Main factory models:

Firebird (base, V6) (1967-2002)
Sprint (1967-1969) (Firebird Sprint with the high performance 230 cubic inch displacement (cid) version of the Overhead Cam in-line 6, was rated @ 215 bhp, equipped with a Quadrajet and floor mounted manual 3 speed; Known as W-53 rated 215 bhp in '68.)
Esprit (1970-1981) (replaced Sprint as 'luxury' model between base Firebird and sporty Formula)
Formula (1970-1981, 1987-2002) (Pontiac produced the Formula model from 1970 through 1981 and again from 1987 through the present. The Formula has always been available with the Trans Am hardware as optional equipment, though with a different, but aggressive look of its own. From 1970 through 1975 the Formula package included a fiberglass hood with two long scoops extending toward the nose. In 1976 the scoops were scaled back in a one year only design. Also for '76, an optional Formula appearance package became available with a contrasting paint scheme. This package was offered as an option through 1981. In 1977 the scooped hood was again redesigned to a more subtle look which was also carried through 1981. When the Formula was re-introduced in 1987, it included Formula graphics on the doors, larger wheels and tires than the base Firebird and a standard rear spoiler. It came with the base Trans Am engine as standard equipment, and most of the Trans Am hardware could be optioned. This theme was carried through 1992. In 1993, when the fourth generation Firebird debuted, the Formula shared the base Firebird's nose, but again had its own rear spoiler and could be ordered with all the Trans Am hardware, including the WS6 Ram Air package starting in 1996.)
Firebird SE (1982-1986) (replaced Esprit; equivalent of Camaro's Berlinetta version)
Trans Am (1969-2002) (Conceived to campaign in the SCCA's road racing series (with a special de-stroked 303-cubic-inch V8 never installed on the production car), Pontiac paid $5 to the racing organization for each Trans Am sold as a license fee for the name. The original T/A's were known for few frills and mostly raw performance power with a European approach to the muscle car battle. The automotive press was extremely critical of the 1st generation Trans Am because the name came from the Sports Car Club of America's race series. all U.S. built T/A's for '69 came with one of the two 400 cid Ram Air engine choices. The transmission that came as standard equipment was the 3 speed manual, with the 4 speed manual and Turbo Hydro Matic 3 speed automatic available as extra cost options. Trans Am color options for 1969 consisted of one choice - Cameo white with two full length Lucerne Blue racing stripes. The blue treatment was carried over covering the rear tail light panel as well. The final day of 4th-gen production at the assembly plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec was August 27, 2002.)

GM special packages: early engine-focused

Firebird 326 (1967-1969) (Firebird 326 was Pontiac's standard model equipped with a 2 barrel 326 cid V8, rated @ 250 bhp & manual 3 speed "on the tree" transmission; replaced by the Pontiac L-30 350 rated 265 bhp in '68.)
Firebird HO (1967-1969) (Firebird HO was the high-output version of the 326 V8. It was rated @ 285 bhp, equipped with a Quadrajet, dual exhausts, heavy duty suspension and special 'H-O' body striping; replaced by the Pontiac L-76 350 HO rated 320 bhp in '68.)
Firebird 400 (1967-1968) (Firebird 400 was Firebird's 'king of the hill' for '67 with the 400 cid rate of 325 bhp in both Base & Ram Air versions. Throttle restrictors prevented the '67 Firebird Ram Air 4 barrel secondaries from fully opening @ Wide Open Throttle. Tuners such as Royal Pontiac were able to quickly rectify the handicap. This tuning matched the performance of the exact same engine combination that was available in, the then 'top-dog' of Pontiac, the GTO Ram Air which was rated 360 bhp in '67. 1968 saw the choices expand to four 400 cid engines for the Firebird.)
Formula SD-455 and Trans Am SD-455 (1973-1974) (In 1973, Pontiac released a limited production engine known as the Super Duty 455 (SD 455). The engine was optional in '73 and '74 on both Formulas and Trans Ams. The SD-455 was a race bred engine that featured a special heavy duty block, forged pistons, four bolt main caps, a provision for dry sump oiling, round port heads that were reported to flow better than Chryslers' Famed Hemi, "header" style exhaust manifolds, and an 800 cfm carb. Original SD-455 cars are valuable collectibles today. Production: 1973: 43 Formulas, 252 Trans Ams; 1974: 58 Formulas, 943 Trans Ams. In addition there were some SD-455 crate motors sold through dealers as factory 'Service Replacement' engines.)

