PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM : SECOND GENERATION

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

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[@tevinhoward4419]

A blast from the past since Smokey and the bandit

[@jeffdurkin9341]

My wife and I are the original owners of a 1978 Trans Am , TA 6.6 Chesterfield brown with 151,000 original miles. The TA is stock accept for true dual exhausts. It still can chirp the tires at second gear on the turbo 350. It doesn’t burn any oil and is still powerful with the shaker open. It is still fun to drive in the time machine. 😎

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Yeah Jeff, I owned a 78 in blue and a 78 Formula in black/gold. I like the Formula better. I'm trying to find one but rust buckets or pricey. Heck, I would be ok with the Esprit and make it into a Formula. lol Thanks for watching and the comment. We hope you can help by subscribing if you haven't already.

[@thud9797]

Friend's Dad bought him one brand new back in 78, same color brown with tan base interior and automatic, too bad it wasn't a 4-speed but it was a Pontiac 400 so would that be a W72?

[@deanmcintosh693]

Yep whether it’s a 4 speed or a 3 speed auto as long as it has the 400 it’s a W72

[@Thesaltymedic36]

That bandit car 😍 always loved it. That gold 78 was wild too and screams 70’s

[@randyt6593]

Great video and very accurate. I have a 1975 trans am which I bought new and still have it to this day. It is the first car that I bought. It turned heads back then and continues to turn heads now. I met my wife with this car and the rest is history.

[@catjudo1]

My first car was a '70 Firebird, so I have a major soft spot for these cars. It was the base car, with the 350 option and a three speed Hydromatic. It was 21 years old when I bought it, and as such it had some significant rust damage but the engine and mechanicals were in surprising shape. Compared to most everything else on the road, the car was fast, even with the base 350. For an American car, it handled very well and it was a good long distance cruiser as well. It didn't have A/C, but back then I was young, fearless and apparently resistant to heat. The summer after I got it I hit the open road, all of seventeen years old, and drove a three thousand mile road trip over the summer. Best trip I ever took, and no one believed me when I showed up senior year in HS. Another accomplishment that no one believed was that I smoked a Ferrari with that car, even with my girlfriend with me to witness. (It was a Mondial convertible with two jocks in front and two floozies in back, but it was a Ferrari and he tried to race me. So I left him behind.) I drove the car for five and a half years, enjoying the miles, but eventually I wanted something that didn't beat me to death with wind noise. I wish I could get another one, in considerably better shape overall, maybe a Formula 400 in black or dark green. No plastic crap on the body to ruin the lines, like my car. I think about it sometimes, and the memories are good.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Base car or not, it be nice to have one now Sterling! Thanks for watching! Hope you subscribe to our channel if you haven't already!

[@clevlandblock]

I'm 71 years old. I've been a car guy since about 1964. I lived the entire original musclecar era and I've owned too many of them to list here. I currently have a 2016 SS sedan, a 2014 GT500, and a 1998 C5. The best, most exciting musclecars I ever owned however, were two SD-455 cars...a 74 Formula and a 74 TA 4 speed. By the way, I got the 74 TA in 1978 and still own it today.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

You still own the 74! Wow....that is cool Daniel. I owned the 78 TA and Formula. I liked the Formula better. Just my two cents. Thanks for watching and for sharing. We hope you've subscribed to our channel.

[@kentbakeman2487]

My first car was a '76 Formula, black w/ gold accents, 400 4-barrel, 400 auto, and T-tops. Loved that car, still looking to buy another one just like it.

[@patricksantana3337]

Mine was a 75 Trans Am, silver with a 400 C.I. motor and 4 speed. The silver color was matched with a black interior and the big bird on the hood. The best looking car I ever owned, but not very fast as they de-tuned the 400 C.I. motor to 195 hp. As a former drag racer, I would estimate a quarter mile time between 16.5 to 17.5 seconds, although I never tried the track. Sure was beauty though.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Hey Patrick, They sure are beauties! Thanks for watching. Make sure a subscribe.

