cam with a custom MMS grind. The result: an estimated 600 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque. MMS channels the Aggressor 600's power through a lightweight aluminum flywheel and Kevlar clutch to the Trans Am's stock six-speed transmission fitted with a B&M Ripper shifter. From there an ACPT carbon-fiber driveshaft sends power to the stock 3.42-equipped rearend. Several drag-strip sessions have netted the car an 11.4-second timeslip at 127 mph. Surprisingly, the car is fairly docile at low engine speeds. But once the tach swings past 4,000 rpm, you'd better hang on. MMS didn't stop at engine mods. The suspension has been reworked using Global West components (tubular upper A-arms and coilovers in front, control arms and a torque arm in back, and subframe connectors) and 1LE double-adjustable shocks. Those are 13-1/8-inch Baer GTP brakes peeking out behind the Racing Hart M5 18x10-inch wheels, which are shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 295/35ZR18 tires. The suspension/tire combo offers excellent handling and grip on twisting mountain roads, though the rearend will easily step out with a jab at the gas pedal. Other than the rear deck spoiler, the bodywork by GNdesign barely hints at the performance potential of the MMS engine and chassis mods. For example, this subtle grillework in the Firebird's nose hides a driving lamp and a brake-cooling duct. Also note that the side mirrors have been moved off the A-pillar and onto the doors. A carbon-fiber plate covers the old mirror mount point. The 421 SD's interior receives a similarly subtle treatment, with two-tone leather upholstery and door panels, a Hurst **** on the Ripper shifter, and an MMS build plaque tucked in next to the traction control button. Production versions of the MMS 421 SD package will cost $36,825 on top of the cost of the Trans Am. GNdesign restyled the curvy body with more radical front and rear fascias, rocker additions and rear spoile, while Prototype Network.com took care of the paint application. The leather seat backs call out with embroidery to remind would-be passengers that the MMS 421 SD means business. Noting its rarity, a dash plaque includes the respective serial number.)
• Modified models: misc: FireAm, Pro-Am, Harley, Hurst, Evans, Inverse 30th
  • Herb Adams VSE "FireAm" Trans Am (1977-1980) (Pontiac's contract engineer Herb Adams was responsible for the research and development that invented the original WS6 suspension package. First released on the 1978 Trans Am as an option, T/A handling was in a league of it's own in '78 & '79. Herb was contracted by Pontiac in '77 to build eight specialty Trans Am's that were modified production units to show the ease in which the T/A's could be converted into full-fledge race cars to replace the '77 IROC race series Camaro's. From this R&D the production WS6 option was born. Adam's formed his own company - Herb Adams (VSE) Very Special Equipment, Pebble Beach, CA; and then offered all of the Fire Am (for Firebird American) components for sale making it possible for enthusiasts to build complete Fire Am Trans Ams. He sold the pieces with which an individual could build their own Fire Am in step-by-step graduated levels of performance, choosing to stop at any level. The Fire Am started with the enthusiasts streetable regular production Trans Am platform. The ultimate level was a full-on Road Racing machine that was also street legal (barely). In 1980 Cars and Concepts offered the first "Dealer Network" Fire Ams. One 1976 Trans Am may have been converted as the initial test. Car & Concepts Inc, a Brighton, Michigan-based "dream machine" manufacturer, converted 1980 Firebird Trans Ams into bona-fide Fire-Ams by installing the VSE conversion package pieces (front and rear suspension kits, shorter springs, chassis bracing, lowering kit, rollbar, leather steering wheel, Goodyear GT Radials, remote battery, etc.) offered in the VSE catalog, plus exterior paint and graphics. Pontiac's original equipment powertrain is left untouched, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations as well as with OE warranty rules.)
  • Pro-Am III Firebird (1995) (done by a company in Chattanooga, TN. The cars are base V6 Firebirds with large "Pro-Am III" lettering on the doors. The stock hood got a fiberglass ram air scoop attached to the top (looking the Firehawk/WS6 hood), but it's not functional. It also got side skirts, a dual outlet muffler, a numbered plaque, two-tone paint, chrome 5-spoke 16" wheels (with the original base tires), and different bumper covers.)
