Five legendary limited edition Pontiac Firebird models that defined American muscle car era

The Pontiac Firebird is one of the most famous muscle car models to ever exist.

As a whole, the Firebird nameplate helped to define the American muscle car era.

It still lives on as arguably the golden age of the American automotive industry.

These are five legendary limited edition Pontiac Firebird models that we’ll never forget.

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1. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The first of the five legendary limited edition cars is the one that arguably started them all.

That would be, of course, the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

It joined the line-up as a standalone trim-level for the mid-1970 model year.

But the Trans Am nameplate actually first launched as a special package for the 1969 Pontiac Firebird.

Only 697 customers opted for the Trans Am package back then for their Firebird.

The $1,163.74 package included an upgraded suspension, aggressive blue stripes, and functional hood scoops to help the 400cu-in V8 breathe better.

The most powerful version, the Ram Air IV V8, welcomed an extra 10hp while lowering the car’s quarter-mile time to 13.7 seconds.

2. 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Limited Edition

Next up on the legendary list is the 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 10th Anniversary Limited Edition.

The reason people love 1970s Trans Am cars is that Pontiac began downsizing engines for the 1980 model year.

To its credit, the brand would make up for the lack of raw power with the addition of a turbocharger.

But it would not be before they gave the car one last bang to go out on.

The end result was the 1979 Trans Am 10th Anniversary Edition, and it made its debut as the pace car at the Daytona 500.

Production was limited to just 7,500 units – but that is not where the story ends.

Just 1,817 of those 7,500 units came with the Pontiac 400 V8 engine, paired to the Borg-Warner Super T10 manual transmission.

3. Indy 500 Pace Car features on this list

A very special model that features on this list is the 20th Anniversary Edition Indy 500 Pace Car.

It might have a long name, but the performance of this special car was anything but.

This edition was blazingly quick, completing 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds.

It featured a turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 that Pontiac actually borrowed from Buick.

Only 1,555 examples were ever made, making it one of the most unique cars on this list.

4, 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gold Special Edition

No Pontiac Firebird list would be complete without a car inspired by Smokey and the Bandit.

Burt Reynolds and his black Trans Am remain one of the most iconic cultural pairings in American history.

But a rarer option is the 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Gold Special Edition, with the option code Y88.

It was only on the order book for three months, meaning just 800 buyers got their hands on this gold car.

This configuration would pair the L80 V8 engine with the automatic transmission option.

This incredibly rare configuration remains one of the most elusive options ever made.

5. 2002 Pontiac Firebird Collector’s Edition

The Pontiac Firebird sadly came to an end when GM killed it off back in 2002.

However, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird Collector’s Edition combined speed, luxury, and a very limited run.

This limited run produced 2,390 units – and just 2,000 were produced for the American market.

Powering the Collector’s Edition was the iconic LS1 V8, with the 5.7-liter engine producing 335hp.

This final send-off car completed a 0-60 acceleration in just 5.1 seconds, and could do a top speed of 165mph.

Ebony leather seating in the interior, along with various luxury accessories and air conditioning, made it the most luxe Firebird ever.

And there we have it! That is your guide to the five most legendary, limited-edition Firebird muscle car models.