GM special packages: black/gold

Pontiac 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Trans Am (1976) (black with gold accents) (Black was finally offered on a T/A this year, but only about 2590 of them. The Y82/Y84 Special Edition's made their debut as a limited run of Pontiac Motor Division 50th anniversary package cars. The Starlite black exterior was highlighted in gold with pin stripes, starting at the front bumper, wrapping around the body via the wheel openings, finishing it's journey at the rear bumper. Completing the gold exterior accents were a specific hood bird decal, headlamp bezels, grilles, fascia mounted Firebird crest, and honey comb wheels. A small portion of the cars also received black chrome splitter tail pipes. Inside, a gold finished engine turned instrument panel applique replaced the silver tone of other T/A's and the black spokes in the Formula steering wheel were supplanted by a gold version. Either the 400 automatic or 455 manual combinations could be ordered. It was on this special T/A that an option would be introduced that would literally open up an entire market - the T-Top. Originally slated to be fitted to all anniversary edition cars, only 643 were actually produced with the tops. 643 with Hurst T-Tops and 1,947 hardtop coupes; Total 2590.)
Black Special Edition Trans Am (1977-1981) (black with gold accents) (1980 and 1981 were Turbo) (Patterned after the 1976 Pontiac Fiftieth Anniversary Limited Edition model, the '77 was basically carryover. Priced at $556.00 with out Hurst Hatches (Y81) and $1141.00 with (Y82) , the package included specific gold trimmed exterior appointments. Some of the S.E's also had "black chrome" splitter tail pipes. The Trans Am callouts were still done gothic style as on the '76 (but without the 50th anniversary logo), the and there was enough gold tape on the car to trim the wall paper of a small house. But this was the look, and that was what was important. The black took on a near sinister appearance, with the gold accents lending a "custom" look. By continuing to extend the theme into the interior by including a formula steering wheel with gold spokes, and the instrument panel bezel and console trim plate, and door accents being finished in a gold simulated engine turned applique completed the task. In 1978, the black and gold variety returned, but now were available only with t-tops. Pontiac coded those SE's built at the Van Nuys, California plant and the Norwood, Ohio plant differently. The Norwood cars had a RPO of Y82 and the Californian's, Y84 (This does not mean that all cars built in Van Nuys were sold in California.). The components of the SE package were carryover for '78. Total production: 1977: 15567, 1978: 3643, 1979: 11554, 1980: 6094, 1981: 5263.)
Gold Special Edition Trans Am (1978) (gold with brown accents) (After two years of success with the black & gold Special Editions, Pontiac decided to try a new angle- reverse the colors! Solar Gold with black accents was chosen to supplement the "bandit". Most gold SE's were built in Norwood, Ohio, as the Van Nuys, Ca. plant had to use a different paint due to EPA regulations. The paint from Van Nuys had a greenish cast to it, versus the more pure gold look of the Ohio models. Pontiac made only a half year of the Y88, dubbed the Gold Special Edition Trans Am. Total production for the Y88 Trans Am are 8,676 units, all of them had T-Tops. 1,267 units were built with the Pontiac 400 with 4-Speed transmissions & only 880 were built with the 403 Olds motor with mandatory automatic transmission and smog pump. Total invoice price for this car was $6,021.40. Total retail or sticker price was $7,968.00.)

