Makes and Models: Trans Am

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.

The origins

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.”

The 1977 model year

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.

Did you know?

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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Starting with building a sports car, Pontiac eventually developed the Trans AM, one of the most successful American muscle cars, which became a real legend. It was practically the very first real muscle car in the world.

Source: American Muscle Car Museum

In 1969, the iconic modification of the Pontiac Trans AM, named after the Trans American racing series, entered the market for the first time (interestingly the model never participated there). Externally, the Pontiac Firebird Trans AM of 1969 differed from the regular version of the model in bright white body color and two longitudinal blue stripes along the upper plane. A spoiler appeared on the trunk lid. The machine was equipped with the most productive “engine” – a 6.6-liter V8 with “Ram Air III” and “Ram Air IV” packages, as well as a modified suspension that allowed it to corner at higher speeds and more precise steering.

Historical reference

Source: Exotic Cars of Houston

The first Pontiac Firebird, which rolled off the production line in late 1967, was actually not quite the machine that plant general manager John DeLorean imagined. He wanted a sports vehicle equipped with two specially designed seats. However, instead, at the insistence of GМ top management, the company had to build the muscle car on the same basis as the Chevrolet Camaro. However, Pontiac’s new model was quite different from the Camaro. Launched as a new American road machine, Firebird quickly became highly popular. On the verge of the popularity of pony cars a new racing series called Trans Am was created, capable of competing even with real sports vehicle competitions. During this time, Jim Wangers was in charge of advertising for General Motors. He once recalled: “The racing version was practically the first entry of American machines into big-time motorsport.” For more than 30 years of production, more than 2 million copies were sold. At the same time, Pontiac engineers constantly continued to improve the model until it became a world-class muscle car. And their greatest achievement was their huge popularity: it was a great opportunity for those boys and girls who were too young to own and drive a real racing machine but still wanted a real American muscle car.

Difficult 70s

Source: Vintage Car Collector

The beginning of the 70s was a tough time for mighty muscle fans. The insurance lobby pushed for large price increases for high-performance vehicles, and consumer enthusiasm began to wane. Well, the fuel crisis that followed, drove the final nail into the coffin of muscle and pony machines. But at Pontiac, until the last, they believed in the wonderful future of their sports offspring. By 1974, the high-performance V-8 engine had all but disappeared from the American market. So Chevrolet stopped making the Z/28, while the Trans Am continued to improve. This model enjoyed extraordinary popularity. Fans of the model loved it primarily for its powerful engine, bold style, and excellent handling.

1975 release

Despite all the difficulties of the time, the Firebird even managed to increase sales – as many as 84,063 vehicles (and Trans AM increased sales 3 times compared to 1974) for the entire 1975! Catalytic converters had become mandatory this year, and fuel economy had brought new standards. The 1975 edition featured a more aggressive look. Flashes, spoilers, an air intake on the hood, extractors, and distinctive Firebird decals appeared on the machine. The 1975 model year exterior featured more rounded rear windows, changed rooflines, and turn signals were inserted into the grille. Also,  the model abandoned the Super Duty engine, and the TurboHydramatic 400 automatic. For this, a smaller TurboHydramatic 350 automatic was found to be sufficient. Extras on the release included air conditioning, tilt steering, power brakes, and power steering. In total, 27,274 Trans Ams were produced in 1975.

Did You know?

Source: Vintage Car Collector

The Pontiac Trans AM has become a real treasure not only for collectors but also for film lovers. The 1975 release appeared in such films and TV series as The Junkman, 1982, The Usual Suspects, 1995, Superman, 1978, The Rockford Files, 1974-1980, The Fall Guy, 1981-1986, Silk Stalkings, 1991-1999, Samurai Cop, 1991 and more.

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