GM’s pony vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, obtained an intensive redesign for his or her second era, which debuted in 1970. The Coke-bottle styling of the first-generation vehicles gave solution to a glossy coupe with a protracted hood and taut fastback rear. The form was balanced and restrained (at first), exhibiting a determined European affect. The redesign would show long-lived, remaining in manufacturing till 1981.
In maintaining with the pony-car system, consumers might dial in efficiency starting from delicate to wild or inside appointments from poverty spec to near-luxury ranges by ticking the appropriate choice field. However, it’s outdoors the purview of this transient piece to delve into all of the variations of the automotive.
As the ‘70s progressed, ever-tightening emissions and security rules had drastic results on automotive designs. The Firebird misplaced a few of its sleekness and energy within the title of cleaner exhaust and higher passenger security.
Pontiac countered this assault in a number of methods. First, though energy was down, a 6.6-liter Trans Am was nonetheless among the many quickest vehicles of its day. Handling was good throughout the lineup, too, due to “Radial Tuned Suspension,” as betokened by a plaque on the sprint of Firebirds and Trans-Ams. Secondly, the clear coupe form of the vehicles responded higher than most to the set up of federal affect bumpers by utilizing a molded one-piece bumper-cum-nosecone.
The Nineteen Seventies have been glory days for private luxurious coupes, even the common-or-garden Pontiac Sunbird (sibling to the Chevrolet Monza) may very well be ordered with a quarter-vinyl roof and different broughamizations.
The Firebird lineup had its personal private luxurious touring automotive, the Esprit. Given their position, Esprit’s powertrains different relying on the 12 months, however they couldn’t be ordered with Trans-Am degree engines. They have been often bedecked with creature comforts like tilt-wheel, air con, and different luxuries like additional sound insulation. They may be specified with that almost all Nineteen Seventies of choices, T-tops.
Capitalizing on the fashion-forward temper of the day, Pontiac designed particular variations of the Firebird aimed particularly at ladies, who it was estimated made up 30 % of Firebird consumers. These can be the so-called “Color Birds,” the primary of which, the Sky Bird, was proven in 1977 and bought effectively. From as we speak’s vantage level, it’s very simple to dismiss Pontiac’s advertising of a pastel-colored, not very quick, automotive to ladies as misogynistic and patronizing – and it was. However, the Nineteen Seventies have been a really totally different time.
Gender fairness apart, the vehicles have been very engaging. Sky Birds have been a stunning pale blue hue and had color-keyed interiors and snowflake wheels. The exterior was enhanced with optimistic-looking striping particular to the automotive. Building on the Sky Birds’ success, a Red Bird changed it in 1978 and it ran by until the next 12 months. Red Birds additionally featured color-keyed wheels and inside trim and particular striping however have been in any other case identical to different Firebird Esprits.
The Yellowbird that adopted in 1980 can be the final of the collection. Unlike its predecessors, the Yellowbird’s cockpit was tan as a substitute of color-keyed. Probably for the most effective, since on this author’s opinion, butter-yellow interiors actually solely work on Lincolns, Cadillacs, and Imperials.
Why This Car?
When it involves late second-gen Firebirds, the Smokey and the Bandit Tans-Ams steal all the eye. This is all effectively and good in case your concept of a enjoyable highway journey is outfoxing a chunky Southern sheriff whereas smuggling beer throughout state strains. But, within the days of disco, most people have been extra involved about trying suave whereas Ok.C. and the Sunshine Band blasted on the 8-track and a feathered roach clip dangled from the rearview mirror.
I do know this to be true as a result of that’s precisely what my mom did in her two successive Trans-Ams. Admittedly, the primary one was a 1977 6.6-liter, painted white, not Smokey livery (grandpa wouldn’t countenance his daughter driving a automotive with a screaming rooster on the hood). Mom wrapped the 6.6 round a phone pole whereas using along with her buddy Jose Cuervo and changed it with a 1981 operating a weedy 301 cubic-inch V8. That automotive was black and glossy, if gradual. Still, with the fake engine-turned sprint and a full assortment of gauges behind a sport steering wheel, it managed to really feel particular; an actual blue-collar Gran Turismo automotive.
Style is the place the one-year-only Yellowbird makes its mark. Lacking efficiency, it’s a poseur and has zero disgrace about it (even when this explicit instance has a extra highly effective engine put in). Finished in an unique pale yellow with a nifty stripe package deal, color-keyed snowflake alloy wheels, and a complimentary tan inside, the Yellowbird is as gentle, vibrant and pleasant as a Smokey automotive is sinister. It’s a rarity too. Only 17,277 Esprits of every kind discovered consumers in 1980, making Yellowbirds the rarest of all of the “Color Birds.”
This instance seems to be a survivor, whereas some corrosion is obvious on the backside of one of many doorways, as proven within the footage, the automotive nonetheless “rings true.”
On the debit aspect, there’s a broken door deal with, and the paint is authentic however possible past something however preservation at this level. While the inside appears to be like presentable, aftermarket gauges have been fitted to make up for the truth that the unique purchaser didn’t choose for an entire set of manufacturing facility gadgets.
The current proprietor has put in a tuned 350 cubic-inch V8 and a BM shift package for the automated transmission however has retained the unique 301 cubic-inch powerplant, which is included within the sale. As with many high-power engines, idle high quality will not be good, in accordance with the advert. While it was a manufacturing facility A/C automotive, it’s not presently practical, partly as a result of engine swap.
On stability, the truth that this can be a surviving instance of a uncommon and unusually fashionable automotive outweighs its situation and modified drivetrain. Especially because the manufacturing facility engine is included, the automotive may very well be returned to its authentic specification if desired.
Things to Watch Out For When Buying a 1980 Pontiac Firebird
Corrosion is at all times a priority with any automotive of this classic, and Firebirds aren’t any exception. Pay particular consideration to the kickup over the rear axle and rear body rails. The trunk ground is one other drawback space, as are rear spring hangers. The decrease areas of fenders and quarter panels additionally demand consideration when inspecting for corrosion.
Powertrains are, by and enormous strong. Even the 301 isn’t too heinous, even when it doesn’t make a lot energy. Apply the identical inspection strategies you’d use for any automotive, test the dipstick and oil filler caps for emulsified coolant and oil, and do the identical for the radiator cap. Pull the transmission dipstick and thoroughly sniff. If it smells burnt, it’s not a great signal.
When take a look at driving, take note of shift high quality, which must be fairly easy (for unmodified vehicles), and energy supply must be linear.
The excellent news is, components commonality with different GM vehicles and a strong collector neighborhood means most mechanical components are available for Firebirds and Trans Ams. Routine upkeep chores are effectively throughout the talents of a house mechanic.
Summing It Up
This is a uncommon surviving instance of a one-year-only automotive that completely encapsulates the spirit of its time. Whether you selected to maintain the built-up 350 cubic-inch V8 the current proprietor has put in or return the automotive to manufacturing facility spec is a matter of desire. As for me, I’d purchase a roach clip to hold from the rearview mirror and drive the wheels off it precisely because it sits. However, I’d be certain that to go away Jose Cuervo at dwelling.
TTAC Throwback
TTAC Throwback is a brand new collection dedicated to vehicles we expect should be owned by somebody who actually loves them. Just think about Sarah McLachlan crooning In the Arms of an Angel because the digicam pans previous a deserving automotive up for adoption, hoping desperately that it doesn’t get recycled right into a Nissan Versa (I’ve, I’ve received one thing in my eye). Now go forward, put in your bid; there now, don’t you are feeling higher? You’re doing the appropriate factor.
[Images: eBay]
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Source: www.thetruthaboutcars.com