Pontiac Firebird (1967–8)

Pontiac Firebird. 1967–9 (prod. 277,380). 2-door coupé, 2-door convertible. F/R, 230, 250 in³ (I6 OHC), 326, 350, 400 in³ (V8 OHV). Pontiac’s response to the pony car phenomenon, and a corporate twin to the Chevrolet Camaro (1967–9). Under general manager John de Lorean, Firebird went beyond Camaro with a more performance-oriented bent. OHC six one-barrel at base, four-barrel for Firebird Sprint. Firebird 326 in middle of range with two-barrel V8; four-barrel for 326 HO. Firebird 400 at top of range, with four-barrel; Ram Air the top engine option for 1967. Larger six for ’68, 326 replaced by 350, 400 HO added; Ram Air II in May 1968. Trans Am introduced 1969, with front sway bar, stiffer end link bushings, power brakes, power steering, 14-inch tyres, special hood feeding Ram Air III 400 in³ V8; Ram Air IV with aluminium intake manifold and high-flow round-port cylinder heads an option for 400 and Trans Am. Production of 1969s lasted longer than planned, as the new model faced delays with body stamping.

Manufacturing locations: Lordstown, Ohio, USA; Van Nuys, California, USA; Norwood, Ohio, USA

Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Firebird | Successor: Pontiac Firebird (1970–81)