  • Harley Davidson Edition Trans Am (1996) (Harley took a black Trans Am equipped with the WS6 Ram Air package (without the interior from the factory) and added leather/fabric seats, which are embroidered with the Harley Davidson logo. The car also has Harley Davidson decals on the front quarter panels just behind the tires. Only 40 are known to have been made, with most of them being distributed in Southern California.)
  • Lingenfelter Hurst Special Edition Formula (1997-1998) (This car was born out of a special deal between Pontiac and the venerable Hurst Co. Hurst has been a part of the Muscle Car and Sports Car market for a long time. They provided shifters to several of Pontiacs cars throughout the 60s and 70s and also provided the T-Tops for the '76 and '77 Trans Ams. These cars were limited editions and an order-only car. The Hurst Firebird received a special black and gold paint job, a set of Hurst decals, gold anodized rims, and a host of engine and suspension upgrades. Lingenfelter took a black Firebird Formula with the WS6 Ram Air package and added a 58mm throttle body, LPE intake manifold, LPE CNC ported LT4 heads with hardened pushrods and guideplates, Competition Cams 1.6:1 roller rocker arms and heavy duty dual valve springs with titanium retainers, aluminum driveshaft, Hurst shifter, shorty headers and Borla cat-back exhaust. Power was set at 350 HP. The exterior has a wide gold stripe running the length of the car with Lingenfelter Hurst/Firebird decals and ground effects package. The custom graphics package was made by Kay Automotive Graphics. Inside, the head rests and floor mats we embroidered with logos and the car came with a dash plaque, alarm, and custom car cover. The price tag was $44,458 in 1997, and in 1998 it was $45,745 (the LPE additions cost $18,595 of that total vehicle price).)
  • Inverse 30th Anniversary Trans Am (1999) (The F-Body brand team had aspirations for something special, a car they also wanted to use for the 1999 Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise. They started out with a navy blue metallic WS6 six-speed convertible. Several unique features were added to seperate this car from the rest of the pack. White 30th Anniversary stripes were used, magnesium corvette C5 rims were painted white with giant BFG G-Force rubber on them, white decals and badges, white convertible top, special 1 of 1 emblem, and a custom one-off two-tone interior was thrown in. The car also had some modifications such as BAER brakes, a Borla exhaust, and beefier suspension pieces. This car made it's debut at the 1999 Ames Performance Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The car would later go on to be used as a Century 21/Pontiac promotion and sweepstakes give away. It was lost some of its original components, but John Skopos of Warren, Ohio has created a near-identical replica.)
  • Evans Pontiac SevanSeries Trans Am (1999-2000) (The SevanSeries Trans Ams are dealer customs assembled by Evans Pontiac in Dallas, TX. At their inception, they were stock, fully-loaded Trans Ams customized by LG Motorsports and Evans' own body shop for the hood and badging. Evans stopped using LG Motorsports during the 2000 model year, though. "SevanSeries" is a tribute to "Steve Evans", the owner of Evans Pontiac in Dallas, TX. "S-Evans" is the derivitive of the "Sevans" in the "SevanSeries" name. Other than the Mecham TA, this was, at the time, one of the most powerful Trans Ams available from a dealer lot that wasn't a trade. Sevans cars dyno at approximately 360 Horses at the flywheel, which is 15 more than a stock Corvette C5. The gain in HP and TQ was directly attributed to the Raptor Hoods and the Borla exhaust running wide open. Second, SevanSeries number less that 200 for all model years. Less than 60 made in '99, and only 4 red ones. 2 were A4 and 2 were M6, one of which was totalled in 2001. 30 to 50 were made in 2000.)
