Buzz
The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am truly came into its own with the second-generation Firebird, embodying the spirit of a no-holds-barred powerhouse. It featured functional spoilers and vents, along with a robust chassis and responsive steering that delivered exceptional cornering capabilities. Check out more images of this iconic muscle car.While the Firebird and Camaro adopted a more European flair in their second-generation redesign, the 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am remained a quintessential American muscle car, boasting bold scoops, spoilers, and an unapologetically aggressive stance.
Muscle Car Image Gallery
The standard engine of the 1970 Pontiac Trans Am, the 345-horsepower Ram Air 400-cid V-8, delivered impressive low-14-second dragstrip times. This performance satisfied most buyers, as only 88 out of 3,196 Trans Ams produced that year were equipped with the optional Ram Air IV. This upgrade featured larger ports, improved cylinder heads, swirl-polished valves, and an aluminum intake manifold, boosting output to 370 horsepower—25 more than the 1969 model. Even rarer was the Ram Air V, a special-order engine with solid lifters and tunnel-port heads, capable of producing up to 500 horsepower.
All engines utilized a new rear-facing shaker scoop designed to draw in cooler ambient air from above the hood. A four-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter came standard, while the Turbo Hydra-matic automatic was optional. Both configurations included 5:1 gears, with a 3.73:1 ratio available for the four-speed model.
The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am's handling was meticulously engineered. It featured a padded Formula steering wheel with quick 12.1:1 variable-ratio power steering. Enhanced stability came from stiffer springs, heavy-duty sway bars, and Polyglas F60X15 tires mounted on Kelsey Hayes Rally II wheels. Stopping power was provided by standard 10.9-inch front disc brakes and 9.5-inch rear drums.
The Trans Am's interior exuded a sporty vibe, highlighted by a padded Formula steering wheel with precise 12.1:1 variable-ratio power steering.The 1970 Pontiac Trans Am shared the same impact-absorbing front end as other Firebirds but stood out with its unique front air dam and fender air extractors, generating 50 pounds of downforce at highway speeds. A large decklid lip and small rear wheel spoilers balanced the downforce. Inside, the car featured full instrumentation, including a sideways-mounted tachometer that redlined at the 12 o'clock position, mimicking a true race car.
Critics were highly impressed. Despite 57 percent of its weight resting on the front wheels, Sport Car Graphic praised its handling, stating, "The overall feel is as close to a front-engine race car as we've ever experienced in a production vehicle." Car and Driver hailed the 1970 Pontiac Trans Am as "a powerful, agile, and unmatched machine, unrivaled globally even at double the price."
Return to the Classic Muscle Cars Library.
- Pontiac kickstarted the classic muscle car era with brilliant marketing. Explore profiles, photos, and specifications of iconic Pontiac muscle cars.
- Muscle cars came in various forms and sizes. Discover features on over 100 muscle cars, complete with photos and detailed specifications for each model.
- Muscle cars developed a unique culture. Dive into their history and mechanics by reading How Muscle Cars Work.
These profiles of muscle cars provide photos and detailed specifications for each model:
- The 1969 Hurst/Olds shed its refined appearance for bold dual-snout hood scoops, gold stripes, and a massive rear wing.
- Rebranded to celebrate its new engine, the 1967 Buick GS 400 was a hidden gem in the muscle car world.
- Equipped with triple carburetors, 406 cubic inches, and 406 horsepower, the 1962 Ford Galaxie 406 demonstrated that full-size Fords could dominate the road.
- The engine is the heart of a muscle car, defining its bold character. To understand everything about car engines, explore How Car Engines Work.
- Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars, but what does it really mean? Find out in How Horsepower Works.
- NASCAR race cars exemplify the muscle car ethos of raw power. Discover what drives these high-performance machines in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
- Considering purchasing a 2007 muscle car or any other vehicle? Check out Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information for insights.
Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 108.0
Weight, lbs: 3,800
Number built: 3198
Base price: $4,305
Top Available Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 400
Fuel system: 1 x 4 bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 370 @ 5500
Torque @ rpm: 445 @ 3900
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.6
1/4 mile, sec @ mph: 13.9 @ 102