[@thud9797]

I had a used 75 in 82, wanted the silver with black interior but found a nice white with blue interior 4-speed and bought it, nice car and bird delete which I hated, I wanted the bird but never got around to getting one out on.

[@randyt6593]

I have the same since new only in buccaneer red and made the shaker hood functional. As far as actual hp. G.M. downplayed the figures on paper to meet gov't. requirements. Nevertheless considering the competition of the time and mandated restrictions it still was a big winner.

[@Primus54]

My favorite years for the Trans Am’s styling were ‘77 & ‘78… you just can’t beat that Batmobile front end and the paint schemes. But my favorite performance model was ‘71. If you could clone the two… that represents perfection! (And yes, I’m subscribed!)

[@grand73am]

Great video! A couple more interesting facts about the 79 is that it was the highest production year for Trans Am in history with 117,108 produced. 2nd highest production was 78, with 93,341 TA's produced. The Pontiac 400 engine was being discontinued, so they stopped making the 400 during the 78 model year, and stockpiled them for 78-79. By 79, there were only about 8400 Pontiac 400's leftover from 78 to use in 79. So in 79, they put those leftover 400's in 4 speed cars only, until they sold out. The Olds 403 was the standard engine for a 79 TA, and came only with an automatic. So, the vast majority of 79 TA's came with 403's. Of the 117K TA's produced in 79, almost 95K of those were 403 automatics.

[@Stone-cm9zl]

My sister’s boyfriend bought a new 79 bandit edition with a 403. What a beauty. I have owned all new and all black and gold in 85 and 96 with the six speed. Loved it. My favorite 79

[@tedshort6260]

I had a 79 midnight blue T/A with T Tops and a 403. I really loved that car.

[@grand73am]

Yes, fun cars they are. I have a 79 TA with t-tops and 403 in that color. The factory called it Nocturne blue that year. It was one year only color, by the way.

[@Jim-jh79fb]

Mine is midnight metallic blue also

[@nolarobert]

This video reminded me that Jim Rockford drove a Pontiac Firebird Esprit back in the 70s. I may not have a Firebird but I can still pull a Rockford!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

We used to watch the Rockford Files all the time! Thanks for watching and the comments!

[@emeyer6963]

@@ThisOldCarChannel 74 Esprit 400 for season 1 then converted Formula 400's made to look like Esprit's from 1975 through 1978 model years.Jim Garner didn't like the look of the new nose and tail on the 79's so he opted to use the 78' until the series ended production in late 1979.

[@emeyer6963]

Jim Garner sold just as many Firebird's for Pontiac as Burt Reynolds sold Trans Am's

[@astrofire68]

I’ve got a ‘75 400 4 speed T/A in Stellar Blue with blue interior. All numbers matching with the stronger 400 engine just before they changed to thinner castings. A previous owner opened up the hood scoop,and put a flapper on it, and put on a dual system with chrome splitters. Otherwise it’s stock. I absolutely love this car. Purchased it in 2013. I prefer my anonymity but you can’t go anywhere in this car without people coming up to admire it. I really wish I grew up in America. So many great cars, including the T/A, that were never sold new here in Oz.

[@paulhansen7667]

While cars like the Firebird didn't have the insane power that some cars have today, it was easy to toss around and was a blast to drive. Drivers accustomed to traction control and antilock brakes wouldn't have survived long when I was young.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Yeah, I tossed mine into a tree in 1983. lol Not that bad of damage. Running from the cops on a Saturday night. He gave me a ticket for speeding and collision. I said "collision? I hit a tree?" He said "YES, you collided with a tree. What if the tree dies" My friend told me to shut up. We had already had three beers. Thanks for watching and the comment Paul. We hope you are a subscriber.

[@AJ-dl7te]

Amen!!! We could drive back than. My 77 TA could go live hell...keeping it going straight and stopping was always work.

