Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Trans Am in brief

The Firebird was introduced on February 23, 1967, just five months after the Chevrolet Camaro, with which it shared the F-body platform. It was designed to compete with the Ford Mustang and was produced until 2002. The Trans Am is the sportier, more distinctive version of the Firebird, debuting in 1969.

For over three decades, the Trans Am stood out with powerful V8 engines, aerodynamic add-ons, and a striking style. Thanks to its popularity in movies and TV, it became a true pop culture icon.

Which generation to choose

The first generation (1967–1969) features a Coke bottle-shaped body, and in 1969, the first Trans Am appeared—a rare and collector's item. The second generation (1970½–1981) is the most popular classic version. In 1979, a record number of Trans Ams were sold, and the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit popularised the black gold Trans Am with the Firebird bird on the hood.

The third generation (1982–1992) features a lower, more aerodynamic body and a more modern driving experience. The 1982 model also became the car KITT in the TV series „Knight Rider“. The fourth generation (1993–2002) uses more modern V8 engines and is the latest and most readily available Trans Am for daily use.

Engines and transmissions

The first-generation 1969 Trans Am was offered with a 6.6-litre (400 cubic inch) „Ram Air III“ V8 (around 335 hp), or optionally with the „Ram Air IV“ (around 345 hp). In the second generation, the most common V8 engines were the 6.6-litre (400 cubic inch) and the larger 7.5-litre (455 cubic inch) units; later on, you might also find the „Oldsmobile“ 6.6-litre (403 cubic inch) engine.

In 1980–1981, the „Turbo Trans Am“ was offered with a 4.9-litre (301 cubic inch) V8 with a turbocharger. Transmissions varied by generation: from four-speed manuals and three-speed automatics to six-speed manuals and four-speed automatics in the fourth generation.

The fourth-generation Trans Am came with a 5.7-litre V8: early models (1993–1997) had the LT1, later ones (1998–2002) the LS1 (around 305 hp), and with the WS6 package around 320 hp.

What to check when buying a used Trans Am

One of the key questions is whether the car is genuinely a Trans Am. Many standard „Firebird“ models are converted into Trans Ams, so check the VIN, body, and engine numbers, and if possible, the manufacturer’s documents. Original documents are especially important for 1969 and other rare Trans Ams.

Inspect the body: floor, sills, wheel arches, sill beams, and the rear screen. On second-generation cars with removable roof panels ("T-top"), check the seals — water often seeps in through aging seals. On fourth-generation LT1 engines, check the "Opti-Spark" distributor, as water can get into it.

Most Trans Ams are imported from the USA, so check the car's history, accident data, and documents beforehand. The supply of spare parts in the USA is vast, so finding parts is usually straightforward.

Trans Am generations and versions

Names and equipment vary by year; we list the main Trans Am versions.

Comparison of generations

For most buyers, the fourth-generation Trans Am will be the most appealing – it's the easiest to find and the most modern. Those seeking a classic should opt for the second generation, while the 1969 Trans Am is strictly for collectors.

Frequently asked questions