1985 Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac introduced the Firebird in 1967 as a pony car built to compete with the Ford Mustang and its sibling, the Mercury Cougar. Along with its February 23rd, 1967 introduction, the Pontiac Firebird was joined by its GM's Chevrolet division platform-sharing Camaro. Production of the Firebird lasted until the 2002 model year. The third generation was introduced in 1982 and its basic style would continue through 1992, with styling revisions along the way.

Both the third-generation Firebird and Camaro F-body development saw a reduction in weight (of about 500 pounds) to aid in fuel economy figures and increases in acceleration performance. The four-cylinder Firebird delivered 34 miles per U.S. gallon and was complimented by numerous improvements performed to the chassis, aerodynamics, and advanced engine technology.

The windshields of both the Firebird and Camaro were sloped at a 62-degree angle, and the large glass hatchback required no metal structure to support it. The concealed pop-up headlights were a 'first' on the F-Body cars, and one of the major distinguishable features between the Firebird and the Camaro.

The 1985 Pontiac Firebird Coupe was available as a base, SE, and Trans AM model. A total of 46,644 examples of the base, 5,208 of the SE, and 44,028 of the Trans Am were built. The base model sold for $8,760, while the Trans Am model was listed for $11,110. The base engine was a fuel-injected 173 cubic-inch V6 delivering 130 horsepower. The Trans Am model cam with a 5-liter V8 rated at 165 horsepower. An optional high-output version of the 305 CID V8 was available on the Trans Am models, offering nearly 200 horsepower.

The appearance of the Firebird was similar to the prior year; the Trans Am had a new aero-tuned rocker and quarter panel extensions, a new hood with twin louvers near the front, and built-in fog lamps. New options this year included diamond spoke wheels.

The Firebird had a standard five-speed manual gearbox. A three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic and a four-speed overdrive automatic were also available.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014

IMSA GTO was a popular class, supported by OEMs and corporate sponsorship. Similar to a NASCAR but much lighter, these tube-frame purpose-built race cars had the silhouette of a street car but under the skin carried full race engines and gearboxes, sophisticated suspensions, and virtually nothing from the production car.