[@rickintexas1584]

Smokey and the Bandit made everyone a Trans Am fan. But I could not afford one. A year after I graduated college in 1986 I bought an 86 Red Trans Am. That car was gorgeous. It was anemic by today’s standards. But for the time it had some definite low end torque, plus it just looked gorgeous.

[@chrisriccio3532]

My favorite is the 79 400 4spd WS6. Had 4 wheel disc which you didn't mention, and nicer new interiors with the Hobnail cloth. I also like the tail lights best in the 79 TA. However, I'm a 2nd gen fan so I'd take any of them from 70-79 no losers in the bunch.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for sharing Chris! Thanks for watching. Please subscribe!

[@SwissRuediger]

1977, childhood memories, smokey and the bandit:-) thanks a lot

[@trentryan27]

My dad had a '79 when I was a kid, like that front end now it has become one of my bucket list cars to own

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Hey Trent. My bro had two 79s. Thanks for watching. Make sure a subscribe.

[@papashark2345]

excellent video story, etc. thanks so much

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks!

[@richardmehedan]

I had a 1970 Trans Am. The coolest car I have ever owned. I now have a 1976 455 Trans Am. Second coolest car I've ever owned. Lol Fun rides!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Lucky you Richard! I had a '78 T/A and Formula. Like the Formula better. Bought both at different times in the early 80s. Thanks for watching and we hope you're a subscriber.

[@hickeyskustomresto]

I drive a '79 esprit with the all gauges dash and rear spoiler. Blue on blue. Well faded all original survivor. Just love how it drives

[@yukonjack.]

Bought my 79 10th anniversary 4- speed TA in 84 still own it today... damn where does the time go!⚡🎭✌️

[@michaelbarry8373]

I bought a new 1979 Formula 6.6. I was 20 then. Had that car for 15 years. Atlantis blue/ nocturn blue. Did not drive in winter or rain. Last time I saw it was at a car show in a mall, some years after I sold it, I recognized it as my former car. I must admit, I choked up a bit there.

[@davidp2888]

I had a 73 Esprit and my father had a '77 Formula. I loved those cars and wish I'd kept mine. Maybe I'll find a good one someday soon.

[@chuckpascal7585]

No mention of the Rockford Files?

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Dang Chuck...You're right. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe.

[@namastemcl]

I had a 1979 Firebird Formula it was Nocturne Blue with oyster interior. It was a great car I wish I had kept it.

[@richardgarrison986]

I had a 1969 Bird, 400, 6.7ci, tuned to around 375hp. Silver, black vinyl top. Bought new for around $4000.00 or about $1.00 per pound. Sold it in 2000 for $5,000. Miss it.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

WOW Richard...You certainly got your moneys worth out of it and then some. I bet you took care of it. Thanks for watching! My brother and I hope you enjoyed the video and subscribed to our channel to help us out.

[@Shariniscaring]

This channel deserves more subscribers

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks to you, we're getting there!

[@cougarfarmer]

Great work on this video. It was very accurate. The beauty of these cars is the they are setup to support a big block engine. The Pontiac 350, 400, 455 are all the same size externally. Very easy to switch to a bigger engine. Pontiac made changes in the cylinder heads to raise or lower the compression ratio. In one day a person can swap factory heads and the compression ratio can go from 7.6:1 to above 12.0:1, in some cases. All you have to do is learn the heads, do the math and buy new headers. Every Pontiac owner should go through the this rite of passage. Sometimes it takes hours to install them, but they are worth it. I do not know why Chevrolet was not to use the 454 big block in the Camaro. 1972 or 1973 was last of the big blocks for Camaro. My Can Am was a smogger toad in stock form. I changed the cam in the 400 to a Comp Cam street unit. I changed the intake to an Edelbrock P4B. Headers rounded off the update. It was quick, not super fast. Super fast came when I switched to a 455. Pontiac loved to build performance cars. The government slapped them down. Pontiac was prestance in the search for horsepower. Yes it's power was down from 1970, it could still take down a big block Camaro SS and the almighty Corvette. Pontiac delivered low end torque and they not very slow. They were faster than the Camaro. GM had a performance hierarchy, which was this. Corvette was number one in acceleration, number two was the Trans Am, 3 was the Z/28, then the Formula. The Rockford Files always used a Formula disguised as an Esprit.

