1973 Pontiac Firebird

The 1973 Pontiac Firebird came as a base model, Esprit, Formula, and high-performance Trans Am. Pontiac gave the Firebird a new 'eggcrate' grille insert, and a few other exterior modifications, mostly to comply with U.S. government crash standards. Standard equipment included bucket seats with all-vinyl trim, Deluxe steering wheel, loop-pile carpets, upper-level ventilation, ashtray light, Endura bumper, hubcaps, windshield radio antenna, front disc brakes, three-speed manual column shift transmission, and bright moldings on the windshield, rear window, and grille. The base price rose about $50, to $2,895. A total of 14,096 base models were sold.

The firebird Esprit had model signature scripts on the roof pillars, custom interior, concealed windshield wipers, and twin body-color mirrors. The base price was $3,250 and a total of 17,249 examples were sold.

The Firebird Formula had a base price of $3,280 and 10,166 examples were sold. They added special twin-scoop hoods, custom cushion steering wheel, black textured grille, dual exhaust, and heavy-duty suspension.

The high-performance option was the Trans Am which gained the 'chicken' graphics for the hood. Pricing began at $4,200 and 4,802 examples were sold. Power was supplied by a 455 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 310 horsepower. Standard equipment included Safe-T-Track differential, power steering, full-width rear deck spoiler, Rally gauge cluster with clock and tachometer, Rally II wheels with trim rings, dual body-color mirrors, and front-wheel opening flares. Buyers had the choice of a Turbo-Hydramatic or four-speed manual transmission.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2018