FIREBIRD/TRANS AM 1967-81

THE YEAR 1967 was memorable in American automotive history with the release of three new rivals for the record-setting Ford Mustang. From Chevrolet came the Camaro, Ford fielded the Mercury Cougar and Pontiac unleashed its Firebird.

- WORDS CLIFF CHAMBERS * PHOTO GENERAL MOTORS * PONTIAC

Two years later, pursuing success in the USA's premier competition category for production cars, a 6.6-litre Trans Am version of the Firebird appeared but didn't win a race in the Trans American series contested during 1969.

There was a significant restyle in 1970, and with 1971 models came access to one of General Motors' most potent engines; the 7.4-litre, 455 cubic inch V8 with 276kW. When fitted to 'Super Duty' versions of the Trans AM, the monster engine delivered 0-400 metre times on street rubber of 13.9 seconds.

Early cars had been light enough to race but by the mid-1970s, bulky bodies and emission controls had muted their performance and Trans Ams had to rely on attributes other than pure pace for sales.