Many second-gen Trans Am enthusiasts have a love affair with Smokey and The Bandit and the ‘77 Special Edition Trans Am in the movie. Does anyone truly know how many black-and-gold beauties were used in the movie? Bo Durban has made determining that his mission and he’s happy to share what he’s learned about Smokey and The Bandit in the process. Here’s how..
Special-Paint Pontiacs--Have You Ever Seen These?
Pontiac, did you know3 CommentsFrank Woods Pontiac in Charlotte, North Carolina regularly used special-paint Pontiacs to promote its dealership during the 1960s. Follow along to learn more. Have you ever seen any of these uniquely-equipped-and-painted vehicles? Or are you aware of any similar dealer promotions?
What?! A Large Bird Decal On The 1969 Firebird 400…Deck Lid?
did you know, Pontiac6 CommentsMost Pontiac enthusiasts know that the 1973 Trans Am was the first Firebird to receive boldly-detailed exterior ornamentation with its optional hood decal. Did you know that the large Firebird emblem wasn’t Pontiac’s first attempt at such ornamentation? The 1969 Firebird 400 was slated to be boldly decorated. And here’s proof!
1974 and 1975 Trans Ams with a Vinyl Roof—Have You Ever Seen One?
Pontiac14 CommentsDid you know that Pontiac offered its Cordova Top option on Trans Ams during the 1974 and 1975 model years? I’ve documented a small-number of 1974 Trans Ams equipped as such, but have yet to document any 1975 Trans Ams equipped with the factory-installed padded vinyl roof option. Have you ever seen one?
Correctly Identifying A Numbers-Matching T/A 6.6 in A 1978 or 1979 Firebird
Pontiac1 CommentPontiac discontinued its 400-inch Pontiac V-8 after the 1978 model year, but tens of thousands of 1978 and 1979 Formulas and Trans Ams received with the basic L78 or optional T/A 6.6 in those model years. Have you ever tried documenting the originality one? Those produced at Van Nuys can have their engine’s partial VIN stamp in a couple of locations. Here’s where you can find them!
A 1972 Formula 455 H.O. Ordered For Maximum Performance
Pontiac6 CommentsLet’s step back in time for a moment, say to the 1972 model year. You walk into your local Pontiac dealer to order a new Firebird Formula. How would you equip it? Chances are, you’d check off the appropriate boxes that would deliver maximum performance. Does that sound about right? If so, I’d like to introduce you to Dave Witt and the 1972 Formula 455 that he ordered new!
McQ's 1973 Trans Am--Info Uncovered On Four Movie Cars!
Pontiac7 CommentsHave you ever wondered how many 1973 Trans Ams were used in the movie McQ? With recently uncovered paperwork. we now know there that Pontiac supplied at least four Brewster Green Firebirds. Here’s information on them including another VIN!
It's Back! The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide 1970-1981! Order Your Copy Now!
Pontiac2 CommentsOut of print for some time, Cartech Books has made my book—The Definitive Firebird & Trans Am Guide 1970-1981—available for immediate ordering. Get your copy today!
Found! One of McQ’s 1973 Trans Ams!
Pontiac4 CommentsI’ve spent years trying to determine how many Brewster Green 1973 Trans Ams that Pontiac supplied for the filming of McQ and what became of them. I learned that one movie car has survived and it’s in private hands today. Here’s that story!
A Special-Paint ’72 Trans Am in Starlight Black? Yes, Pontiac Made One!
Pontiac9 CommentsMost know that Pontiac only offered its 1970-1972 Trans Am in blue or white exterior finishes. Did you know that Pontiac produced a handful of 1972 Trans Ams in Special Paint? Here’s one in Starlight Black!
Pontiacs In The Junkyard…Part 2
Pontiac, personal story3 CommentsEvery so often I happen across a vintage Pontiac in my local junkyard. While there’s often little salvageable, I still find it intriguing. Here are some of those Pontiacs.
Seeing (Pieces of) A Second-Gen Firebird on The Road Today
Pontiac, personal story5 CommentsDid the addition of a second-gen Firebird rear spoiler add sporty appeal to a Chrysler Lebaron? You decide!
Found! The Only 1973 Super Duty 455 Grand Am Produced!
SD-455, Pontiac, vintage photos26 CommentsPontiac production records for the 1973 model year reveal that one A-car was assembled with the Super Duty 455. Its disposition and/or whereabouts have remained unknown for 50 years. Its engine had been saved from being salvaged by a former GM engineer in the mid-1980s and its significance was recently uncovered. Here’s how!
The Illusive Super Duty 455 308/320 “K” Camshaft
SD-455, Pontiac20 CommentsMost Pontiac enthusiasts are aware that Pontiac planned to equip its Super Duty 455 with a 308/320-spec camshaft, but emissions regulations forced the division to go with the 301/313 grind for production. Have you ever seen an original SD-455 308/320 camshaft? Well, here’s your chance!
Cielo del Sol- The Original Grand Prix SSJ
6 CommentsHow a chance encounter on a popular automobile auction website reveals that Pontiac’s 1970 Grand Prix Cielo del Sol show car may have ended up in private hands.
Forever Correlating A '72 Trans Am With A Specific Omaha Location
4 CommentsHave you ever had a Pontiac experience that often makes you wonder about a certain car when you pass by that location? Here’s our Pontiac story behind the image of this Omaha, Nebraska storefront!
This '61 Ventura Was NHRA's 1962 A/SA National Champion
6 CommentsIn my photo collection was an image of a ‘61 Ventura and its owner, who was proudly displaying the numerous trophies he’d won. It wasn’t until recently that I learned the person in the photograph was Ralph Hardt and he was celebrating his Pontiac’s win as NHRA’s National Champion in A/SA for 1962.
A Bygone Era—Pontiac Dealerships In Small-Town America
6 CommentsA look down main street in Small Town USA around 1970 reveals Pontiac and the many other dealerships that shaped the auto industry and America during that time.
Sharing In Someone’s Pontiac Excitement
vintage photos2 CommentsThere’s a strong sense of nostalgia when looking at vintage photographs old then-new Pontiacs. This series of images comes from my collection. They depict a factory-fresh ‘77 Trans Am that someone had just taken delivery of. Can you imagine the excitement they felt?
My Dad’s First Trans Am
Pontiac, personal story, vintage photos8 CommentsDuring the 1970s my dad owned a number of Pontiacs and several Firebirds were among them. His first Trans Am was a Firethorn Red ‘76. While he planned to order a Formula that model year, he ultimately decided upon the Trans Am. He was so happy with it that it paved the way for others that followed. Here’s how it came to be.