In 1967, the era of high-performance American muscle cars was in full swing, thrilling speed enthusiasts everywhere. It was also the year that Ford introduced the Mustang, a legendary sports car that remains in production to this day—an incredible feat. But amidst all the excitement, another V8 beast emerged from Pontiac: the fiery Firebird.
Born to rival the Ford Mustang, the Pontiac Firebird made its official debut on February 23, 1967, a year after the Camaro shared the Chevrolet platform from GM. Fortunately, a few lucky Vietnamese enthusiasts have managed to get their hands on some Firebird models, including the second-generation version, of which only one is known to be actively driven on the streets, currently residing in the garage of Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu.
Exterior Design
The Pontiac Firebird, whose lifespan spanned from 1967 to 2002, underwent four generations, with the shortest being the first, lasting only three years from 1967 to 1969, and the longest being the second, enduring for eleven years from 1970 to 1981. The third and fourth generations had lifespans of ten years (1982-1992) and nine years (1993-2002), respectively.
The debut of the second-generation Firebird in 1970 was delayed until February 26, 1970, due to tooling and engineering issues, earning it the popular moniker “1970½” model. Meanwhile, the remaining 1969 models were listed in early Pontiac literature without a model year identification code. This generation of Firebirds was only available as a coupe, and after the 1969 model, convertible options wouldn’t become available again until 1989.
This generation boasts a more curvaceous body while retaining some traditional muscle car elements. The upper portion of the rear window line almost runs straight down to the edge of the trunk lid. The initial design featured a prominent C-pillar, which was later reduced in size in 1975 when the rear window was enlarged.
Originally, the wrap-around windows took up more space on the C-pillar, but issues with glue and sealing the rear window led to the adoption of flat glass until the body was redesigned in 1975. This style became emblematic of the long-lasting F-body style throughout the Firebird’s lifespan.
Mr. Vu’s Firebird boasts a deep green color, the car’s original paint job. The front features round headlights paired with a large, dual-grille design, exuding a bold statement. The long hood is accented by two wide air vents, showcasing the quintessential style of American cars from the 1960s. The front bumper is angular and incorporates two square fog lights, with a chrome trim strip dividing it into four sections.
Moving to the sides, the curvaceous yet muscular lines of the American muscle car era are on full display, accentuating the beauty of the Firebird. The rear fender flares are prominent, and the rear features a three-tiered taillight arrangement on each side, complete with reverse lights. The rear spoiler protrudes upward, and the rear bumper sports a chrome trim strip and two prominent bulges.
Finally, this Firebird rides on 15-inch Magnum 400 wheels with a five-spoke design painted in contrasting black and silver. The front tires are sized at 225/60, while the rears are 235/60, both from the renowned BFGoodrich brand.
Interior
The second-generation Pontiac Firebird maintains its 2+2 coupe configuration, with the rear seats offering adequate space for children, but adults taller than 1.68 meters may find it a tight squeeze. The seats in Mr. Vu’s “Firebird” are upholstered in brown leather, and many of the interior details remain true to the original.
The steering wheel is sporty, and of course, Mr. Vu has added a custom coffee and cigar holder for his enjoyment during drives. The dashboard is accented with wood trim, featuring two large gauges for speed and engine RPM, along with smaller gauges for other parameters.
Drivetrain
With a collection of nearly 350 supercars and sports cars, Mr. Vu is undoubtedly selective about the vehicles he chooses to drive. His choice of the Pontiac Firebird stems not only from its formidable design but also from the powerful engine lurking under the hood.
Specifically, the Firebird is equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.6-liter V8 engine, a truly impressive powerhouse during its production run from the 1970s to 1981.
This engine generates 330 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and a maximum torque of 583 Nm at 3,000 RPM. Power is sent to the rear wheels.
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