Some cars are inherently cool, and the second-generation Pontiac Firebird is one of them. Specifically, late second-generation models that can be associated with the 1977 film ‘Smokey and the Bandit’. Come to think of it, the Firebird is more embedded in pop culture than its twin sibling, the Camaro, which is odd since the latter is the more popular car.
Before we dive into this story, let’s run through some of the movies and shows that famously featured a Chevrolet Camaro, and then do the same for the Pontiac Firebird. Actually, let’s not, because I can’t think of any major production that ever featured a classic Camaro, other than Michael Bay’s Transformers movies, of course.
Whereas the Firebird struck gold twice. The first time with ‘Smokey and the Bandit’, followed by Knight Rider. That’s back-to-back decades of pop culture greatness for two different Firebird generations. Not an easy feat to accomplish.
Back to our story – we're looking at a 1977 Firebird Trans Am in Y81 Special Edition specification. It’s been refurbished by its current owner, both visually and mechanically. Yet, when it was time for the owner (let’s call him Pete, since that’s his seller username) to part with it at auction, the bidding only went as high as $38,000, which Pete most certainly didn’t appreciate.
In fact, he went on to comment that “$38k for this car, totally insulting. Must see and drive in person when offered elsewhere.”
He also went on to say that this Trans Am has never failed to put a smile on his face and that the auction concluded just below the reserve. Are we to understand that he just wanted $40,000 for it? If so, why not settle for $38k? Otherwise, maybe the reserve was closer to $45k, but at this point we’re just speculating.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
In terms of visuals, the vehicle features a Starlight Black exterior, a shaker hood with the Trans Am decal, a rear spoiler, fender vents, sport mirrors, and a set of Snowflake-style 15” wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A white letter tires. Meanwhile, the interior boasts black vinyl seats, color-coordinated door panels and carpets, a Hurst shifter, push-button AM radio, front lap belts, and a Formula steering wheel with gold-finished spokes.
It’s worth noting that the blower fan is “missing a speed” and the horn doesn’t work. Not the end of the world though.
As for what’s going on underneath the hood, that’s where you’ll find a rebuilt 400 ci V8 engine featuring a performance camshaft, high-compression cylinder heads, and polished finishers for the dual exhaust system. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a Borg-Warner Super T-10 four-speed manual gearbox.
All things considered; how much do you guys think this car is worth?
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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