GM special packages: 'LadyBirds'

"SkyBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1977-1978) (blue) (In 1977 Pontiac introduced the Skybird, originally to be named after the 1976 show car called Bluebird, but that name was already used by Bluebird Body Company located in Georgia. The Skybird was coded W60. It consisted of a Lombard Blue two-tone paint scheme, coded #21 with an accent code of #58 (Bright Blue) for 1977 and a paint code of #30 (Lombard Blue) and the same accent paint code for 1978. It came with loads of blue stripes and a special "feathery" Skybird decal. Color matched grills, taillight bezels, snowflake 15" x 7" wheels (YJ8), white wall tires (OBW), color matched custom cloth (24B) or custom vinyl (24N) interior, including seatbelts (AK1), Formula steering wheel (NK3) and carpet. The Skybird was available with several engine combos from the Buick 231 V6 to the Olds 403 V8 engine, for smog and high altitude areas. Some of the models may have received a gold spoked steering wheel or Hurst t-tops. Total price for the Skybird package was an extra $342 with cloth interior and $315 with vinyl. In 1978 it was up to $461 with cloth interior and $430 with vinyl.)
"RedBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1978-1979) (red) (The Redbird option replaced the Skybird midyear in 1978. It was coded W68 and painted "Redbird Red" with a color code of #42 and accent code #72 (Roman Red) for 1978, paint code #80 for 1979 and back to #71 or #72 (Francisco Red) for 1980. The Redbird option consisted of the same options as the Skybird, except the base color was Red and the stripes were gold. The custom interior was available in vinyl (74N) or cloth (74B). The Redbird option continued until midyear 1980. Some of the 1979 models received the gold steering wheel, dash, and front arrowhead emblem just like the Special Edition Trans Am's. Engines available for 1978 and 1979 were the 3.8 Buick V6 to the Olds 403 V8 powerplant. In 1980, the Redbird was available with the 3.8 Buick V6 to the 5.0 Chevy 305. Total cost for the Redbird package in 1978 was $465 with cloth interior and $430 with vinyl interior. In 1979, it was up to $491 with cloth interior and $449 with vinyl. According to a 1978 Pontiac product manual update dated December 8,1977, the Skybird appearance package was to be replaced by the Redbird Appearance package. Production of the Redbird edition began in February 1978 as the W68 appearance package added to the Esprit model. Price of the Redbird package was the same as the Skybird M.S.R.P. $461.00 with cloth trim and $426.00 with Vinyl trim.)
"YellowBird" Special Edition Firebird Esprit (1980) (yellow) (In mid-1980 the Yellowbird was introduced. It was the third and last color change for the Firebird Esprit Appearance Packages. The Yellowbirds were coded W73 with a paint color code of #56 with an accent color code of #37. They also consisted of the same options as the Sky/Redbird, including the the Redbird's gold stripes. The Yellowbird came with the camel tan (62B) custom cloth or custom vinyl (62N) interior and had blacked out taillights with yellow horizontal ribs rather than the usual color matched section. Most of the Yellowbirds received the gold steering wheel and dash. The Yellowbirds could also be ordered with an extra-cost rear spoiler (D98) for $58. Total price for the Yellowbird option was $550 with cloth interior and $505 with vinyl interior.)

