Introduced for the 1967 model year, the Pontiac Firebird was a bit late to the pony car market. The Ford Mustang and Plymouth Barracuda had established the segment almost three years before. And while the Chevrolet Camaro debuted in September 1966, the Firebird did not enter production until February 1967. But that didn't stop it from becoming an iconic classic.
Unlike the Mustang and the Barracuda, which had to wait a few years to get big V8 engines, the Firebird was available with massive mills from day one. In addition to the entry-level inline-six and the 326-cubic-inch (5.3-liter) small-block, Pontiac's pony car also came with a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) V8 under the hood.
Rated at 325 horsepower in 1967, the engine got a Ram Air version good for 340 horses in 1968. The following year, output increased to 345 horsepower. The latter found its way into the Trans Am, a sportier package Pontiac launched in 1969.
What made the Trans Am special on top of the range-topping 400-cubic-inch V8 mill? Well, it also came with upgraded suspension, steering, and a handful of body modifications. The package included exclusive features like engine hood, spoilers, and wheels. The Trans Am became so popular that it remained in continuous production through 2002.
The first-year 1969 version is obviously the most sought-after among Trans Am collectors. But it's also the rarest because Pontiac built only 697 examples that year. There's no info on how many have survived to this day, but it's safe to say that most of the 1969 Trans Ams you've seen over the years are most likely clones. Just like the one you see here.
Why am I talking about an undesirable replica? Well, it's because this Poncho is more than just a Firebird with blue stripes and a spoiler on the trunk lid. The owner went wild and removed whatever was under the hood to make way for an LS2 V8.
Part of GM's fourth-generation small-block, the LS2 was introduced in the Chevrolet Corvette for the 2005 model year. The mill was rated 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet (542 Nm) of torque. It remained in the Corvette through 2007 but also found its way into the Chevy SSR, TrailBlazer SS, and the Cadillac CTS-V.
The 6.0-liter engine also powered the fifth and final generation of the Pontiac GTO from 2005 to 2006, so it's all that strange to see it in an old Trans Am.
Interestingly enough, the owner also slapped "428" and "Bobcat" badges on the front fascia. So this muscle car is not just a Trans Am impersonator but also wants a piece of Royal Pontiac fame. I'm talking about the Pontiacs that the said dealership stuffed with the 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8s that the company installed in full-size cars only at the time. Based on the GTO and Firebird, they were called Bobcats and are rare and desirable nowadays.
Granted, this 1969 Firebird may have an identity crisis, but it's one cool build, especially if you're into restomods. I'm not a big fan of the additional stripes and the "428 Bobcat" emblem on the front grille, but hey, a 400-horsepower Pontiac is hard to ignore, regardless of whether it's an original Trans Am or a mundane Firebird. This one is also impressively clean inside and out. Check it out in the video below.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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