1970 1/2 Pontiac Firebird

GM's design head, Bill Mitchell, criticized the initial Firebird for lacking a distinct character. However, the 1970 1/2 Pontiac Firebird successfully addressed this issue.

Pontiac Firebird Image Gallery

The semi-fastback hardtop coupe emphasized its elongated profile over flashy chrome details, featuring large B-pillars, extended doors, and a low cowl with hidden wipers.

The front end, made of body-colored "Endura" plastic, included a bumper with recessed grille inserts and widely spaced single headlamps. Road & Track praised GM stylists, stating, "Their attention to detail is unrivaled in the U.S. automotive industry."

Pontiac introduced a four-model lineup: base, Esprit, Formula 400, and Trans Am. Base models featured a 155 horsepower, 250-cid Chevrolet six-cylinder engine, with optional 350 and 400-cubic-inch V-8s. The Esprit, a step above the base, offered a 350 V-8, floor shifter, and a premium interior.

The Formula 400 Firebird, equipped with a 330 horsepower, 400-cid V-8 and dual exhausts, bridged the gap to high performance. It came with wider tires, a reinforced suspension, and a fiberglass hood featuring twin molded scoops.

The bold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, adorned in white with blue stripes, was powered by a 345-horsepower Ram Air 400 V-8, complete with a rear-facing "shaker" hood scoop. Though not aerodynamically ideal, this scoop became a defining feature of the Trans Am for years.

Priced at $4305, the Trans Am came equipped with a wide-ratio four-speed transmission, variable-ratio power steering, front disc brakes, a reinforced suspension with larger roll bars, and 15-inch tires. Standard features included racing graphics, an air dam, multiple spoilers, front-fender air extractors, and an engine-turned instrument panel. Pontiac emphasized, "All that equipment works—really works."

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