Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is one of the most iconic American cars ever produced, spanning an incredible 12-year run from 1970 to 1981. Its swoopy, long-hood/short-deck proportions and the legendary screaming chicken hood decal made it instantly recognizable.
The 1970-73 Trans Am was a serious performance car. The 1970 model — the first full-year Trans Am — came standard with the Ram Air III 400 cubic inch V8 (335 hp) and was optionally available with the ferocious 455 HO. The 455 HO, rated at 335 hp but producing significantly more, delivered brutal acceleration with its 480 lb-ft of torque. Only 3,196 Trans Ams were built in 1970.
The 1973 model received the Endura nose bumper (to meet 5 mph bumper standards), and the 1973.5 Super Duty 455 was the last great muscle car engine — producing 310 hp net (equivalent to ~370 gross) at a time when most competitors were making 150-175 hp. Only 252 Super Duty Trans Ams were built.
Then came the cultural explosion. The 1977 film 'Smokey and the Bandit' starring Burt Reynolds and a black-and-gold 1977 Trans Am turned the car into a pop-culture phenomenon. Sales skyrocketed — the 1979 Trans Am sold 117,108 units, the highest single-year production of any performance car to that point. The black-and-gold color scheme with the screaming chicken hood bird became as American as apple pie.
Despite declining power through the late 1970s (the 1979 Trans Am's 403 V8 made just 185 hp), the car's styling remained aggressive and desirable. The shaker hood scoop, fender vents, four-wheel disc brakes (1979+), and T-top roof option kept the Trans Am relevant even in the malaise era.
Early cars (1970-73) are the most valuable as performance machines. The 1970.5 455 HO and 1973 Super Duty 455 are the crown jewels. For 1977-81 cars, the black-and-gold Smokey and the Bandit look is most desirable. T-top cars are common but check for rust around the T-top seals and header panel. Floor pans, trunk floors, and fender lower edges are rust-prone. Verify engine authenticity via block casting numbers and VIN. The Borg-Warner Super T-10 4-speed is more desirable than the automatic.
1970: 3,196 (rarest and most valuable). 1971: 2,116. 1973: 4,802 (Super Duty 455: 252). 1976: 46,704. 1977: 68,745 (Smokey and the Bandit year). 1978: 93,341. 1979: 117,108 (peak). 1980: 50,896. 1981: 33,493. Super Duty 455 (1973-74): only 943 total.