GM special packages: sport packages

Recaro Special Edition Trans Am (1982-1984) (On January 28th, 1982, Pontiac Motor Division (PMD) announced the specially equipped Recaro Trans Am in an internal bulletin broadcast. This package was only available on Trans Am's which were black with gold trim and had charcoal interior done up in Parella cloth. On top of all the Trans Am goodies, this limited edition included standard multi-adjustable Recaro front bucket seats (AQ9), standard T-tops (CC1), standard WS6 performance package (WS6), 4-wheel disc brakes (J65), limited slip rear axle a.k.a. positraction with 3.23 : 1 gears (G92), 32mm rear sway bar, 21mm front sway bar, stiffer springs & shocks, quick 12.7 : 1 steering box ratio, P215/65R15 steel belted Goodyear Eagle GT radials on Recaro-specific 15"x7" gold-painted turbo cast aluminum wheels (N89), and a choice of the 165HP Cross-Fire dual throttle body injected (TBI) 5.0 V8 engine (LU5) with functional cold air induction hood and a 3-speed automatic Turbo Hydramatic TH200c transmission (MX1), or the 145HP 4bbl 5.0 V8 engine (LG4) with a four-speed manual transmission (MM4). The Recaro option price was $2,968 with the LU5/MX1 combo or $2,486 with the LG4/MM4 combo. No other drivetrain options were available, though an original LG4/MX1 Recaro is known to exist. Special black exterior door handle inserts proclaimed "RECARO T/A" in gold lettering for identification. The Firebird logo and Pontiac lettering on the taillights was done up in gold paint as well. It was the best that PMD and Recaro had to offer in 1982. PMD said they would build "about 2000" Recaros for the 1982 model year. An official number has never been found, so the "about 2000" figure stands as the accepted total production numbers. Recaros represent less than 4% of the total number of Trans Am's made that year. "About 2000" Recaro Trans Am's were produced for the 1982 model year. In 1983 they made about 2500 and in 1984 they made 1321. 1983 and 1984 were made to order, so 1982 is really the only limited edition among the 3 years. The Recaro seat option was greatly amplified and marketed as the Recaro Special Edition T/A; the package content was quite complete and included specific graphics and other items both inside the car and out, including the first use of the famous "venetian blind" hood bulge decal.)
Firebird SSA / XS (1989) (SSA was the sport appearance package (exclusive to only a few states, I think CA was one of them) they gave to V6 Firebirds in 89. They only had SSA badging for the first half of the year, and then dropped it. The Bird has the TA and Anniver. ground effects on it, but has a 2.8 with the 700 R trans. Also on the rear deck just below the wing is an emblem(not decal) that says "Firebird SSA". The car was purchased from the California, Van Nuys plant. Also the wheels have a plastic not metal center with just the Bird in the center and Pontiac on the rim. They are premium wheels. The interior is cloth and very nice with T-tops. "Pontiac Firebird 1967-2000 Photo History" says: "Looking like a Trans Am or GTA, only the rims, hood, and rear spoiler gave it away. 15-inch wheels, the regular Firebird rear spoiler and the plain flat hood came on this bird. Firebirds in the Los Angeles area had "Firebird XS" emblems on the front fender. The San Francisco/Sacramento zone had "Firebird SSA" emblems. These dropped to just the "Firebird" emblem later in this year." Taillights remained the same as the Firebirds without the Sport Appearance Package. Aero kit (with both front and rear bumpers) was the same as the Trans Am.)
Trans Am GTA (1987-1992) (GTA stand for Grand Tourismo Americano (or Grand Touring America, in English). 1987 thru 1992 Trans Am GTAs received the L98 5.7 liter (350 ci) TPI V8 (like the Corvette). The GTA came with light weight 16 inch diamond spoke alloy mag wheels and gold "Trans Am GTA" badges. The interior had new bucket seats (optional on the regular Trans Am). The 5.0 liter (305 ci) engine was also available in the GTA with a 5 speed manual tranny, but this required engine deletion of the L98 and had to be special ordered directly from Pontiac.)
Notchback Trans Am GTA (1988) (In 1988, Pontiac offered the notchback as a factory option on the GTA. There were 718 produced. The notchback is a fiberglass piece that bolts on in place of the regular glass hatch (with the exception of a few differences). It has a small back window which comes directly down behind the rear seats (at a 75 degree angle). Then a flat area (like a trunk lid) extends to the rear of the car with a ridge running down the center. It has a spoiler, but not like the standard wrap around one. While aftermarket reproductions are found all around, an option code of AA8 was used for the factory notchback along with the 10th character of the VIN being a 'K'.)
Trans Am GT (1994) (additional luxury features such as leather seats; regular Trans Am, but with all the options including "up-level" rear spoiler and GS-C tires coming standard on the car. All 1993 Trans Ams had the GT treatment as standard, but they were not referred to as GTs. In 1995 and after, the treatment got broken down into a number of options like on the Formula)
Firebird SCE (Southern California Edition) (1994) ("Pontiac Firebird 1967-2000 Photo History" says: "The 1994 Firebird SCE (Southern California Edition) package. As in most years, Pontiac came out with low production specialty cars in certain markets to preview new possible options to the public. In this case, special SCE decals (pillar, behind door glass), white and silver wheels with special wheel caps (SCE on them), and another rear spoiler mounted onto the Firebird's integrated rear spoiler (look close, you see two). White seems to be the only color.")
Firebird Sport Appearance Package (1997-2002) (The Sport Appearance Package for the V6 Firebird was offered from 1997 to 2002 as RPO Code W68. It included ground effects, fog lamps, and a dual-outlet exhaust system with aluminum tips.)
Formula WS6 and Trans Am WS6 (1970.5-1995) (performance suspension package)
Formula WS6 Ram Air (1996-2000) and Trans Am WS6 Ram Air (1996-2002) (Ram Air, Freer flowing exhaust system, suspension upgrades, Increased cooling, 17 inch wheels with 275/40ZR/17 tires)
Formula 1LE (1991-1999), Trans Am 1LE (1988-1999), Firehawk Trans Am 1LE (2001-2002) (performance suspension and weight reduction package)

