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1971 Pontiac Firebird Pegasus Concept

Concepts have many purposes; they test design ideas, feasibility, and practicality. They explore creative ways of making the 'point-A' to 'point-B' experience much more enjoyable.

Bill Mitchell was the head of General Motors Design after Harley Early retired. During his career, Mitchell was responsible for the creation of many important and influential vehicles. Upon his retirement from the position, he struck a deal with General Motors to take this car with him. Part of the arrangement stated that the car would be willed back to the company upon his demise.

The candy-apple red Pegasus Concept has gold-tone pinstriping and chrome, Randy Wittine-designed pinstriping, a Ferrari V-12 drivetrain, and many modified styling elements. The design was courtesy of stylist Jerry Palmer, who created the initial sketches in the early 1970s. Further development was handled by the Pontiac studio.

A GM Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed was mated to the Ferrari V-12, but it was later replaced with a Ferrari five-speed. Four-piston Corvette rear brakes were added and many other modifications were carried throughout the vehicle.

To make room for the engine, the firewall was moved back nine inches and left no room for the air conditioning system. Under the forward-hinged hood lay the red-headed four-cam engine. The air cleaner was mounted to the hood, which guaranteed nothing would block the view of the engine while the hood was open.

Inside, little of the original Firebird trim was kept. There are Ferrari-spec Veglia Borletti gauges, a new wood-trimmed center console, and even a Ferrari shifter. Custom leather bucket seats were fitted, resembling those found in similar Italian cars of the time. There is a Ferrari fuel filler mounted to the rear deck and the car rides on Borrani wire wheels.

This was truly a concept - or at least a radical custom. It was a marriage of American and Italian design ideas and mechanical components.


by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2012

The Pontiac Firebird

Some refer to this as the coke bottle years, due to its body style. The bumpers were designed into the front end and the rear had slit taillights. Until 1969, a two-door hardtop and a convertible were only available. 1967 This marks the year Pontiac creates the Firebird, to be in competition with the Camaro. Five different Firebirds were available, with over 82,000 produced. Four speed manual....
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The Pontiac Firebird

Some refer to this as the coke bottle years, due to its body style. The bumpers were designed into the front end and the rear had slit taillights. Until 1969, a two-door hardtop and a convertible were only available. 1967 This marks the year Pontiac creates the Firebird, to be in competition with the Camaro. Five different Firebirds were available, with over 82,000 produced. Four speed....
Continue Reading >>

Related Reading : Pontiac Firebird History

Pontiac was tired of viewing from the sidelines, while Ford introduced the Mustang, and Chevy brought out the Camaro, so in midst of 1967 Pontiac finally jumped in the ring with the all new Firebird. Available with either six or eight cylinder engines, the Firebird was based heavily on the Camaro chassis, though Pontiac did attempt to make it their own. The Camaro featured a styled split front grille,....
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