The Pontiac Firebird (1967–1981) was Pontiac's F-body pony car, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Camaro but with Pontiac engines and styling. The 1969 Trans Am is the most collectible first-gen, at $80,000–$150,000 (#2). The 1970–1973 Formula 400 and Trans Am 455 are the peak second-gen, at $50,000–$100,000 (#2). The 1973–1974 455 SD (Super Duty) is the rarest and most valuable Firebird, at $100,000–$180,000 (#2) — only ~1,296 built. The 1977–1978 Trans Am (Smokey and the Bandit era) is the most recognizable, at $45,000–$75,000 (#2). The 1967–1968 Firebird 400 is the best first-gen value at $35,000–$55,000 (#2).
Pontiac's Pony Car Legacy
The Pontiac Firebird arrived in February 1967, five months after the Camaro it shared its platform with. But the Firebird was no afterthought — Pontiac engineered it with their own engines, suspension tuning, and styling. The first-generation (1967–1969) established the Firebird as a serious performer, especially with the 400ci V8 and the 1969 Trans Am package. The second-generation (1970–1981) was all-new with a swooping "Coke bottle" body and the iconic shaker hood. The Trans Am name (licensed from the SCCA racing series) became synonymous with Pontiac performance. The 455 SD (Super Duty) of 1973–1974 was the last true muscle car engine from Pontiac. And the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit made the Trans Am a pop culture icon.
| Generation | Years | Styling | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen | 1967–1969 | Coke-bottle curves; Pontiac split grille; Endura bumper (1969); Trans Am introduced 1969 | 230ci OHC I6, 250ci I6, 326ci V8, 350ci V8, 400ci V8 (325hp), 400 Ram Air (335hp) | High — 1969 Trans Am is the most collectible first-gen; 400 is the engine to have |
| 2nd Gen | 1970–1981 | Swooping body; shaker hood; Formula 400; Trans Am 455; 455 SD; Smokey & Bandit era | 250ci I6, 350ci V8, 400ci V8 (250–330hp), 455ci V8 (300–370hp), 455 SD (290–310hp) | Very High — 1973 455 SD is the peak; 1970–1973 Trans Am 455; 1977–1978 Bandit era |
The 2nd gen (1970–1981) is the iconic Firebird — the shaker hood, the screaming chicken decal, the Trans Am name. The 1970–1973 models with the 455ci V8 are the most collectible. The 1973–1974 455 SD (Super Duty) is the rarest and most valuable — Pontiac's last true muscle car engine. The 1977–1978 Trans Am gained fame from Smokey and the Bandit.
Production Numbers
| Year | Total Production | Trans Am Production | 455 SD Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | ~82,560 | N/A | N/A | Launch year; 326/350/400 available; 400 Ram Air introduced |
| 1968 | ~107,000 | N/A | N/A | Peak 1st-gen year; 400 HO (335hp); convertible available |
| 1969 | ~76,000 | 689 | N/A | Trans Am introduced (689 built); Endura bumper; 400 Ram Air IV |
| 1970 | ~48,700 | ~3,200 | N/A | All-new 2nd gen; mid-year launch; Formula 400 introduced; Trans Am 400 |
| 1971 | ~53,800 | ~2,100 | N/A | Trans Am 455 available; compression drop; 455 HO (335hp) |
| 1972 | ~29,800 | ~1,200 | N/A | Low production due to strike; 455 HO continues; rare year |
| 1973 | ~43,180 | ~2,800 | 252 (TA SD) | 455 SD introduced; last true muscle engine; Trans Am SD is the holy grail |
| 1974 | ~59,800 | ~4,600 | 943 (TA + Formula SD) | SD continues (943 total); safety bumpers; 455 still available |
| 1975 | ~62,800 | ~5,400 | N/A | SD gone; 455 detuned to 200hp; 400 standard in Trans Am |
| 1976 | ~66,300 | ~7,100 | N/A | 50th Anniversary Trans Am (black/gold); 455 last year; collectible |
| 1977 | ~68,700 | ~15,500 | N/A | Smokey and the Bandit; 400 (200hp) standard; huge Trans Am sales jump |
| 1978 | ~93,300 | ~25,000 | N/A | Peak Trans Am production; Bandit era; 400/403 available; W72 400 (220hp) |