[@phantom0456]

I know everyone loves the later-70’s Bandit T/A’s, but I love the earlier front styling with the round headlights and the SD 455’s are the baddest second gen T/A’s and Formulas that Pontiac made!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Right on

[@garyg2318]

I have a 70 and 1/2 formula 400, it's a beautiful yellow with genuine RM air IV, I love it, and get a lot of love from onlookers what a thrill to curse in ;)

[@garyg2318]

Wish I could post pic on here : (

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

WOW! I had a '78 Formula and T/A. Bought the Formula in 82 as a senior in HS then sold it and bought the T/A. I liked the Formula much better! Wish I had one again. Glad you still have yours Gary and wish we could see it. This weekend we're going to open our Boca Brothers Facebook page. Post it there. We'll announce here by end of week.

[@vassa1972]

One of my favorites growing up especially the late 70's bandit version very cool car

[@terrymorelanddg955]

I’ve had two 78’s and a 82.1978 are badass

[@Dreamersroc]

Always wanted the last year made 2002

[@mattwilson3244]

1976 was the death knell of the performance Pony Car .I was 24 and ,I knew it . Never really got it back , took into the 90's to even Resemble 69_70 numbers .for performance .

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for the info Matt. Thanks for watching and the comment. We hope you can help by subscribing if you haven't already.

[@melrose9252]

Today’s cars have far exceeded the performance of the 69-70 cars.

[@JoeR203]

70-73 had the best looking front end. Someone who lived down the street from me had a white one with blue stripes. My cousin's neighbor had a red Espirit with chrome Cragars. Dumbass got drunk one night and wrecked his car. I remember an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard having a silver Trans Am in one of the car chase scenes. Now let's see an episode for the 70-74 Barracuda. 🙂

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and the comment Joe! We hope you subscribe to our channel if you haven't already. Boca Brother #2

[@JoeR203]

@@ThisOldCarChannel I subscribed. Waiting on that Barracuda video. ;-)

[@garrisonnichols7372]

Eastbound and Down! RIP Burt Reynolds may your T- Tops never leak and your Coors beer always stay cold.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

hahaha! Thanks for watching Garrison!

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I remember everyone wanting a Coors! Not because it tasted better, it doesn't, but because they were illegal in Georgia. If you had a Cooler of Course, you was an outlaw. Lol. Once it became legal, no one wanted one. But after Smokey, it was the most craved beer.

[@donaldcrabbe7404]

I, always, wanted an Esprit. Great video!

[@jasonhak4684]

The '70 R/A IV for power, the '76 best looking of them all.

[@notsure1276]

73 trans am with 400 was my first car.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Awesome car. Thanks for watching!

[@davisdelp9654]

1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit... thank you....

[@DustyBalz]

My first car was a 71 formula 400, gu owned smashed the front fender while drunk and was in jail. I bought from his mom for $350 and hung a new fender on it. I bought an 84 TA with a 5.0 liter HO off the showroom floor new. A great car! I now own a 78 TA , black and gold with a W72, absolute blast to drive

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Lucky you Dusty! A '78 black and gold? wow. I had a '78 TA in blue and a '78 Formula in black with Gold. I like the Formula better. I almost got busted. Friend and me were cruising on a Sat night. Had a 12 and cop turned around. I headed into a neighborhood but they had milled the street and my 78 Form slid into a tree. We were 18. while I was trying to lose them we dumped what was left of the 12 pack which was about 8! They never asked if we were drinking. Cop gave me a tix for speeding and collision. I said for hitting a tree? My best friend told me to shut up. lol. Thanks for watching and for sharing. We hope you're a subscriber if your not already?

