Classic Firebird Ads
1980 Pontiac Firebird

Most pony car fans fall squarely into one of two camps: Chevrolet Camaro or Ford Mustang. Yes, there are plenty of Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda loyalists out there, and a few seriously devoted AMC Javelin guys, but the Camaro and Mustang take the biggest piece of the fan pie.

Of course, there’s another pony car out there that seems to appeal to a very specific niche of the enthusiast audience, and that’s the Pontiac Firebird. As I have been a fan of the Firebird almost since I began looking at cars, I cannot be trusted to discuss this matter with anything like dispassion. Instead, I’ll just admit it: I love Firebirds.

There has always been something slightly elevated about the ‘Bird. It cost a little more than the Camaro, enjoyed distinctive styling, and seemed to attracted a different audience.

I’d like to say the Firebird was more sophisticated than the Camaro, but the giant “Screaming Chicken” hood decal that came online around the same time I became interested in cars is evidence to the contrary. That chicken is in a large way responsible for me writing this post some 40 years later.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1yDQ5v1CjI]

For those who don’t know, the Firebird was introduced for 1967, and was produced through 2002. Its best sales year was 1979, when more than 201,453 were sold.

Especially rare is the 1973 Formula equipped with the optional 455 SD engine. That powerplant generally found its way into Trans Am models, but 43 were installed in Formulas that year. If you’ve ever seen a 1973 Formula packing the SD engine, know that you were in the presence of an automotive unicorn.

Not that the Firebird’s status among cool cars was ever in doubt, but it’s worth remembering that this sleek Pontiac was the exclusive ride of Jim Rockford—TV’s coolest-ever freelance detective.

To celebrate this legendary car, we’ve amassed ten classic print ads and one cool TV spot.

If you have any special memories of the Firebird, please share them with us. The place to leave comments is below the last ad.

Pony-Car Madness! 10 Classic Mustang Ads

 

1967

1967 Firebird Ad
1967 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1968

1968 Pontiac Firebird Ad
1968 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1969

1969 Pontiac Firebird Ad
1969 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1972

1972 Firebird Ad
1972 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1976

1976 Firebird Ad
1976 Pontiac Firebird Ad

The Cars of “The Rockford Files”

 

1976

1976 Mareont Muffler Ad
1976 Mareont Muffler Ad

 

1978

1978 Pontiac Firebird Ad
1978 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1980

1980 Pontiac Firebird Ad
1980 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1984

1984 Pontiac Firebird Ad, Trans Am
1984 Pontiac Firebird Ad

 

1998

1998 Pontaic Firebird Ad
1998 Pontiac Firebird Ad

Consumer Guide Ranks the Sporty Compacts of 1972 (Pony Car Shootout)

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