GM special packages: pace cars

NASCAR Daytona 500 Parade Car 10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (Although Pontiac produced 7,500 of the tenth anniversary cars, a handful of cars were prepared as pace cars on the NASCAR circuit, most notably those which wore the Daytona 500 guise. These are probably the most collectable of all 10th Anniversary Trans Ams. Sixty of these 10th Anniversary cars were involved in a "dealer drivaway program" where local dealers received a car that was used to parade around the Daytona Motor Speedway. These cars had "Daytona 500" emblems on the doors as well as NASCAR logos affixed to the rear quarter panels. The cars serial numbers were not believed to have documented and Pontiac offered the decal package accross the parts counter so verifying an actual Daytona 500 Parade car may prove to be difficult.)
Indy 500 Pace Car Turbo Trans Am (1980) (To prove the Turbo Trans Am's viability as a big engine replacement, the 1980 Indianapolis 500 would be paced by the first time in history by a Firebird. Pontiac produced 5700 Turbo Trans Am Indy 500 Pace car replicas, complete with stickers and decals to make it look just like the rear thing. Outside, the car was painted in a similar style to the 10th Anniversary Trans Am, with white replacing the silver complemented with gray accents. The "Turbo" cast aluminum wheels were painted white to match the exterior and had many areas machined away exposing the natural aluminum as had been commom practice on the "Snowflakes". The exterior mirrors were painted gray and were given a dual black/red pinstripe which also followed many of the detail lines on the car. The hood bird was an exaggeration for the optional new for 1980 Turbo hood bird with the wing tips stretching to nearly the front fenders. Five were actually used as pace cars in the 1980 Indy 500.)
NASCAR Daytona Firecracker 400 Pace Car Turbo Trans Am (1980) (Daytona Motor Speedway used Turbo Trans Ams to pace the Firecracker 400. These cars were all single color and used the natural finish turbo cast aluminum wheels.)
NASCAR Edition Turbo Trans Am (1981) (The paint scheme mirrored the previous '79/'80 style but was black over white. Inside there were some big changes. The Trans Am seats, which had been largley unchanged since 1971 were replaced with a set of Recaro buckets. Red inserts in the seating area contrasted with the black bolsters and seatbacks. The rear seating area was finished in the same pattern.)
Daytona 500 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Trans Am (1983) (November 1, 1982 marked the introduction of the 1983 25th Anniversary Daytona 500 Limited Edition T/A; limited to a run of 2,500 cars, this was the first third-generation T/A to sport an "aero" body kit. About 520 five-speed manual Pace Cars produced in 1983.)
Daytona 500 Pace Car Trans Am (1985) (No factory limited edition T/As were built for 1985, but there was an official Daytona 500 Pace Car for that year; a two-tone white and charcoal color, the car featured a special hood bird decal and all the appropriate lettering and graphics.)
Indy 500 Richmond Trans Am Pace Car (1995) (1995 Pontiac Trans Am Convertible - Indy Pace Car, Fully Loaded, Canadian Car. Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Blue with red letters.)