| 1979 | ~102,500 | ~28,500 | N/A | Highest total production; 10th Anniversary Trans Am; 400 W72 |
| 1980 | ~58,700 | ~20,000 | N/A | 301 Turbo introduced; 400 dropped; emissions hurting; declining |
| 1981 | ~46,200 | ~15,000 | N/A | Final 2nd-gen year; 301 Turbo; low power; end of era |
Production data from Pontiac Motor Division. The 1969 Trans Am (689 built) is the rarest and most valuable first-gen. The 1973 Trans Am 455 SD (252 built) is the rarest and most valuable Firebird of all. The 1977–1979 Trans Am sold in huge numbers thanks to Smokey and the Bandit — 68,500+ in 1977 alone. The 1972 is rare due to a strike at the Norwood plant.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230ci OHC I6 | 230ci | 1967–1969 | 165–215 | 237–240 | Base I6 1st gen; single overhead cam; unique; slow |
| 250ci I6 | 250ci | 1968–1975 | 175–230 | 255–275 | Base I6; replaced 230; reliable but slow |
| 326ci V8 | 326ci | 1967–1967 | 250 | 329 | Base V8 1st gen; replaced by 350 in 1968 |
| 350ci V8 | 350ci | 1968–1981 | 255–310 | 355–380 | Base V8; reliable; good value; 350 HO (310hp) is best 1st-gen 350 |
| 400ci V8 | 400ci | 1967–1979 | 250–330 | 380–445 | Most common performance engine; 400 Ram Air (335hp); W72 (220hp) |
| 400 Ram Air IV | 400ci | 1969–1970 | 345–370 | 445 | Hot cam, round-port heads; rare; most desirable 400 |
| 455ci V8 | 455ci | 1971–1976 | 200–370 | 310–480 | Big-block; 455 HO (335hp); 455 Super Duty (290–310hp); torque monster |
| 455 SD | 455ci | 1973–1974 | 290–310 | 415–425 | Super Duty: forged internals, special cam, round-port heads; last true muscle engine; ~1,296 built |
| 403ci V8 | 403ci | 1977–1979 | 185–220 | 320–325 | Olds 403; used in Trans Am 1977–1979; not a Pontiac engine; less desirable |
| 301ci V8 | 301ci | 1979–1981 | 135–210 | 240–345 | Smog-era engine; 301 Turbo (210hp) in 1980–1981; very low power |
The 455 SD (Super Duty) is the king of Firebird engines — forged crank, rods, and pistons; special cam; round-port heads; and a special intake manifold. Rated at 290–310hp (underrated, actual ~370hp) with 425 lb-ft of torque. Only ~1,296 SDs were built (252 Trans Am SD in 1973, 943 total SD in 1974). The 400 Ram Air IV (370hp) is the most desirable 400. The 403 was an Oldsmobile engine used in 1977–1979 Trans Ams — less desirable than a Pontiac 400.
Trans Am, Formula, and 455 SD: The Performance Packages
The Trans Am package was the Firebird's top performance trim, named after the SCCA Trans-Am racing series (Pontiac paid $5 per car for the name). The 1969 Trans Am (689 built) was the first — a 400 Ram Air IV with special suspension, rear spoiler, and stripes. The 1970+ Trans Am got the iconic shaker hood, twin scoops, and fender flares. The 1973 Trans Am 455 SD (252 built) is the holy grail. The 1977–1978 Trans Am gained fame from Smokey and the Bandit. Total Trans Am production: ~130,000 across all years.
The Formula was a performance package available on the base Firebird (not the Trans Am): 400ci or 455ci V8, Formula steering wheel, dual exhaust, and Formula badges — but without the Trans Am's fender flares, spoilers, or shaker hood. The Formula was lighter and less expensive than the Trans Am. The 1973–1974 Formula 455 SD (943 built in 1974) is the rarest Formula. The Formula 400 is the best value performance Firebird.
The 455 SD was Pontiac's last stand in the muscle car wars. While other manufacturers were detuning engines, Pontiac built the SD with forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons; a special camshaft; round-port heads; and a unique intake manifold. Rated at 290–310hp (underrated — actual ~370hp) with 425 lb-ft of torque. Only ~1,296 SDs were built (252 Trans Am SD in 1973, 943 total in 1974). The 455 SD is the most valuable Firebird engine — a 1973 Trans Am SD is worth $100,000–$180,000 (#2).
