1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Hardtop

By 1953 Pontiac was producing a half million cars annually when stodgy designs torpedoed sales. Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen was brought in to turn it around, breathing new life into the beleaguered brand. He eliminated the venerable 'suspenders' - a styling cue since 1935 - and strongly supported motorsports. Pontiac's newfound performance focus continued through the 1960s. The Firebird was born in 1967.

Meanwhile, SCCA road racing was very popular in the 1960's and the Detroit manufacturers all backed factory Trans Am teams. With Victory Lane in mind, the Trans Am debuted in 1969. Its moniker was controversial however, as the SCCA never approved it - until GM agreed to pay $5 per car royalties. Ironically, the Trans Am never won a race in the series for which it was named.

1970 dawned on an elegantly restyled Firebird. However engineering problems delayed its introduction, leading to its popular designation as a 1970½ model. Front air dam, rear spoiler, and anti-roll bars were standard. It boasted a 345 horsepower Ram Air IV 400 cubic-inch engine idling under a rear-facing shaker scoop. While not aerodynamically ideal, this hood scoop remained a Trans Am trademark for many years.

Pontiac only built 88 Ram Air IV Trans Ams in 1970; six of which were sprayed Lucerne Blue. The current owner first spotted this car prowling Cleveland streets in 1978 and tried - to no avail - to find the owner. He saw it again in 1990 at a race at Norwalk and purchased it. Today, it is in pristine condition thanks to an eight year restoration.