Many had seen the Trans AM in the movies, admired its sportiness, and even dreamed of it, but most didn’t know that the model was created because of the fast-growing popularity of the pony car market, which emerged in 1964 through the Ford Mustang.
Source: Mecum Auctions
From 1962 to 1969 was stellar for Pontiac. During this period, the company created such iconic vehicles as the compact Pontiac Tempest, the first American muscle car, the Pontiac GTO, the Firebird pony car with the Trans AM modification, and the Grand Prix, a mid-size luxury coupe. The flagship model of the pony car series, named Trans Am, had made the wildest dreams of automotive enthusiasts come true. The automobile, with a huge phoenix on the hood, became a symbol of American supercars of the 70s. The last model of the second generation of the series, released in 1978, was equipped with two versions of the V8 engine with a volume of 6.5 and exclusive 6.6 liters. Unfortunately, the fuel crisis of the early 70s put an end to these powerful and fast automobiles, although this mighty automobile was produced in 1981.
Source: American Dream Machines
The creation of the Pontiac Trans Am can be traced back to the mid-1960s when Pontiac, a division of General Motors, aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of muscle cars in the American automotive market. The Trans Am was developed as a high-performance version of the Pontiac Firebird, which itself was introduced as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. In 1967, the Pontiac Firebird was unveiled to the public as a 1968 model-year car. It was available in various trims and engine options, but it wasn’t until a few years later that the iconic Trans Am model came into existence. The birth of the Trans Am can be attributed to a group of Pontiac engineers and designers led by John Z. DeLorean, who recognized the need to create a more powerful and aggressive version of the Firebird. DeLorean, along with his team, aimed to establish the Trans Am as a performance-oriented muscle car that would compete with other renowned models in the market. The first Pontiac Trans Am was introduced as a trim option for the Firebird in 1969. It featured a distinctive and bold appearance, with a prominent front grille, hood scoops, and a rear spoiler. The Trans Am was equipped with a range of powerful V8 engines, providing impressive performance on the road. One of the most significant years in the history of the Trans Am was 1970 when Pontiac introduced the second-generation model. This redesign brought notable changes to the car’s exterior and interior, giving it a more aerodynamic and aggressive look. The Trans Am became even more popular, thanks to its association with the iconic “Screaming Chicken” decal on the hood. Over the years, Pontiac continued to refine and improve the Trans Am, incorporating advancements in technology and design. The Trans Am gained further fame and recognition through its appearances in popular culture, including its prominent role in the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit.”
Source: Barrett-Jackson
The 1977 release received noticeable changes, particularly the new bigger front bumper which increased the car mass significantly. This was done according to the safety regulations, to extinguish the blow in the event of an accident and other changes. In 1977, the designers replaced the single round headlights with twin rectangular ones, combined with a two-halves grille. The new release inherited body-color integrated plastic bumpers, a panoramic rear window, and taillights covered with grilles from the previous models. The engine part received serious updates. The 6.6-liter V8 400 developing 180 hp in package L78 or 200 hp in the W72 package, was installed only on the Trans Am modification, complete with a “shaker” air intake with the inscription “T/A 6.6”. The W72 version differed from the L78 with chrome valve covers. In California and the highlands, a 6.6-liter Oldsmobile V8 403 (L80) with 185 hp was used instead of the V8 400. As before, this modification was equipped with a reinforced suspension, front disc brakes, front and rear spoilers, a “firebird” image on the hood, a sports steering wheel, and an anodized aluminum instrument panel. Sales of Trans AM in 1977 reached 68745 automobiles. Moreover, the most popular of the entire series was the Trans Am Special Edition produced from 1977 to 1978. It was painted black with gold accents or gold with black accents.
Source: Mecum Auctions
Hollywood movies would not be the same without iconic American vehicles. The famous action comedy “Smokey and the Bandit” featured a 1977 black and gold Pontiac Trans Am. The protagonist arranged amazing races on the iconic pony car, trying to get rid of the police for delivering beer from Texas to Georgia. During the filming, five automobiles were crushed, and only one remained on the move, assembled from the spare parts of its “broken comrades”.
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