[@JEEPDadXJ]

I've got a 1977 Formula Firebird 350 that I'm restoring.

[@artwallace2823]

Drove many of these,they were also new,The only one to worry about was the 455,no bandit no ground afects,one of the guys got killed in one,THEY ARE PRETTY..

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

I owned the 78 TA and Formula Art. Loved them both. Thanks for watching and for sharing. We hope you've subscribed to our channel.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

The front of the 1970-1973 were meant to resemble the beak of the Phoenix! Proud to say that Smokey & the Bandit {my all time favorite} was filmed around my hometown area the summer of '76 {I was 12} & I got to see parts of it being filmed as I was living in between Jonesboro & Conyers Georgia before we moved to Covington in '77 which is where they started filming Dukes of Hazzard the next year & I got to be an extra in {KZbin video Dukes Of Hazzard : Chase From 1st Episode} which you will also see a blue '77 Trans Am parked on the square & it was the same square I was in 1981 when Burt landed his plane to get beer in Cannonball Run {KZbin Cannonball Plane} & Burt talks about getting another Trans Am to drive! I have owned a few Firebirds & Trans Ams between a 1967 blue 326 until my last one a 1998 black WS6 Ttop LS-1 6sp & had a lot of great memories growing up there - PEACE LOVE n HIPPYNESS!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and the interesting read Beaver!

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

@@ThisOldCarChannel just my experiences with some classic cars & classic movies & TV show

[@ronsmith7739]

In the 1970's in Trans Am racing, the Firebird racing team found with the rear facing hood scoops (Ram Air scoops) above 90 plus MPH, their was a slight vacuum on the hood. The Firebird racing team asked if they could have the hood scoop face forward toward the front of the car and hood. The sanctioning body, Sports Car Club of America, said no. So the Firebird team took the hood scoop off and just left them off. Later the Firebird team used the twin Formula 400 hood scoop worked better and that was that.

[@kevinrundle3167]

I've been gaga over the '70 TA all my life!

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Had a high school friend of ours who owned two! Bad ass cars. Thanks for watching and for sharing Kevin. We hope you're a subscriber if your not already?

[@ronduz1281]

My brother had the 1978 TA 6.6 4 spd Red black interior I had them 1979 trans am with. TA 4.9 automatic

[@loucaruso3971]

Forgot To Mention In 1979, If You Got An Automatic, It Was Oldsmobile 403, & The Standard 4 Speed Had Pontiac 400 !!!!....

[@tomrodgers6629]

I had a lot of T/As a 71, 77 a couple of 79 a 80 and 81 turbo a 82 ( my knight rider car) and last but not least my 95. I hope to get a 98 thru 02 WS6 in the future. When I die burry me in my T/A.

[@stevejohnson1397]

I don't believe that the ram air V was released to the public it was strictly for racing

[@AliceEmpireBreadfan]

I don't even know why it was mentioned. No RA5 was put into a production car.

[@interestingstory2498]

Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am is very classic super car model that is proud of USA Automobile.

[@robertvance1873]

I love the 1977 Trans am, sadly they detuned the hell out of them a friend of mine years ago had a Bandit Edition, beautiful but slow, my two door 76 Buick Electra would leave it in the dust.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

I had both the 78 T/A and the 78 Formula Firebird. Guy I bought the Formula from put a 455 in it with a double pumper. That thing ran when I was in high school in the early 80s. I would beat the corvettes. I would beat the 911 at the start but not for too long after. Thanks for watching.

[@robertvance1873]

@@ThisOldCarChannel I bet that was a Screamer

[@melrose9252]

There was a Black & Gold Special Edition but no “Bandit Edition.”

