1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

For 1980, the Pontiac Firebird was available as a hardtop coupe, Esprit Coupe, Formula Coupe, and a Trans Am Coupe. Changes were minimal though they did receive updates to the engine to comply with ever-increasing emissions restrictions. A new 265 cubic-inch V8 was optional along with the four-barrel, 301-CID V8. The Trans Am and the Formula models could be purchased with a new turbocharged 301-CID four-barrel. The base and Esprit models came standard with a three-speed manual while the Formula and Trans Am were given automatics.

The large displacement engines were no longer offered, including the 400 and 403 CID V8.

The Turbocharged Firebirds had a unique hood with a special bird decal. They had turbo graphics on the hood and decklid spoiler. A new 'Yellow Bird' option package replaced the former Redbird package. New Trans Am graphics colors included bronze-and-burgundy and a red-and-gold combination.

New options included an electronic-tuned stereo radio with a four-speaker system, a new dark blue interior color, and new seating which came in five colors.

The Pontiac Firebird was produced from 1967 through 2002 and was designed to compete with the Mercury Cougar and the Ford Mustang. The best sales year was 1979 with 116,535 Trans Am built. A 1980 Turbo Trans Am was featured in Smokey and the Bandit II, but due to the turbocharger problems, the cars used for filming were equipped with nitrous oxide tanks by Marvin Miller Systems.

1981 was the final year of the second-generation Firebirds (1970 through 1981), and engine options continued to be the same as during the 1970 model year. The only change to the engine was a new electronic carburetion system.

The third generation of styling was introduced in 1982 and would continue through 1992. Due to the fuel crises of the 1970s, fuel economy had become paramount. This was accomplished by reducing overall weight, improving aerodynamics, balance, and chassis development.

For the final year of production (2002), a collector's edition Trans Am was released as either a WS6 t-top coupe or a yellow WS6 convertible.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2014