• Modified models: Mecham
  • Mecham DKM Macho Trans Am (1976-1980) (Production numbers for 1976 was approximately 26, 1977 there were 200. In 1978 the Macho Turbo deputed on the Pontiac 400. Only 8 T/A's were equipped with the Turbo. The first was number 69 and the last was 202. In 1979 200 were built, number of Macho Turbo's were 22. 1980 just a few Macho Turbos were built, they has a slightly different paint scheme and "Macho Turbo" identification was placed just below the side windows and not on the rocker panel. In 1977, Dennis and Kyle Mecham turned out a limited series of grand touring Trans Ams that they dubbed the "Macho T/A". These cars were sold through their father's Pontiac dealership and moved unhaltingly out the door. Due to the success of their pilot year, DKM Design, Performance, Inc. was formed in 1978 and the program was expanded to over 200 cars which were made available to other Pontiac Dealers. Another 200+ cars were rolled out during the 1979 model year while the Pontiac 400 engine was still in vogue. DKM stands for Dennis and Kyle Mecham who worked at their father's Pontiac dealership in Glendale, AZ (Mecham Pontiac). In 1977, DKM started modifying stock Trans Ams which were sold to other Pontiac dealerships around the US. These "Macho T/A's" start out as factory Trans Am with the high performance engine/suspension package and custom cloth interior. The car got special DKM paint, accents, and graphics (including a console plate and MACHO T/A rocker panel and rear spoiler decals). Each car is uniquely numbered on the console plate, front fender, and rear spoiler. A "Plain Jane" version was available with just colored paint accents, no large MACHO T/A on the rocker panel, or Trans Am decals. The "bird" on the hood was either a full-hood style or smaller style (like that of early 70's) on the nose. An aftermarket model made big news in 1978, the "Macho T/A" by DKM. Available in various states of improvements, a reported 202 were built in 1978. The cars were all sold to DKM by Pontiac dealers and in turn sold back to Pontiac dealers as used cars. Dennis Mecham reported to the TachRev webmaster at the Trans Am Nationals the little known fact that 204 1978 Macho Trans Am's were actually produced - The 2 additonal were new cars purchased by owners and sent to Mecham DKM for conversion and not previously listed in the original Macho production count.)
  • MR MSE Trans Am (1982-1985) (These cars were created from '82 - '85 by Dennis Mecham, of DKM Macho T/A fame. He started Mecham Racing Inc. (MR) located in Glendale AZ and Tacoma WA. MSE stood for Motor Sports Edition. The '82 models were a two tone paint scheme (split just below the doors at the rocker panel) with several colors combos to choose from. The '83, '84, and '85 models were painted similar to the 1984 15th Anniversary Trans Am with a two tone paint scheme split at the bodyline or middle of the doors. MSEs got a full width front spoiler, a low resistance "aerotail" rear spoiler, and emblems proclaiming it a Mecham Racing Machine. On the sail panels behind the doors are either MSE emblems or a big olive branch-wreathed letters MR, with Mecham Racing, USA, and SCCA champions underneath. There may be additional numbers/emblems on the drivers side headlight door, fenders, rear spoiler, or rear bumper depending on the year. MSEs also got special MR centercaps and a MR hood emblem. 500 were built in '82, 150 in '83, 50 in '84, and only a few in '85.)
  • Macho Trans Am (1985) (Macho Trans Am's were mostly built by DKM from 1978 to 1980 (see the 2nd Generation section for more details). But in addition to the MR MSE Trans Ams built in 1985, only 20 Macho T/A's were also built. They had either a large MACHO T/A on the lower doors or a smaller "Macho" decal on the doors and the front and rear bumpers. These were also numbered like the 2nd gen Machos and MR MSEs. All other modifications were similar to the MSEs.)
  • 20th Anniversary Macho Trans Am (1997) (Dennis and Kyle Mecham, of 2nd and 3rd gen Macho Trans Am fame, make a new Macho T/A available in three stages: Basic, HO, and SD packages. The Basic package included a Mecham-designed rear wing, new fiberglass hood, and painted-on Macho graphics including a unique hood bird. Power modifications include the same bolt-on parts as the Firehawks (315 HP) and was priced around $30,000. The HO package included the Basic upgrades in addition to a cam and head upgrade, raising power to around 400 HP and was priced around $42,000. The SD package included the Basic and HO upgrades in addition to larger/wider wheels, upgraded brakes, and a bored and stroked engine producing up to 500 HP. A wide choice of options was available for the SD and was priced around $60,000 (depending on options). The Macho T/A's were produced at the same location (Glendale, AZ) as the originals of the late-70's and early 80's, although the name had changed from Mecham Pontiac to Biddulph Pontiac. The first three prototypes of the above packages were built, with up to 20 being built in total - apparently only 14 were actually completed.)
