The design of the second-generation Pontiac Firebird is a tale of two eras. It still features some traditional “Coke bottle” styling cues from the 60s, despite the general design being more swoopy, as some put it. It even has a few angular elements that you would have never envisioned on the original model.
People tend to forget, but cars like this one were born during an era defined by power struggles and shifting design philosophies. Yet, the Firebird quickly carved its own niche in the market and went on to have a strong association with popular culture later in the 70s – I'm talking about its role in the 1977 film ‘Smokey and the Bandit.”
While the Firebird struggled with emissions regulations compliance and engine downsizing issues, its somewhat iconic status was preserved. People still look back on these cars with enthusiasm, and buying a used one that also happens to be in good condition is going to set you back a pretty penny.
Case in point, this 1970 Trans Am in Lucerne Blue, which used to be up for grabs to the highest bidder up until yesterday – when its reserve wasn’t met at auction and its owner decided to pull the listing. The top bid went all the way to $72,500, yet the seller clearly believed they could have gotten more for it.
Maybe they’re right, since we’ve seen similar Trans Ams go for $80,000 and more. But we’ve also seen the exact opposite (similar cars selling in the $60,000 range). Of course, it depends on the spec, plus a number of other factors.
Speaking of specs, let’s take a closer look at this one. First, we should note that this Trans Am has been thoroughly refurbished - body removed from frame, soda blasted and refinished in its original Lucerne Blue colorway, with white and black stripes. Meanwhile, the rear bumper chrome has been refinished, while the front fenders have been replaced by the car’s previous owner.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Other nice visual cues include the ‘reproduction’ 15” Rally II wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A rubber. The original Rally II wheels are also included in the sale, featuring Firestone tires.
Moving on to the interior, that’s where you’ll find the bright blue vinyl seats and the blue, well, everything (from the door panels, headliner and even the carpeting). Other highlights include the center console, air conditioning system, engine-turned metal trim dashboard accents, and the Lecarra steering wheel.
As for what’s going on underneath the hood, you’ve got a Ram Air III 400 ci V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor at work, factory-rated at 335 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Everything gets sent to the rear wheels via a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. The entire power unit was overhauled by an aftermarket specialist and fitted with a custom exhaust system.
So, what do you guys think, should this Firebird have sold for $72.5k or was the owner right to pull the listing and hold out for more?
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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