Browse›Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am 2nd Gen

Pontiac Firebird / Trans Am 2nd Gen

Overview

Produced from 1970 to 1981, the second-generation Firebird featured longer, more aggressive styling with improved aerodynamics. Engine options included small-block and big-block V8s, with the Trans Am package offering high-performance variants with suspension, braking, and cosmetic enhancements. It became a symbol of 1970s American muscle and performance culture.

Distinctions

What sets this car apart, from being selected for the Octane Files to becoming a legend.

Legend

A car that transcended the hobby, known far beyond the people who drive them.

In the files

Selected for its history, engineering, or cultural weight.

The scorecard

Rated 1 to 10 on the traits that matter for owning, driving, and holding on to a car like this.

Desirability

-/-

Rarity

-/-

Driving Thrill

-/-

Investment Trajectory

-/-

Usability

-/-

Ease of Restoration

-/-

Cultural Impact

-/-

Electronic dependence

Fully analogHeavily electronic

Data unavailable

Market Data

Demand tier, price trend, and typical values by condition, based on recent sales data.

Desirability Tier

Blue-chipHighSolidEntry

The proven elite. Values are established, liquid, and defended at every auction.

Value Trajectory

AppreciatingStableCooling

Data unavailable

Price by condition

Driver

—

Excellent

—

Concours

—

Buyer's guide

What anyone seriously considering this car should know first.

Why it's worth it

Smokey and the Bandit made the black-and-gold Trans Am a pop-culture icon; the SD-455 was a last muscle-era hurrah.

Callout

Data unavailable

What to watch for

SD-455 cars and genuine Special Editions are the valuable ones - PHS documentation; 'Bandit' clones are everywhere.

The Story

Driving Character

Data unavailable

Design

Data unavailable

Motorsport Pedigree

Data unavailable

In Culture

Data unavailable

Where it comes from

Related cars from the same manufacturer family, like platform siblings or shared-era relatives.

Data unavailable

Rivals

Cars from other manufacturers that competed for the same buyers when new.

Rivals: Camaro Z28 (sibling), Corvette. If you like it: 2nd-gen Camaro Z28, Corvette C3.

We haven’t profiled this car yet. Request to add

Owning One

Why collectors want it

The long-running '70-81 Trans Am - home of the SD-455 (one of the last real muscle engines) and, via Smokey and the Bandit, one of the most culturally iconic American cars.

Which one to look for

Trans Am, SD-455 (1973-74, grail), '76-78 black-and-gold 'Bandit' Special Edition, Formula.

What owning one is like

Rust (T-tops, floors, cowl), clones, SD-455 authenticity, faded/reproduction decals.

Upkeep & Parts

Data unavailable

Resources

Data unavailable

All cars

Country of Origin

USA

Class

Muscle

Production Years

1970–1981

Units Built

—

Marque

Pontiac

Model

Firebird / Trans Am

Nickname

Bandit / Screaming Chicken

Body

Convertible, Coupe

Layout

Front-engine, RWD

Engine

400/455 V8, the legendary Super Duty 455 (SD-455, 1973-74); later 400/403.

Transmission

Data unavailable

Designer

Pontiac / GM styling