  • Mecham Formula and Trans Am (1998-2002) (There were 28 Mecham cars built in 1998 (probably 14 TAs and 14 Formulas), 2002 had 6 TAs and "only a few" Formulas, and there were about 20 in each of the other years. The Mecham T/A and Formula are Mecham's top Grand Touring creations. In standard form the Mecham T/A and Formula performance levels are elevated in every category: Improved handling, quicker acceleration, effective aerodynamics, and striking appearance. If you want more, the Mecham T/A and Formula have an extensive list of options that provide you the ability to further enhance and individualize your vehicle's appearance and performance capabilities. Once the equipment and appearance decisions are made, each Mecham T/A or Formula is series numbered and fully documented.)
  • Mecham Firebird GTR (1998-2002) (The GTR was designed to compete favorably with the factory WS6 Trans Am and SLP Firehawk. From the fully functional extractor hood and high down force wing, to the exhaust and ram air enhancements, the GTR provides both stunning appearance and excellent performance at an outstanding price. The GTR package also provides a series number, graphics, and dash plaque to mark its place as a Mecham Design, Performance registered series car.)
• Modified models: SLP
  • SLP "Comp T/A" Trans Am (1995-1997) (The Comp T/A was a special package offered by PMD in 1995 to commemorate the anniversary of the BF Goodrich Comp T/A tire. The package was installed by Street Legal Performance (SLP); the same folks who installed the Ram Air setups on later models. Besides a large array of performance enhancements the package also included a special silver and grey paint job that is reminiscent of the 25th Anniversary T/As in '94 and the familiar paint scheme given to the '70 to '72 Trans Ams. They had all of the standard and optional Firehawk equipment, Silver exterior (plus 5-spoke 17" x 9" wheels and BFG P275/40ZR/17 Comp T/A tires) and a gray stripe (about 6" side) running from nose to tail. The floor mats and headrests got Comp T/A logos stitched in to them. Logos were also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors and on the front driver headlamp. Production was originally planned to be 200, but only 164 were actually produced: 1995: 72, 1996: 45, 1997: 47. They were numbered out of the total, not restarting each year.)
  • SLP Firehawk Formula and Trans Am (1991-1997, 1999-2002) (1991: test year. 1992: 25 built, including 1 convertible; only 11 of those had the competition package which included a Brembro brake kit and Recaro seats. SLP builds its Firehawks from Trans Am or Formula versions of the Firebird. A WS6 model cannot be used, as key Firehawk components include SLP's own forced induction system and twin-scoop composite hood. The revised induction system, hood-mounted heat extractors, and a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system help boost the LS1's output to 335 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Other standard equipment in the Firehawk package includes upgraded suspension components, 17x9 painted aluminum wheels and Firestone Firehawk 275/40ZR17 SZ50 EP tires. MSRP for the base Firehawk package is $3,999. That standard Firehawk package can be augmented with a number of options. Some are appearance items, like chrome-plated wheels and decorative floor mats. But if you're looking for better road-handling performance than the standard Firehawk offers, you can upgrade to either a Bilstein Ultra Performance suspension system ($1,099) or a 1LE suspension package with Koni double-adjustable shocks ($1,899). An Auburn high-torque performance differential is also available ($899) to help plant the LS1's power on the ground.)
  • Firehawk LT4 (1997) (available only in 1997 with all of the standard and optional Firehawk equipment, but the LT1 was replaced by a balanced and blueprinted LT4 engine with 330 HP. Additionally, they got a new stainless steel exhaust and exhaust manifolds, and a new Bilstein performance suspension set-up. The cars had to be special ordered with a 6-speed transmission, and no T-tops or convertible, and they were then sent to SLP for modification. Production was limited to 100 cars.)
