1986 Pontiac Firebird

The 1986 Pontiac Firebird was part of the Third Generation of styling, introduced in 1982 and produced through 1992. Pontiac had originally introduced its Firebird in 1967, sharing its platform with its Chevy Camaro sibling, and remaining in production through 2002. When it was first introduced, it was intended to compete against the Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar pony cars.

The restyling of the 1982 Firebird put fuel efficiency as its primary objective, reducing weight, improving aerodynamics, and offering a four-cylinder engine that delivered 34 miles per U.S. gallon. The windshield was sloped at a 62-degree angle complemented by a large, glass-dominated hatchback that required no metal structural support. The angular front end had concealed pop-up headlights, the first on the F-Body cars, and a feature that distinguished it from its Camaro sibling.

For 1986, Pontiac produced 952,943 vehicles and 110,463 of those were Firebirds. The Firebird was available as a Base Coupe, SE Coupe, and Trans Am with pricing beginning at $9,280 for the base and $12,400 for the Trans Am. The base engine was an overhead valve four-cylinder engine displacing 2.5-liters and offering 92 horsepower. The engine was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. New for 1986 was modified tail lamps, a new center filler panel, and new lower body accent paint with sports striping. Standard equipment now included dual sport mirrors and a rear spoiler. All models also had 15-inch tires and a power pull-down hatch with electric remote release optional. The appearance of the optional hood bird graphic decal was also changed. New options included a programmable, electrically-controlled day/night mirror.

The Firebird SE models came standard with a V6 engine displacing 2.8-liters and fitted with a multi-port fuel injection system. Base and SE models could be fitted with the 5-liter four-barrel V8 with either an automatic or five-speed manual.

The Trans Am model came equipped with a 5-liter V8 with 155 horsepower or an optional tuned-port fuel injection system offering 190 horsepower. The Trans Am's WS6 suspension package came with four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, P245/50VR16 Gatorback tires, and larger stabilizer bars.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014