It featured high bucket front and rear seating for the driver and passengers and was admired by many consumers.ġ972 Pontiac Firebird illustration (Robert Tate Collection)ĭuring its first three years of production, the Firebird models were under constant review at Pontiac. The Firebird’s interior was developed by John Schettler, who designed Pontiac interiors at the time. Many automotive historians consider the early 1970s Firebird models among the best designs in GM’s history, myself included. Bonshall, the author of “Pontiac: They Built Excitement,” said: “With its fluid shape, uncluttered lines, absence of rear quarter windows and full wheel cut-outs, the 1970 Firebird was remarkable for simplicity and elegant excitement.”ġ971 Pontiac Firebirds brochure (Robert Tate Collection) Two great GM designers directly involved with the program were Jack Humbert, who oversaw Pontiac exterior design, and the talented Bill Porter, involved with Pontiac styling since 1959. The Pontiac Firebird models had their origins as the F-car in 1966 before they were introduced to the public. In 1971, the Pontiac’s advertising slogan was “Pure Pontiac!” That was truly fitting for the newly designed Firebird models.ġ971 Pontiac Firebird advertising illustration (Robert Tate Collection) One of the Firebird’s main features was its nostril design front grille, which was different, and well-liked by consumers. The Firebird styling was influenced by the Cirrus show car, which was admired by many GM design staff members at the time. Some automotive historians over the years referred to the early Firebird models as a rolling sculpture design. They were designed under the direction and influence of Bill Mitchell (JSeptember 12, 1988), who was head of design at General Motors from 1958 to 1977.ġ970s Pontiac Firebird (General Motors Archives) The early 1970s Pontiac Firebird models were great looking automotive designs. Images Courtesy of the Robert Tate Collectionġ971 Pontiac Firebird (General Motors Archives) While the car doesn’t have a lot of options, it has everything you need to have fun and go cruising or racing at the track.By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher The seller has changed out the dash bezel to the engine turned dash and added the Formula steering wheel that was standard on the Trans Am. The 1970 Firebird came with low back bucket seats that were changed to one piece high back buck seats in 1971. Once you open the door, the car continues to shine. The car has the correct chrome exhaust tips and new BFG Radial TA tires and KYB shocks. I like the rear spoiler on the back of this Firebird Esprit which was a step up from the base Firebird and below the Formula and Trans Am in the model line up. It was recently repainted and is equipped with Rally II rims with no trim rings (like the Trans Am). The seller states that the car is rust free and the paint looks great.
I have a friend with a 1969 GTO that has the 370 horsepower 428 cubic inch V8 engine under the hood and it is a stump puller making it fun to drive.
There is not a lot of information about the source of the engine but the Grand Prix had a 370 horsepower and 390 horsepower 428 cubic inch engine as their top performers. The 428 cubic inch V8 engine was available in full size Pontiac cars in the late 1960’s as well as the Grand Prix. The car has power steering and power brakes as well as factory air conditioning. There are 7 days remaining in the listing.Ī surprise under the hood is a non-original 428 cubic inch V8 Pontiac engine backed by an automatic transmission. There is no option to make an offer but I am sure you could contact the seller. The Firebird is listed for sale here on eBay with a Buy It Now Price of $27,700. While the car is not a flashy as a Trans Am, it has the great lines of the second generation Firebird that was introduced in the middle of the year in 1970 with production running all the way through 1981. This 1970 Pontiac Firebird Esprit located in Lake Worth, Florida looks great painted in Lucerne Blue. Florida is a popular state to own a cool muscle car.
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