[@robertvance1873]

@@melrose9252 I know there was because I know what the kids daddy paid for it and it wasn't cheap, it said bandit edition in the seats and the door handles plus it was stitched in the dash board

[@bittitab5963]

The 2. Gen und the last 3 Years of the 4. Gen. were the most pretty Bird's.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Agree Bitti.. Thanks for watching and we hope you're a subscriber.

[@geraldscott4302]

My favorite year was 1976, in silver, without the T tops.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

I had 78 in blue and a Formula in black. I like the Formula better Gerald. Thanks for watching and the comment. We hope you can help by subscribing if you haven't already.

[@BLACKWOLF-1911]

Always loved the t/a, to bad the hp was so low, but those were rules then.

[@Phantasm57]

can someone answer a question for me? i know the 1980-81 were the only firebirds/ T/A's to have a turbo but what was used for cooling since they to my knowledge didnt have an intercooler?

[@MrBlaze256]

You only need intercooler with more than 8 psi boost

[@Phantasm57]

@@MrBlaze256 thanks for the reply. i found plenty of info about modding them but not how they were set up from factory

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching and the comments everyone! It's pros like you that make it happen.

[@mattwilson3244]

All turbocharged cars of the 80's were Weak boost .low power engines ,Except ,maybe Buick .

[@thud9797]

Yeah they thought the Turbo 4.9 would run like the W72 with better fuel economy but didn't happen.

[@gofast3209]

Just think when these were new it was just a car. Not sought after like they are today.

[@HighSockDavid]

In the ‘70s they were more the “h2 hummers” of the time a fad car they sold a lot from 76-79 due to Smokey and the bandit but by the mid eighties the were just an older muscle car kinda cool but just a car

[@addisonstansfield8501]

Who did the narration? It sounded great.

[@abdulabdanahib9617]

1978 my favorite

[@thomasbalzano2429]

I have two T/As a 77 and a 74 SD 455 had them since new

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Wow Thomas! That's amazing. Don't let go of them.

[@Irod69]

I have my 1979 TA starlight black silver chicken no t tops 403 Olds motor 58,000 original miles an plan to keep it for many more years I got it in 1988

[@anthonyvee]

1975. Still have it...

[@davidkastin4240]

Another very good video! Keep it up and it won't be long till 100,000 subscribers 👍

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks David!

[@lindaeasley5606]

When I was in highschool in the 1970s the cool cars were the Camaro ,Firebird and Trans Am . Unfortunately ,they were no longer muscle cars by then due to government regulations

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

We agree. I had a 1978 Formula and Trans Am. The T/A was a dog sled but the guy I bought the Formula from worked up the engine. It was much faster! I'd beat 1982 Corvettes when I was a senior in high school in it. I couldn't beat the 911 after 50 yards. They would just pass me by at about 50-60 yards. Thanks for watching!

[@gunman-6646]

My favorite is the 1978- 1980

[@jesuschristpose896]

What these cars lacked in horsepower, they made up in styling, I owned a black 79 and it's still my favorite car that I have ever owned

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

They just LOOKED good! Thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe.

[@luisaacosta1181]

I love all of them. ❤

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Yeah but tell us how you really feel about the Mustang II. LOL .....Thanks for watching.

[@luisaacosta1181]

Fords are not for me...🤷‍♂️

[@benjaminivey8420]

75 Firebird Formula 400 WOW!!

[@Educatingben]

It's funny that you don't mention the fact that James Garner drove the Pontiac Firebird Esprit for six years of the Rockford files making the Firebird a very popular car and solidifying it's popularity was Smokey and the bandit.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

And one of my favorite TV shows too! Thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe!

[@flyhouseoftruth470]

I had one of those (Trans Am) and it was fast, but it was rusted so bad I was afraid the rear axl would detach from the rest of the car if I really got into it. Traded it for a Mustang convertable 5.0 that was much more solid but clearly not as fast..

