In the mid-1960s, Ford Motor Company took the automotive world by storm with the release of its new "pony car," the Ford Mustang. It was the right car for the right time, and it caught General Motors by surprise. One year later, after seeing the Mustang's enormous sales success, General Motors announced the development of its own pony-car platform, code-named "Panther," to compete with the tremendously popular Mustang. And what a competition it became. Chevrolet Camaros and Pontiac Firebirds hit the market as 1967 models, and the world clamored for more of these new Mustang killers. These F-Body cars became some of the most popular enthusiast cars of all time. In The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide 1967-1969, Pontiac expert and historian Rocky Rotella examines each production year of the first generation of Firebirds. Production figures, option codes, running changes, model year changes and variances, rarity, collectability, interviews with engineers, and more are thoroughly covered in what is sure to become the ultimate Firebird reference book. Complementing the detail and year-by-year analysis is a combination of archival photography from the launch of these cars and beautiful color photos of original and restored examples. Whether you are into the first generation of F-Body convertibles, Formula 400 performance models, the special overhead cam Sprint 6s, or even the first Trans Ams of 1969, this book tells the entire story of these immensely popular cars. It is an excellent addition to any pony car, muscle car, or any enthusiast's library.

Take an in-depth look into the second-generation Firebird and Trans Am with the ultimate guidebook that includes production figures, option codes, running changes, model-year changes and variances, rarity, collectability, interviews with engineers, and more. Pontiac expert and historian Rocky Rotella examines each production year of the second generation of Firebirds. Complementing the data and year-by-year analysis is a combination of archival photography from the development of these cars as well as beautiful color photos of original and restored examples today. After the extremely successful debut of the first-generation Firebirds and Camaros, General Motors had a tall task ahead: create an equally popular yet radically different version of the groundbreaking pony car it was replacing. Enthusiasts picked up on the radically different part as soon as they saw these cars. Over time, we have come to appreciate how successful these second-generation cars were. They include the early models that had an emphasis on performance along with the continued development of the Trans Am, the 455 Super Duty cars of 1973 and 1974, and the lightning-in-a-bottle popularity of the Smokey and the Bandit editions. During their production run, these Firebirds and Trans Ams were truly the only real performance cars out of Detroit, and for many of the model years, they eclipsed even the mighty Corvette. This book tells the entire story of these immensely popular cars, whether you are into the second generation of F-Body regular models, Formula 400 performance models, the Super Duty Trans Ams, or the cars of Smokey and the Bandit fame. It is an excellent addition to any pony car, muscle car, or any enthusiast's library.

The entire history of "Pontiac's Firebird," from the first models in 1967 to the brand-new 2000 editions, is accompanied by detailed photography from the GM archives. Design and development details, engine specifications, and production information is provided for the vast majority of production models, including the Firebird, Esprit, Formula and, of course, Trans-Am. Rare images from the design room offer glimpses of ideas that never made it to the production line.

The Trans Am and Firebird were distinctly different from their cousin, the Chevy Camaro, and many Trans Am and Firebird models became stand-out muscle cars of their era. In fact, when the high-performance wars in Detroit subsided in the early 1970s, the Trans Am remained as the sole surviving muscle car. Some second-generation Pontiac F-Body cars are affordable while others are extremely rare and valuable. In particular, the 1970-1974 Pontiac Ram Air IV, H.O. and Super Duty Trans Ams, 1970-1973 Firebird Formulas, and 1976 Firebird Limited Editions command high sale prices while the late 1970s Trans Am 6.6 "Smokey and the Bandit" cars are still affordable and appreciating in value. Melvin Benzaquen of Classic Restoration Enterprises has restored dozens of these cars. In this revealing guide, all crucial aspects of restoration are covered, including engine, driveline, interior, trim, electrical system, brakes, steering, and suspension. A special focus is placed on performing common body restoration procedures. Chapters also include VIN decoding, planning, preparation, tools, and painting techniques. Step-by-step photos accompanied by in-depth and detailed captions explain how to perform each stage of the restoration process. Pontiac Trans Am and Firebird owners are loyal and dedicated to the preservation of these storied high-performance models and therefore demand an accurate and faithful restoration. The magnitude and variety of work in the restoration process can be overwhelming and that's why a complete restoration guide by an acknowledged expert is so important. Now, in this authoritative and comprehensive guide, you have the tools you need to get started on your Trans Am or Firebird restoration.

A finely illustrated history and restoration guide to all four generations of Firebird, covering all engine options, special editions, and model variations.

Pontiac Firebird: 50 Years chronicles the Firebird's rich history, from its inception in 1960 to its continued popularity today.