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 Trans Am 455 SD | $250,000 | $160,000 | $95,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| 1974 Trans Am 455 SD | $180,000 | $120,000 | $70,000 | $30,000 | +48% |
| 1974 Formula 455 SD | $150,000 | $100,000 | $58,000 | $25,000 | +45% |
| 1969 Trans Am 400 Ram Air IV | $200,000 | $140,000 | $80,000 | $35,000 | +50% |
| 1969 Trans Am 400 Ram Air III | $150,000 | $100,000 | $58,000 | $25,000 | +42% |
| 1970–1972 Trans Am 455 HO | $110,000 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $18,000 | +35% |
| 1970–1972 Formula 400 | $75,000 | $52,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +28% |
| 1967–1968 Firebird 400 | $70,000 | $48,000 | $26,000 | $11,000 | +25% |
| 1976 Trans Am 455 (50th Anniversary) | $90,000 | $62,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 | +30% |
| 1977–1978 Trans Am 400 (Bandit) | $85,000 | $58,000 | $32,000 | $14,000 | +28% |
| 1970–1972 Trans Am 400 | $80,000 | $55,000 | $30,000 | $13,000 | +25% |
| 1967–1969 Firebird 350 HO | $50,000 | $35,000 | $18,000 | $7,500 | +20% |
| 1967–1969 Firebird 326 | $40,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +15% |
| 1979 Trans Am 400 W72 (10th Ann) | $70,000 | $48,000 | $26,000 | $11,000 | +22% |
| 1970–1975 Firebird 350 (base) | $35,000 | $24,000 | $12,000 | $5,000 | +12% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and Bring a Trailer sold data (2024–2026). The 1973 Trans Am 455 SD (252 built) is the most valuable Firebird — the last true muscle car engine. The 1969 Trans Am (689 built) is the most valuable first-gen. The 1977–1978 Bandit Trans Am is the most recognizable but not the most valuable — 25,000+ built keeps prices reasonable. The 1967–1968 Firebird 400 is the best value first-gen. The Formula 400 is the best value 2nd-gen performance model.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Pontiac Firebird Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 Trans Am 455 SD (#2) | 105000 | 125000 | 140000 | 150000 | 155000 | 160000 | 160000 |
| 1970–72 Trans Am 455 HO (#2) | 52000 | 62000 | 69000 | 72000 | 74000 | 75000 | 75000 |
| 1977–78 Trans Am 400 Bandit (#2) | 40000 | 48000 | 53000 | 56000 | 57000 | 58000 | 58000 |
Firebird vs Camaro: The F-Body Siblings
| Factor | Firebird Trans Am 455 SD | Camaro Z28 (1970–1973) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | GM F-body | GM F-body |
| Top Engine | 455 SD (290hp, actual ~370hp) | 350 LT-1 (360hp, 1970) |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.5 sec | ~5.8 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 13.9 @ 101 mph | 14.2 @ 98 mph |
| Weight | ~3,800 lbs | ~3,500 lbs |
| SD/Z28 Production | ~1,296 (2 years) | ~12,800 (3 years) |
| Value (#2, top) | $160,000 | $58,000–$95,000 |
| Unique feature | Shaker hood, screaming chicken | Rally stripes, DZ302 |
The Firebird Trans Am 455 SD is worth 2–3x more than the equivalent Camaro Z28. The SD has more torque (425 vs 380 lb-ft) and is far rarer (1,296 vs 12,800). The Camaro Z28 is the better-handling car (300 lbs lighter), but the Firebird has the bigger engine and the pop culture fame. The Firebird 400 (non-SD) is comparable in value to the Camaro SS 350.
Key Option Codes (RPO)
Pontiac Firebird RPO Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
WS4 | Trans Am Package Performance trim: 400/455, shaker hood, fender flares, spoilers, stripes; 1969–1981 |
WS7 | Formula Package Performance trim on base Firebird: 400/455, dual exhaust, Formula badges; no shaker hood; 1970–1981 |
L75 | 455ci V8 (300–370hp) Big-block; 455 HO (335hp); 480 lb-ft torque; 1971–1976; most common 455 |
LS2 | 455 Super Duty (290–310hp) Forged internals, special cam, round-port heads; actual ~370hp; ~1,296 built; 1973–1974; most valuable |
L78 | 400ci V8 (330hp) Ram Air III; most common performance 400; 1968–1970; good value |
L67 | 400 Ram Air IV (370hp) Hot cam, round-port heads; rare; most desirable 400; 1969–1970 |
W72 | 400ci V8 (220hp, high-output) Tuned 400 for 1977–1979 Trans Am; best smog-era 400; preferred over 403 |
LM1 | 400ci V8 (250–300hp) Base 400; detuned after 1971; common in Formula and base Trans Am |
M21 | 4-Speed Manual (Muncie) Close-ratio; preferred over automatic; standard on SD and Ram Air IV |
M40 | Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed automatic; strong; common on 455 cars; preferred for drag racing |
G80 | Safe-T-Track Rear Axle Pontiac limited-slip; essential for performance; 3.08–3.55 ratios |
N10 | Dual Exhaust Standard on Trans Am and Formula; adds performance and sound |