GM special packages: anniversary

10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (two-tone Silver) (aka TATA for Tenth Anniversary Trans Am) (To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trans Am, Pontiac created a truly special edition. The 10th was painted in a gorgeous silver and charcoal two tone, accented by red-silver-charcoal stripes. Silver dominated the base of the car, with the charcoal covering the roof, most of the hood, a small portion of the door beltline, and bumper accents. On the hood, the biggest bird to be fitted to a T/A was included. So large was the bird, each wing tips were a separate decal fitted to the fenders. The hood bird and Trans Am/engine decals followed the general theme of the car being finished in multiple hues of silver/charcoal, red, and black. To aid in the visual distinction between the tenth and standard Trans Am's, a new "turbine" smooth brightly polished dished aluminum wheel was specific to the anniversary edition. Finishing the package was a pair of overly large Firebird decals affixed to the B-pillars (A smaller Firebird decal replaced the bright metal emblem on all other Trans Ams). The interior fitted to the tenth anniversary 'birds were perhaps the most lavish of all Trans Ams. The entire interior was finished in a light gray/silver hue, including the steering wheel and horn button (The spokes were still matte black). Silver leather (with vinyl seatbacks & bolsters) covered the specificly styled front and rear seats, although they still lacked a reclining mechanism. It should be noted that the six-color embriodered bird had a special machine imported from France to produce the emblem. Thicker carpeting was laid on the floor and additional sound deadening muted the mechanical sounds we bought Trans Ams for. Most were fitted with every conceivable option, including mirrored t-tops, power windows, door locks, and trunk opener, and the WS6 Special Performance Package. Either the 403 Olds or the 400 Pontiac engines were available, as no records indicate a 301 V8 equipped tenth. Breaking the $10,000 mark, the 10th's base price was $10,620.00.)
15th Anniversary Trans Am (1984) (Pontiac recognized the Trans Am's 15th Anniversary by releasing a special Trans Am that was white with blue stripes, blue Trans Am decals and a blue "Venetian blind" decal on the offset hood bulge. The car also had a multi-tone gray interior that had Recaro seats, a white leather wrapped steering wheel , shifter knob and parking brake handle. T-tops were also standard on the package as were white aluminum wheels. The cars were powered by the 190 hp 5.0 liter "corporate" V-8 and a 5 speed manual transmission. Pontiac built approximately 1500 15th Anniversary Trans Ams.)
20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am Indy 500 Pace Car (TTA) (1989) (1989 was the year Pontiac released the 20th Anniversary Trans Am. It was a GTA model powered by the conservatively rated 245 hp Buick built 3.8 liter turbo V6 with special Pontiac heads and tuning, mated to a 4 speed overdrive automatic. Capable of 150 mph from the factory, this special T/A was the first production auto to pace the Indy 500 that was not modified to meet the rigors of bringing the Indy racers up to speed. The car was white with gold GTA wheels and gold Turbo Trans Am fender insignia. It had specific 20th anniversary badges on the nose and sail panels and Indy 500 insignia on the bottom of the front fenders. Some cars were delivered with Indy 500 pace car decals on the doors. The others received their decal package in the rear hatch back area for later installation if desired. They all came with a camel interior. The rarest being the T-top delete hardtops. Of those, 24 received leather interiors and the remaining 15 hardtops were in leather. Pontiac built 1555 20th Anniversary Turbo Pace Car Trans Ams.)
25th Anniversary Trans Am (1994) (Introduced on January 27, 1994, the 25 th Anniversary T/A was offered as a $995 option for T/A models, including the new convertible. All white exterior (plus white 5-spoke 16" wheels with 25th Anniversary center caps) and blue stripe (about 6" wide) running from nose to tail. The interior got white leather seats and appointments with 25th Anniversary logos. Logos were also painted below the Trans Am badges on the doors. Production was limited to 2000 cars (1750 coupes and 250 convertibles).)
30th Anniversary Trans Am (1999) (White with Blue trim color scheme, blue-tinted alloy wheels, white leather interior. appearance package on the Trans Am WS6 available only in 1999. All white exterior and two blue racing stripes running from nose to tail. The interior got white leather seats with black dash and console appointments with 30th Anniversary logos on the headrests and floormats. The rims were a special blue tinted chrome 17 inch wheel, with 30th Anniversary center caps. The convertibles had a blue top. There were 1600 made – 1065 T-top coupes and 535 convertibles. (1000 coupes and 500 convertibles were originally planned.) All but 65 coupes and 35 convertibles were sold in the United States. The rarest of these are the 6 speed, manual transmission, equipped convertibles. It has been reported that 100 or less of these rare manual transmission convertibles have been produced.)
