Unveiled as an all-new model in 1967, and retired in 2002, the Pontiac Firebird has spawned a long lineup of special editions. Created as GM'a answer to the Ford Mustang, the Firebird rode the F-body platform which it shared with the Chevrolet Camaro. In its 35-year production run, the Pontiac Firebird built a solid reputation for itself, especially with the Trans Am sports package. When it was launched, there were five power choices for buyers to choose from, including a 6.6-liter V8 mill rated at 325 hp.
While the entry-level models came with six-cylinder engines, the higher trims got the V8s as standard most of the time. Although it shared the same coke-bottle styling as the Camaro, the Firebird sported a nicer and more comfortable interior. Throughout Its life, it got regular updates and special editions which kept it fresh as it continued to thrill fans with exciting rides. Here are 10 of the coolest special-edition models to wear the iconic nameplate.
10 1978 Trans Am Special Edition
Like most muscle cars built in the late '70s, the 1978 Firebird had lost most of its muscles. Pontiac, however, still had a trick or two left. Following the success of the 1977 Special Edition model, a '78-only Gold Special Edition Trans Am was built.
Clothed in Solar Gold paint, it featured a 5-color "screaming chicken" hood decal. Buyers who went for the W72 performance package got a 6.6-liter V8 mill rated at 220 hp. Although this was pathetic by muscle car standard, it was sufficient firepower to outperform the competition.
9 1970 Formula 400
Debuting in 1970, the Formula model was marketed as an alternative to the Trans Am. Apart from a pair of front-reaching scoops on the hood, there was nothing special about the Formula's exterior. Where things got interesting was under the hood.
Power was supplied by a 6.6-liter V8 engine that pumped out 330 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. It was capable of hitting 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and running the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds at 98.9 mph. Offered only as a coupe, it boasted agility that matched its power.
8 2002 Trans Am WS6
After thrilling muscle car enthusiasts for more than 30 years, it was time to see off the Firebird. It was 2002 and buyers were more into compact cars that returned decent fuel economy. The 2002 model was the last Firebird Trans Am to grace the highways.
With the WS6 Special Performance Package, it was a beast that could hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. This was thanks to a 5.7-liter V8 mill that laid down a heady 325 hp worth of motivation. Blessed with killer looks and excellent driving dynamics, it was not a bad way to go.
7 Special Edition: Firehawk
The Firehawk was an extra-performance special-edition Firebird created by SLP Engineering. In its inaugural year, the handful that were released needed just 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph. With high development costs and poor sales threatening to bankrupt SLP, it had to tone down the package.
For its 10th anniversary, the Firehawk ran on a 5.7-liter V8 that churned out 335 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Hooked to a six-speed manual gearbox, it sent the 3,576-pound Firehawk to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. To clear the quarter-mile, it needed 13.6 seconds.
6 1981 Trans Am NASCAR Turbo Pace Car
1981 was a memorable year for the Pontiac Firebird. Firstly, it was the last model year of the second generation. Secondly, the Trans Am was nominated by NASCAR as the official safety car for the 23rd edition of the iconic Daytona 500.
The pace car was powered by a 4.9-liter turbocharged Pontiac V8 power mill that cranked out 200 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. It rocked Recaro seats, 4-wheel power disc brakes, power steering, and a special upgraded suspension system. Pontiac built only 2,000 of these Oyster white-painted special-edition coupes.
5 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am
To celebrate the Trans Am's 30th anniversary in 1999, Pontiac released a stunning limited-edition model. Wearing a coat of white paint with two dark blue stripes, it was available in a coupe or convertible body style. Where it mattered most, under the hood, it featured a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 mill with Ram Air.
With 320 hp and 335 lb-ft on tap, it could do the 0-60 mph run in 5.8 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds. Handling was superb, thanks to responsive power steering, while a set of 4-wheel ABS disc brakes provided strong stopping power.
4 2002 Collector's Edition Trans Am
In the Firebird's final model year, the high-performance Trans Am Collector Edition was offered. It came with the Ram Air WS6 performance and handling package. Under the hood, it sported the LS1 5.7L V8 rated at 325 horsepower at 350 lb-ft. of torque.
To stand out, it wears an eye-catching coat of exclusive Collector Yellow paint scheme with a special screaming chicken graphic on the hood. On the equipment list, it featured power antenna/windows/door locks, an anti-theft alarm system, a six-way power driver seat, and a radio with a CD player.
3 1974 Trans Am SD 455
Thanks to the 1973 oil crisis, muscle cars in the mid-'70s were shadows of their former selves. In a market filled with bland and slow cars, the Trans Am SD 455 arrived as a true muscle car. To complement the aggressive looks, it sported the formidable SD 455 powerplant under the hood.
Backed by 290 hp and 395 lb-ft, it ran circles around the competition. Zero to 60 mph happened in less than six seconds while the quarter-mile flashed past in 13.54 ticks.
2 2000 Trans Am WS6
Let's assume that you have looked past the "love it or hate it looks" of this Trans Am. Beneath the bulging hood, Pontiac stuffed in a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 mill that made 320 hp and 345 lb-ft of twist with the WS6 mods. With this, it was capable of hitting 60 mph in 5 seconds and crossing the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 107.4 mph.
In addition to the impressive speed, this T/A handles superbly and delivers tons of driving fun. A set of strong vented disc brakes provides confident stopping power while a 500-watt Monsoon 10-speaker sound system keeps the passengers entertained.
1 1989 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am
To mark the Trans Am's 20th anniversary in 1989, Pontiac unleashed a beastly anniversary edition on the public. It had the honor of serving as the pace car for the 1989 Indy 500. Available only in white color, it treated drivers to power bucket seats with lumbar support.
Under the hood, it hid a 3.8-liter turbo V6 mill hooked to a four-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission. Rated at 250 hp and 340 lb-ft, it was good for a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a 162-mph top speed.