1st Gen Pontiac Firebird Facts, Information & History

« Pontiac « Firebird

The first generation of the Pontiac Firebird was produced from 1967 to 1969 and represented Pontiac's entry into the pony car market. Introduced as a sister car to the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird offered its own distinctive design and performance characteristics.

Introduced in 1967, the first-gen Firebird shared its platform and many components with the Camaro but had unique styling elements, including a split front grille, distinctive hood vents, and "coke bottle" body lines. It was available in coupe and convertible body styles, catering to a broad range of customers.

The Firebird was offered in several trim levels, including the base model, the Firebird 326, and the high-performance Firebird 400. The Firebird 400 featured a powerful 400 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing up to 325 horsepower, making it a formidable contender among muscle cars of its era.

In 1968, the Firebird saw minor design changes, including new front and rear end styling. The 1969 model year featured a significant restyling with a new front end, rear quarter panel design, and a more aggressive appearance.

In 1969, Pontiac introduced the Trans Am performance package as an option on the Firebird. Named after the Trans-Am Series racing, the Trans Am package included unique styling cues, handling upgrades, and a Ram Air IV V8 engine, delivering up to 345 horsepower.

The first-generation Firebird was praised for its stylish design, powerful performance, and its place in the rapidly expanding pony car market. Today, the early Firebird models, especially the rare Trans Am variants, are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their historical significance and classic muscle car appeal.