J56 | Power Disc Brakes Front disc; standard on Trans Am; optional on others |
V21 | Shaker Hood Scoop Hood-mounted scoop attached to engine; shakes with torque; iconic Trans Am feature; 1970+ |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1973 Trans Am 455 SD
- The holy grail of Firebirds; ~370hp actual; 425 lb-ft; 252 built
- $160,000 (#2); appreciating 15–20% annually
- Verify SD-specific parts: forged crank, rods, pistons, cam, round-port heads, build sheet
- Best first-gen: 1969 Trans Am 400 Ram Air IV
- First Trans Am ever; 689 built; 370hp; $140,000 (#2)
- Rare and historically significant; only 8 convertibles built
- Verify Trans Am-specific parts: stripes, rear spoiler, Ram Air IV engine
- Best value 2nd-gen: 1970–1972 Formula 400
- 330hp 400ci; same engine as Trans Am without the premium; $52,000 (#2)
- Lighter than Trans Am; less expensive; good driver-quality car
- Verify Formula-specific parts: badges, dual exhaust, 400 engine code
- Best first-gen value: 1967–1968 Firebird 400
- 325–335hp 400ci; first-gen styling; $48,000 (#2)
- More affordable than 1969 Trans Am; same engine family
- 400 Ram Air (335hp) is more desirable than base 400 (325hp)
- Best Bandit: 1977–1978 Trans Am 400 W72
- Smokey and the Bandit; 220hp W72 400; $58,000 (#2)
- Most recognizable Firebird; huge production keeps prices reasonable
- Verify W72 engine code (preferred over 403 Olds engine)
- Best anniversary: 1976 Trans Am 455 (50th Anniversary)
- Black/gold special edition; last year for 455; $62,000 (#2)
- Limited production; collectible; iconic color scheme
- Verify 455 engine code and 50th Anniversary trim package
- Best entry point: 1967–1969 Firebird 350 HO
- 310hp 350ci; first-gen styling; $35,000 (#2)
- Most affordable entry to Firebird collecting
- Good driver-quality car; parts readily available
- Avoid: 1980–1981 Trans Am with 301 non-turbo
- 135–150hp; smog-era; no performance appeal
- Only buy if numbers-matching and very cheap
- Better to buy a 1977–1978 400 than a 1980+ 301
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Firebird the same as the Camaro?
- They share the GM F-body platform, but they are different cars with different engines, styling, and suspensions. The Firebird uses Pontiac engines (350, 400, 455) while the Camaro uses Chevy engines (302, 350, 396, 454). The Firebird has its own split grille, Endura bumper, and interior. The Trans Am package is unique to the Firebird. The Firebird is generally worth 10–30% more than the equivalent Camaro, especially for 455 SD models.
- What is the 455 Super Duty?
- The 455 SD (Super Duty) was Pontiac's last true muscle car engine, built for 1973–1974. It featured forged crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons; a special camshaft; round-port heads; and a unique intake manifold. Rated at 290–310hp (underrated — actual ~370hp) with 425 lb-ft of torque. Only ~1,296 SDs were built (252 Trans Am SD in 1973, 943 total in 1974). The 455 SD is the most valuable Firebird engine.
- What is the Trans Am package?
- The Trans Am package was the Firebird's top performance trim, named after the SCCA Trans-Am racing series (Pontiac paid $5 per car for the name). Introduced in 1969 (689 built), it included a 400 Ram Air engine, special suspension, rear spoiler, and stripes. From 1970 on, it got the iconic shaker hood, fender flares, and screaming chicken decal. The Trans Am became a pop culture icon after the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit.
- Was the Bandit car a real Trans Am?
- Yes — the car in Smokey and the Bandit (1977) was a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a 400ci V8 (200hp) and the W72 performance package. The movie used several Trans Ams during filming. The movie's success caused Trans Am sales to jump from ~15,500 in 1976 to ~25,000 in 1978. The 1977–1978 Trans Am is the most recognizable Firebird but not the most valuable — 25,000+ built keeps prices in the $45,000–$75,000 range (#2).
- What is the difference between Trans Am and Formula?
- The Trans Am is the top performance trim with shaker hood, fender flares, spoilers, and stripes. The Formula is a performance package on the base Firebird — same engines (400, 455) but without the Trans Am's body modifications. The Formula is lighter and less expensive. The Formula 455 SD (943 built in 1974) is actually rarer than the Trans Am 455 SD (252 built in 1973) but worth less because the Trans Am name carries more prestige.
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Value My FirebirdSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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