30th Anniversary Trans Am Daytona 500 Pace Car (1999) (One paced the Daytona 500 on February 14th, 1999, the 14th time a Firebird paced the race out of 41. Also on hand at the track during the weekend, were 30 convertible 30th T/A WS6 cars done up in the pace car package that were used to escort the drivers around the track. All thirty were fully loaded with automatic transmissions.)
"35th Anniversary" Collector's Edition Trans Am (2002) (Collector Edition Yellow) (anniversary of the Firebird, but package is for Trans Am) (yellow paint, black wheels, special graphics) (As the Firebird flagship, the Collector Edition includes a full roster of standard equipment including power amenities, remote keyless entry, power driver's seat, Monsoon stereo, and T-tops (on coupe). Options are limited to traction control, CD changer, and Hurst short-throw six-speed shifter. Of course, no special-edition Firebird is complete without a dramatic graphics package. A contemporary take on "Smokey and the Bandit" era tradition, the Collector Edition features black ribbons and small "screaming chicken" decals. Jay Leno drove a 2002 Collector Edition Trans Am WS6 as the pace car for the 2002 Daytona 500, with no modifications. Two track-essential accessories will not be offered to the public: the Daytona 500 decals and flashing lights. Three 2002 CE cars were outfitted as pace cars.)
NHRA Special Edition Formula and Trans Am (2000-2002) (It was a commemorative edition to celebrate the NHRA's 50 year anniversary (in 2001), and Pontiac being a major sponsor of the NHRA for many years. In 2000 there was a total of 215 NHRA Firebirds produced, of which 97 were Formulas. In 2001 there was only 145 produced and in 2002 there were 535 produced. The total number produced is 895. The rarest is a few Formula Convertable NHRA SE models with like maybe 15 of them. Basically it comes with PS cooler(which all '02's have now), GSC's on 16". The autos came with 3.23's and 6 speeds came with the default 3.42. Nothing really except for the really cool badges. You could only get NHRAs in white, black, pewter, or red. Also, when you ordered a Formula / Trans Am, you had a choice between the WS6 or NHRA package. It was either or, and they could not be combined. Pontiac has been the Official Car of the NHRA since Oldsmobile's departure as Official Car at the end of the 1995 Season. The NHRA option added $1,070 - $1,095 to the sticker price and included (but not limited to) the following: Hurst manual 6-speed (3.42 ratio) or automatic transmission (3.23 ratio), power-steering cooling, P245/50ZR16 performance tires, and NHRA-specific badges & keychain. The appeal of the 1SH option package (NHRA Special Edition) is parallel to the appeal of any "anniversary edition" car or "special pace car edition." It is a special designation to commemorate the NHRA drag racing series. The NHRA badges were made by Morgan Design Group.)
Pontiac 75th Anniversary Firebird and Formula (2001) (Pontiac made a special package to commemorate the brand's 75th anniversary. It was designated with RPO code 1SX. Rather than any substantial performance or appearance changes, however, Pontiac opted to bundle the packages with badging and popular options. In fact, the Grand Am GT anniversary model was the only Pontiac to get its badging at the factory. All other '75th' cars received dealer-installed (optional) insignias. The Firebird V6 cars got the badging and the 3800 V6 performance package. The Formula got the badges, and a Hurst shifter in a manual or a 3.23 rear axle in an automatic. The Formula package probably also bundled T-tops, leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, and TA-style chrome 5-star wheels. There was no anniversary package known for the Trans Am, but some dealers may have installed the badges. At least some of them were installed on the B-pillars (behind the side windows). The other Pontiacs offered with '75th Anniversary' packages were the Grand Am GT, Sunfire SE coupe, Bonneville SE, Grand Prix GT/GTP, Montana, and Aztek. When the 2001 Firebird was still listed in the new car section of cars.com, the 75th Anniversary package was listed as one of the options. There wasn't much advertisement for it, but many dealerships were decorated with 75th Anniversary paraphernalia. The promotion ran from March 15, 2001 to April 30, 2001, and included various price discounts.)