  • 10th Anniversary Firehawk X-Men Edition (2001) (Owned by Troy W. Craythorn and built by SLP Engineering Inc. This is a one of a kind vehicle built by SLP under direction of 20th Century Fox and Marvel Comics. This is the prototype for the 10th Anniversary Firehawk. It had X-Men-themed graphics on the hood and sides.)
  • 10th Anniversary Firehawk (2001) (SLP planned to produce 1000 10th Anniversary Firehawks in Trans Am coupe and convertible format. The split between coupe and convertible will be determined by the market. All cars will be black. The 10th Anniversary package will be an appearance package only. It will consist of gold painted Firehawk 17 x 9" wheels complete with golden Hawk center caps. Twin gold stripes will be applied. The stripes are decals although the pilot cars ware painted stripes. On the door and tail will be special decals indicating the 10 Anniversary model. On coupe models SLP will apply a new rear spoiler. It resembles the IROC Trans Am spoiler being a wider whale tail. The rear center mounted brake light is also unique. Under the rear bumper will be a pair of cast exhaust tips painted gold. Pricing was expected to add $1899.00 for the 10th Anniversary package on a Trans Am. coupe and $1399.00 extra for the 10th Anniversary Trans Am convertible.)
  • SLP Firebird GT (1997-2002) (The Firebird GT components were offered by SLP through GM Performance Parts. It was paired with the Camaro F1 (97-99) and Camaro RS (00-02) package. The Firebird GT package included the Extreme Sport Suspension Package, Zexel-Torson Torque Sensing Differential, black/silver stripes, four Firebird GT decals and one dash plaque, premium front floor mats with the Firebird GT logo, Body Extension Package (includes front and rear air dams, and rockers), 17x9 Aluminum Firebird GT Wheels (until made optional in 2001), Five-Speed Hurst Shifter in 97-99, V6 Cat-Back Performance Exhaust Package in 97, and Cold Air Induction Package in 97. The SLP 2001 Firebird GT was only available on Firebird V6 coupes. The Y3C RPO code designated the SLP Firebird GT conversion. The Y3B RPO code designated the addition of the standard GT content, MSRP $599 in 2001: black/silver stripe package, Firebird GT exterior decals on the two B-pillars, and dual-dual exhaust outlets with high-performance muffler. Optional additions for the GT were 16" x 8" Silver-Painted Aluminum Firehawk Style 5-spoke wheels for $699, and a Performance Suspension Package with larger front and rear stabilizer bars for $299. SLP produced the Firebird GT at its Montreal assembly facility, 20 minutes away from GM's Ste Therese F-Car assembly plant.)
• Modified models: GMMG
  • GMMG Carl Black BlackBird (2001-2002) (In February of 2001, Carl Black produced the first series of High Performance Pontiac Trans Ams in memory of the late Muscle Car Era. Each Black Bird starts out as a stock Pontiac Trans Am WS6 Ram Air with LS1 5.7 liter V-8 engine, 6-speed manual transmission and Hurst shift linkage. Carl Black´s high performance modifications include a 380 horsepower / 400 ft lb torque engine package, short throw shifter, high flow air box lid, chambered cat back exhaust, front and rear Eibach 1.5" lowering springs, dimpled front and rear disc brake rotors and Torq-Thrust II 17" ARE wheels. The Black Bird appearance package features dual 380 HP hood accent stripes, Black Bird Cloisonné hood and fender badging, Metallic Silver rear lower panel, all new silver face gauges on the instrument panel, nostalgic black shift ball, auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, Mobil 1 oil fill cap and decal, car cover and floormats with embroidered Black Bird logo. There were only 50 380hp Blackbirds produced in 2001. There were only 50 380HP Black Birds produced for 2002.)
  • GMMG Carl Black Anniversary Edition Blackbird (2002) (There were only 17 380HP Anniversary Edition Black Birds produced for 2002. These cars were produced by GMMG for Carl Black Pontiac. These cars were priced around $45,000.)