[@curtismuma1931]

80 81s were the best looking. Same with the cameras. Thou not the fastest. Great to drive

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

They looked really stockier. I agree on the Camaro. Nice look to them Curtis. Thanks for watching and the comment. We hope you can help by subscribing if you haven't already.

[@sdime9858]

I had a 79 T/A and yeah it wasn't that fast but it was a real fun car to drive

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

They are just so cool looking Jeffery. Thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe!

[@boriskowalski324]

1974 manel transmision is my favorite

[@ludedude5228]

A Ram Air 5 ? Holy Bat-mobile That's a 7 figure car , if you can even find one been around cars since the 70's Never even knew they made those, never saw one on the streets either You Bro's need to do a video just on that engine option alone

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe!

[@Wickhaven1]

My 71 Formula 455 had Honeycombs from the factory

[@Andrew-sv6zq]

My first car was a 1977 dark blue Esprit. Total POS. Like every other teen, I wanted a Firebird or a Camaro. It had the 301 v-8. It leaked oil and nothing really worked on it. This was back in 1984. Eventually I ran it into someone back yard wall on a rainy day after taking my SAT tests. That was the end of it. Honestly, I don't miss that car.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

I would love one now Andrew. Thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe.

[@jeffcampbell2710]

I can't understand GM removing Pontiac. O'Bammy had his finger in that after GM took Bail Out Money, and O'Bammys Government got all up in it. I wonder if O'Bammy didn't like the saying for P.O.N.T.I.A.C? I've owned mostly Chevy's. But I loved the Buicks and Pontiacs. A 70's TA, 66+ GTO, The 67+ Skylark, 65+ Rivera, Duece n a quarter, The Judge, GSX, and the Old 442, Cutlass, They were all good. But, Pontiac was special. They were always about going fast. And there just isn't More beautiful cars than the 70+ Trans-am.

[@altonkenne579]

I have a friend that had a trans am the same as the picture you put .when we were in highschool i think it had a 400 cid engine hey boca bros you hit the snake hunts you might have seen it it belonged to victor laredo

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

The Snake hunts! Thanks for watching Alton!

[@firebird5288]

Firebirds are unappreciated. Pontiac actually did a lot for Chevy that many don't know. Pontiac designed the C3 and C4 Corvette along with the 5th gen Camaro.

[@benij.2621]

In the the year 1980 I turn 22 years old I wen to buy my first car I got myself a used car it was a 1978 Pontiac trans am I put down payment $ 5000dollars man I was the happiest man on earth I pay Total of 12,409-31i still got the paperwork the car end up in the junkyard my little brother crush in a big three the year 2001 was the end of the car the passenger guy broke a hip my brother broke his right hand sad end history

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Aww man! Thank sucks! I bought a used 1978 Formula Firebird Black and gold in my senior year in 1982. Loved that car! Sold it a year later and bought a 78 T/A from my neighbor. Traded it in for a 78 Honda accord because I could no longer afford the gas. Kick myself in the ass! Thanks for watching.

[@deanmcintosh693]

Iv owned a 1978 t/a 400 hurst 4 speed in chesterfield brown for 20 years with build sheets and original booklets & p/ work full import vehicle to Australia in 1978 original 55,000 kms not miles

[@georgewilson1184]

70 - 72 were best

[@captnron59]

Bounced all around the horse power of the 455/400. Fire chicken not screaming.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@dennisazzopardi2089]

this was the Disco car, Going up. Real men drove Chargers,Cudas,Challenges .

[@Jim-jh79fb]

1979 my favorite year sleek front nose but I'm a little bias I am a original owner of one since new with 49200 miles in midnight metallic blue

[@janfswedane]

First, The Firebird was a far better car than the Camaro... It was better built, better quality materials was used since it was a more expensive car. I owned a 1977 T/A in Gold Metallic (Reverse Edition) with a 400 cui Pontiac engine and a THM400. Yes, it was slower, but quite easy to wake up since GM had done their best to assure it could not breathe and had a single super small exhaust. With a new intake, headers and dual exhaust it woke up.. As a lot of other owners, I still regret the day I sold it.. Nothing beats a Sunny sunday with the T-tops off...

