Description
By: David Newhardt .
For 40 years, Pontiacs Firebird and Trans Am have delivered pure performance and captivating style. Inside Firebird and Trans Am, the power of Pontiac practically jumps off the pages as more than 80 photos plus engaging text offer a complete look at the reign of these American classics. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride as you look back at the inaugural Trans Am, Recaro Special Editions, 21st century models and more!
Pontiac's Firebird started life as the forgotten cousin of the popular Camaro series, Chevrolet's response to the performance trend started by the Mustang, Corvette, and GTO. Thanks to the success of the iconic Trans Am version of the car, the Firebird far surpassed the Camaro in popularity. Did Burt Reynolds drive a Camaro in Smokey and the Bandit? Did David Hasselhoff drive a Camaro in Knight Rider? No way! They drove Trans Ams.
In the emissions-strangled 1970s, the Trans Am earned a reputation as the last muscle car standing. In the face of the EPA, DOT, and insurance industry, Pontiac kept the focus on tire-shredding speed and power. In an era of 180-horsepower big blocks, Landau tops, and crushed-velour interiors, the Trans Am proved to be one of the quickest muscle cars ever built, a car that thumbed its nose at the envirocrats and safetycrats with every thump of its super-sized pistons.
Sadly, the Firebird has disappeared, and with it the mighty Trans Am. But these icons of the muscle era live on for performance car fans. In Firebird Trans Am, acclaimed author and photographer David Newhardt tells the story of this remarkable car. His thorough text and gorgeous color photos bring the power of these cars to the page.