  • Year One Edition Carl Black Blackbird 380 (2001) (50 Blackbirds were built by GMMG inc. for Carl Black Pontiac in Kennesaw, GA. Out of the 50, only 10 were numbered Year One Restoration editions.)
  • Year One Edition Carl Black Formula 435 (2002) (only 2 ever built. The fist car has been destroyed and this is the only one of its kind. Custom built by GMMG Inc, and used on the HOTROD POWER TOUR 2002)
  • GMMG Collector Edition Firebird prototype (2001) (Packing the appearance of the '02 Collector Edition (with some subtle differences) and the motivation of GM's LS6 Gen-III engine, this pilot vehicle was a proposed Firebird special package commissioned by members of GM's F-car teams and built by GMMG, Inc. This performance-oriented Firebird was based on the ZL-1 Supercar package GMMG was working on for the '02 Camaro. Along with the factory 1LE suspension parts, 18-inch rolling stock and interior upgrades, the heart of the ZL-1 package was the Corvette Z06's LS6 engine, which was swapped in place of the Firebird's V6. A used '98 Firebird V-6 car was purchased from a Texas Honda dealership to serve as the vehicle's base. In the close-yet-different category are the car's wheels and tires. Powder coated black, they look, at first glance, like the black wheels of the '02 Collector Edition. They're actually a quartet of Corvette magnesium 18x9.5-inch rear wheels, mounted on a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-Fiorano 265/40ZR-18 tires. Of course, the Formula-style bodywork emulates the Collector Edition, too, but isn't quite the same. The Formula-based Firebird nose is the biggest difference, but note also the black hardtop. As the '02 production versions of the Collector Edition were Trans Ams, they came either as T-tops or convertibles. The gauges boast "Ram Air 6" insignias, as do badges on the car's front fenders. The "6" designation ties in both with the LS6 engine and the idea of continuing the famed "Ram Air" engine designation of past Poncho performance mills. The car was sprayed with the correct Collector Edition Yellow paint. Original plans called for 35 LS6-powered Formulas like this prototype--one for each year of Firebird production--to be built by GMMG and sold through a select group of Pontiac dealers. Alas, the timing was not right. Ironically, this yellow prototype is resigned to F-car history, perhaps going down as one of the most collectible Collector Editions out there--car number zero of a production run that never left the gates.)
• Modified models: concepts in final years
  • Sprewell "Bird of Prey" Trans Am concept (2000) (The Trans Am screaming chickens are back! This time they adorn the flanks of the Birds of Prey, two Firebird project vehicles built under the Sprewell Racing banner (yes, the b-ball playing Latrell Sprewell is into cars big-time). Restyling help came from the Pontiac brand team and Foam Molders, a shop that specializes in polyurethane and fabricated foam products. To build the Bird of Prey Roadster, Foam Molders started with a Firebird WS6 convertible, chopped the windshield six inches, cut down the side glass, and added a new front and rear facia, side skirts and a full-width deck spoiler designed by Jame Stormes. The quad exhaust tips coming out of the rear pan are exits for the Borla cat-back system. To enhance the car's "roadster" theme, Foam Molders fabricated a solid tonneau to cover the rear seats (like the tonneau found on the '63 T-Bird sports roadster and Ford's latest concept as well) and rollbar-like stainless-steel hoops behind the front seats. The interior was upgraded with leather upholstery from Katzkin, and billet aluminum accessories from MBA Products. Granatelli suspension mods lowered the roadster over the P245/40ZR18 Toyo Proxes tires mounted on Racing Hart MS wheels. Baer upgraded the disc brakes front and rear. For those who might feel the Bird of Prey roadster is a bit too extreme, the build team also assembled a coupe version. It features similar exterior, suspension, and tire/wheel modifications, but it uses a Firebird with T-tops as its base material. The Bird of Prey coupe and speedster were designed by DJ&F International, the Foam Molders design studio, and Sprewell Racing.)