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

I love them both Jan. Merry Christmas and thanks for watching. Make sure and subscribe!

[@janfswedane]

@@ThisOldCarChannel Thank you so much for your reply. I love Camaros too, but I find it slightly odd that Camaros do command a premium price over a similar Firebird - T/A. Same thing happens to The GS Buicks when compared with an SS Chevelle. Having owned a 1968 GS 400 4 speed convertible for years it was the same thing. The built quality on the GS is far better than anything The Bowtie Boys ever built. I live in Scandinavia where wr do have our share of old US Iron, but still they are rare and far between. Yes, I do subscribe.. Merry Christmas

[@bartsullivan4866]

I don't know those 1970's models still look gorgeous compared to those 1980's models yesterday's news my ass.

[@robertsmolinski8685]

1976 black and gold 455 with 4 speed

[@jimmybanta4520]

My 76 6.6 ram air was far from slow 140mph on the gsp

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

My '78 was slow. Now my '78 Formula was fast! It had a 455 in it with a double pumper. Thanks for watching Jimmy. We hope you're a subscriber.

[@peterhogan9537]

you are wrong the honeycomb wheels were available in 1971.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks Peter! We thought it was early 1972. You da man! Thanks for watching and the info!

[@hernanvalverde3693]

I like 1979 Tran Am

[@troublemaker2121]

I used to like the '79 but now I like the '78 better. I have a '76 Camaro. In reality the Camaro is better way to go for performance

[@HighSockDavid]

@@troublemaker2121 the main problem with the late ‘70s trans ams was the rear gearing if replaced with something better it is a better car both the 400 and 403 are good engines and auto or manual are good

[@troublemaker2121]

@@HighSockDavid I probably should have said a better way to go if you want to race

[@HighSockDavid]

@@troublemaker2121 I meant street build everything you would have change everything for race/drag

[@jackiebogle7046]

Definitely the 1978 model 👍

[@tomcherry7029]

Ok i hate when people post this stuff and dont know what they are talking about. There was no Ram Air II engine in 1970 and the Ram Air V was never sold in a prodution car.

[@ThisOldCarChannel]

Thanks for the info Tom! Thanks for watching and the comment. We hope you are a subscriber.

[@charlesgreer7245]

Though it wasn't much better the 1975 mustang was offered with a 302. The only year mustang didn't have a v8 was 1974.

[@MultiMacnasty]

1969 was the first year of the Trans Am.

[@Flies2FLL]

3600 pounds and 180/220 net horsepower in 1979, both numbers somewhat suspect. NO version of this car ever had more than 250 modern horsepower, but they certainly had modern weight numbers! Combine the marginal horsepower with the three speed "turbo hydra-matic" automatic transmissions and you wind up with 8.0 second 0-60 times, for the 454/455 powered cars. Look it up: None of these cars stock could break the 15.0 second barrier in the quarter. Most were 17 second cars. My '01 Subaru Outback station wagon can get to 60 in 8.6 seconds...

[@thud9797]

Hot Rod tested a 79 W72 and it ran 14.66 at 96 mph and that ain't bad for 79. Cut off the cat, go to duals and open the scoop and now you're low 14s where most of the muscle cars of the day ended up.

[@mariannehuber5604]

Iam German , i got in the past an Firebird Formula 1979 V8 . they say is a Suisse Car, is not from the US, is that true....Ok i sold the Car but....

[@thud9797]

They were all built in the USA, either in Norwood, Ohio or Van Nuys, California and the VIN on all cars will tell you the assembly plant.

[@altonkenne579]

Vroooom !