Frank 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?
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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!
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!
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.
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!
A Wrecked 1973 Firebird Found Its Way Home
Pontiac3 CommentsThis series of vintage images from my Pontiac photograph collection depict a 1973 Firebird involved in some sort of collision. I had no idea when I purchased them a few years back from an out-of-state antique dealer that the accident scene was located in Omaha, Nebraska. As you’ll see with the efforts of Google Maps, that intersection hasn’t changed much over the years.
Memories Of My '83 Grand Prix LJ...
personal story5 CommentsThe last new vehicle my grandfather ordered was an ‘83 Grand Prix LJ. After he passed and it was time for my grandmother to get something newer, my father purchased it in 1995 and gave it to me to drive back and forth to college. I have great memories of that car when I was young as well as when I grew older. I’m happy to share them with you.
Pontiac's Professional Cars- Part 2
PontiacCommentPontiac's Tiger-themed Marketing Campaign-When Did It Start?
Pontiac3 CommentsWhile sorting through vintage photos in my collection searching for a specific image, I happen across a 1965 GTO decorated with tiger stripes, a tiger tail, and a sign on the passenger side door that read “Test Drive This Tiger at Delta Pontiac.” As I stared at the black-and-white print, I started thinking about Pontiac’s Tiger-themed marketing campaign, which it heavily promoted during the mid-1960s. But when did Pontiac actually begin using tiger references in its advertisements? Do you know?
1986 Grand Prix GT- Do you remember it?
personal story16 CommentsDo you remember the mid-80s Grand Prix GT package from Myrtle Motors? It’s one that’s stuck with me all these years.
My Dad's New 1970 Firebird
personal story1 CommentDo you remember your first new vehicle purchase? My dad’s happen to be ‘70 Firebird. He shares his memories of that with me.
Guide Lamp's '74 Super Duty Trans Am
SD-455, personal story3 CommentsThis ‘74 Super Duty Trans Am was in GM’s Product Evaluation Program at the Guide Lamp Division before being sold to its first owner. Here’s that story…and its documentation!
The '73 Grand Prix SJ I Grew Up In
personal story1 CommentWhen I was born in December 1976, my dad had his Firethorn Red ’76 Trans Am but our family car, which my mom drove most often was a ’73 Grand Prix SJ. It was Golden Olive with Saddle interior and I have fond memories of that car. Follow along as I share them with you!
Do You Drive Your Pontiac In The Winter?
PontiacCommentThe day after Thanksgiving generally signals the beginning of the Christmas season. And for many parts of the country Black Friday also marks the end of the hobbyist driving season. Do you drive your Pontiac during the winter?
Book Review: Firehawk-Fiercest of the Firebirds
book review, Pontiac1 CommentA review of Mac Logan’s excellent book Firehawk- Fiercest of the Firebird. It’s a must-have for any Firehawk fan.
Pontiac's Manufacturing and employment Office Building...
Pontiac11 CommentsPontiacs That Are Daily Driven Today...
personal story, Pontiac1 CommentI drove a vintage Pontiac every day for many years of my life. As we grow older, have families, and appreciate technology (both convenience and efficiency), the reliability and improved fuel economy associated with modern vehicles tends to overtake the practicality of driving vintage vehicles on a daily basis. For the nostalgic bunch like me, few feelings are more satisfying than the experience of stepping back in time.