  • Drekar ASV Z15 Trans Am Supercar prototype (2002) (An upcoming design & tuner company Drekar ASV (American Specialty Vehicles) set its sights on paying homage to this piece of American heritage with it's own Firebird Supercar, the "Z15". With Drekar ASV's initial goal of converting only 35 "Collector Edition" vehicles (in which GM had only a few thousand produced to generally commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the Firebird) to this 600HP performance and appearance package, the name "Z15" seemed fitting as this was already the GM "RPO" code designated to those Firebird "CE" cars. With some essential help in collaboration, build components, and overall insight from fellow enthusiast Matt Murphy (who had already put aside his beautiful 400HP pilot Firebird "Ram Air 6" project due to GM's disbanding of the Pontiac Firebird Brand Team) and staff, the project was taking its first breaths in life. This new Drekar ASV Firebird "Z15" Supercar started out as previously mentioned in "CE" form which was coming directly from GM in a Pontiac yellow "54U". This color yellow had been previously used on the Firebird's in 1994. This production "CE" yellow was a tad more "pale" than the pre-production "CE" car which was finished in a much brighter Corvette "Millennium Yellow". It was immediately decided that the "Z15" would don an outstanding show car coat of the originally intended "CE" color Corvette "Millennium Yellow". The pilot car was painstakingly disassembled and then painted piece by piece, completing the paint scheme with the addition of a black Pontiac style "arrowhead" to cleanly but accurately portray the aggressive nature of this 'bird. With its fresh new look upon reassembly, the engine was carefully reinstalled with specific "Z15" milled heads & upgraded internals to match the custom "Z15" Vortech Supercharger w/Aftercooler. From exhaust, programming, drivetrain, braking & suspension - all planted to the pavement with Goodyear Eagle F1 295-35 ZR18 Supercar tires - this vehicle is complete and bold in every detail. In keeping with its donor "CE" styling cues, the ebony interior was accented with silver, including the "Z15" specific instrument cluster, "Z15" key fob, floor mats, console badge, auto-dimming rearview mirror with temperature and compass - even a yellow "Z15" logo specific car cover - are just a few of the things that lead to an overall uncompromised setup. After the pilot Firebird "Z15" was completed in its build, it was decided that it should be seen first by the people it was most built for: the Firebird enthusiasts. It was transported to the 2002 Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio – the largest Firebird show in the world - where the public was first introduced to this one of a kind 'bird at that largest event, during the last year the F-Body was manufactured. The company, Drekar ASV, sold the pilot "Z15" in December 2003 to a Firebird collector in PA.)
  • ASI "Gold Rush" Trans Am concept (2002) (Pontiac show car convertible seen at the April 2002 Houston Auto Show by the TachRev webmaster. The rear seats were removed to make room for subwoofers. Builder: Automotive Service Inc. and Mr. Gasket. Paint: The golden hue is a rare factory color, with the black accents applied by Kay Automotive Graphics. Powerplant: Westech Automotive put together a stroked LS1 to the tune of 6.3 liters or 383 CID. Into it went a Lunati crank kit and a solid roller cam and rev kit from Competition Cams. Lingenfelter cylinder heads with Jessel 1.9 ratio rocker arms sit atop the block. Intake and ignition are hstened by an Accel dual stage air filter plus Accel spark plugs and race wires. Holley 36 lb. injectors make sure this mill gets enough fuel, while TTS Power Systems headers and Borla cat-back exhaust get the resulting mixture out fast. A Centerforce clutch transfers the power. On the inside, an Auto Power roll bar sits overhead while Simpson five-point competition seat belts keep passengers tightly buttoned in. A Hurst shifter for the six-speed makes sure that the gears are all in place when this Trans Am starts getting 'rushed'. Suspension & Brakes: The suspension for the Gold Rush Trans Am is a melding of well-known specialty components including Koni double adjust shocks, Eibach Pro spring kit, Lakewood Smotion Action lift bars, Hotchkis subframe connectors, strut tower braces, rear suspension package, and sway bars, plus Brembo brakes/rotors. Wheels & Tires: 18x10 American Racing Torque Thrust III wheels have BF Goodrich G-Force rubber - P295/35ZR18.)
