The
"Bandit" version of the popular 1978 Trans Am Pontiacs.
The Blackbird below is an original issue MPC
kit.
This
kit has been released many times over the years with different
boxes. One of my favorites is the one above with a photo of
the real car.
I
remember seeing Smokey
& the Bandit in
theaters when it first came out. Next to the 1970-1973 years,
this is my favorite body style for the Firebird / Transam
cars. After these, Pontiac went to the butt ugly plastic nose
/ bumpers.
Firebird
and Trans-Am Muscle Portfolio, 1967-1972 - The Firebird had
excellent sales in its first half year and the 400 V8 made it
a force to be reckoned with. There were few changes in 1968 but
the 1969 car was longer and heavier, so sales slipped. In March
1969, therefore, Pontiac introduced the Trans-Am resplendent in
white with blue stripes and an array of air scoops and spoilers.
Emissions regulations took their toll and a 455 motor was needed
in 1971 to keep up the performance. A long factory strike did
not help and the 1972 Trans-Am was the last of the breed before
the name was applied to a succession of watered down machines.
This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, new
model introductions, technical and specification data,
long term tests, racing and history.
Firebird
Trans Am - The Pontiac Firebird was originally overshadowed
by the popular Chevrolet Camaro, but the Firebird developed a
loyal following and a reputation for true high performance, earning
a high-profile spot in muscle car history. It also had a starring
role in pop culture as Burt Reynolds drove a Trans Am in Smokey
& the Bandit and
young David Hasselhoff took direction from his talking Trans Am
in Knight
Rider.
Original
Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am 1967-2002: The Restorer's Guide
- Following Ford and Chevrolet, Pontiac entered the pony car market
in 1967 and came up with one of the best and most successful muscle
cars ever produced. Though based on the Camaro chassis, the Firebird
offered unique features and high performance, and over its nearly
40 years of production it continued to wow drivers--as it does
today. This book details the Firebird’s long and illustrious
career. With high-quality, detailed color photographs of
some of the finer models--both originals and faithful restorations--the
book is at once a unique history and a restoration guide to all
four generations of the Firebird. Pictures and text profile the
correct parts, finishes, options, and trim pieces for various
models. The book also covers the vehicle’s wide variety
of engine options, along with all special editions and model variations
from the Firebird’s introduction in 1967 to the final model
in 2002.