  • GM Performance 421 SD Trans Am concept (2003) (White exterior with blue stripe and hood scoop, blue interior. There is one 2003 Firebird and another 2003 Camaro. The Camaro was the more popular of the two. You may have seen pictures of it, it was a blue Penske replica race car. Neither were production vehicles, they were special one offs done by the GM Performance Division. The cars were unveiled at the Woodward Dream Cruise 2002 in Michigan. VIN numbers were required for the cars and they ended up being 2003's. It had a Formula rear end, with some nice exhaust tips, and a 2nd-Gen-style spoiler.)
• Sources
  
  
  SkyBird, RedBird, YellowBird
  4th-gen base models, Trans Am GT, Firehawk, Firehawk LT4, Comp TA, 25th Anniv, 30th Anniv, Firebird GT, Harley TA, Lingenfelter Hurst, 20th Anniv Macho TA, Pro-Am III Firebird
  Sport Appearance, 1LE, Firebird GT, Mecham Firebird GTR, Pro-Am III Firebird
  Formula, list of 40 model names
  30th Anniv TA
  3rd-gen info
  f-body.org: 1st-gen , 2nd-gen , 3rd-gen , 4th-gen
  musclecarclub.com: 1st-gen , 2nd-gen , 3rd-gen , 4th-gen
  tachrev.com: 1st-gen , 2nd-gen , 3rd-gen , 4th-gen , several subpages those link to
  Blackbird
  Blackbird
  Year One Blackbird
  Year One Edition Blackbird
  Special Edition, Nascar Edition
  Recaro TA
  Recaro TA, 3rd-gen base models
  RedBird, SkyBird, YellowBird, Special Edition
  GMMG Collector Edition Firebird
  Firehawk
  1LE models
  Macho TA
  Macho TA
  Drekar Z15
  Sevan
  Sevan
  Sevan
  Sevan
  Sevan, Mecham TA
  Mecham TA
  Mecham Formula/TA
  Mecham Firebird GTR
  95 Pace Car
  Macho TA, Mecham TA, Fire Am, Blackbird, convertibles, American Eagle, Comanche, Banshee
  Bandit Edition
  Bandit Edition
  Bandit II, Turbo TA
  FireFox
  FireFox
  Trans Am GTA
  timeline of various models
  Banshee
  Banshee
  Banshee
  10th Anniv X-Men Firehawk
  10th Anniv Firehawk
  Firebird SSA
  Trans Am GT
  Mecham TA
  Royal Bobcat
  Royal Bobcat
  Royal Bobcat
  Myrtle Motors, Royal Bobcat
  Royal Bobcat
  Royal Bobcat
  02 Collector's Edition TA
  02 Collector's Edition TA
  California TA, MMS 421 SD, WS6, Firehawk, Bird Of Prey
  Comp TA
  NHRA, Pontiac 75th Anniv
  Tandem GTA, Kammback, Hurst Hauler
  Hurst Hauler
  Hurst Hauler on PT
  Hurst Hauler
  Morgan Motorsports 421
  Projekt Tranzam
  Kammback
  Hurst Hauler
  Bird Of Prey
  Gold Rush
  15th Anniv
  30th Anniv
  Banshee
  95 Firehawk
  Trans Am GTA
  Fitch Firebird
  Fitch Firebird
  Bird Of Prey
  Morgan Motorsports 421
  Projekt Tranzam
  Raptor
  03 TA 427SD
  Formula 400
  Hurst Hauler
  01 TA
  02 Collector's Edition TA
  96 TA WS6
  01 TA WS6
  92 Firehawk
  95 Firehawk
  99 Firehawk
  10th Anniv Firehawk
  California TA
  03 TA 427SD
  03 TA 427SD
  03 TA 427SD
  Pontiac 75th Anniv
  Pontiac 75th Anniv
  Pontiac 75th Anniv
  Firebird GT
  Firebird GT (GMPP ad)
  Firebird GT (2 photos)
  Firebird GT (photo)
  Firebird GT (standard)
  Firebird GT (options)
  30th Anniv Daytona
  Inverse 30th
  Inverse 30th
  VHO