Modified models: early power

Fitch Firebird 400 and Sprint (1967) (John Fitch was the first SCCA national champion driver. GM hired him to run a factory Corvette race team at Sebring in 56 and or 57. After that he started John Fitch & Co. in Falls Villiage CT, his big thing was making modified Corvairs called Sprints. They were availiable throught certain Chevy dealers, similiar to Yenko's. He also tweaked other cars such as a 67 Olds, some VW's. He later became involed in automotive safety barriers. Fitch knew John DeLorean who was running Pontiac in 1967, and DeLorean sent Fitch 1 400ci Firebird and 1 OHC 6 cylinder with a four barrel (Pontiac Sprint engine) to play around with as an engineering exercise. When he was done with the 2 cars they where brought back to Pontiac for the evaluation and also to Lime Rock race track in CT. The Fitch cars ran back to back tests with Pontiac engineering dept cars called PFST. At the end of the tests Fitch felt his car was better suited for everyday street driving while the Pontiac PFST wasn't real a street car, more of a race car. My understanding is Pontiac never backed the Fitch car program other than send Fitch the first 2 cars, and Fitch busy with his other projects at the time, never really marketed them other than a few magazine road tests. Fitch doesn't remember how many cars he made in the end, it seem to be around 6-8 cars, all 400ci engines except the 1 OHC Sprint. The Sprint car had factory options of rally gages, console, tilt, wood wheel, deluxe interior, 4 speed, am/fm, hood tach, rally wheels, tinted glass, power disc brakes, and radial tires (actual option on Firebirds in 67). For Fitch mods there's Koni Front shocks, Lucas Flame thrower driving light, mesh in front of the light/grill, adjusted caster, rubber bumpers on the shaft of the front shocks (to change spring rate), re-valved steering and brakes, headlight flasher switch, one time wiper switch, light monitoring panel, leather steering wheel cover, Judson coil, dual exhaust, and the fins an the quater panels (they were to cooling the brakes and let air into the interior but never developed). Also for the 6 cylinder car Fitch want to supercharge it, but never actually developed it. A fitch opted car would sell for about $1000 more than the sticker price on a car. Fiberglass fins are designed to scoop air into interior of car for fresh air supply with all windows closed. Fins also provide easy identification of Fitch-Bird, as opposed to standard Firebird, and were definitely eye-catching. The Fitch-Birds were distinguishable from standard by a wire mesh grille and headlight cover at the front, and Butress-Back tops, trademarks that have distinguished Fitch's recent design efforts. On the test car, the built-in air vents in the Buttresses were non-functional. Fitch estimates cost of the Fitch Firebirds, complete with modifications, at approximately $1000 above the price of a well-equipped standard Firebird Sprint or Firebird 400, depending upon model desired.)
Pontiac Firebird Sprint Turismo (PFST) (1967) (The PFST cars were tested with the Fitch Firebird. The PFST exhibited much less lean through test curves than the Fitch-modified Firebird 400. PFST is aimed at SCCA sedan racing class. While shy on power, compared with other sedan racers with 300-cid V-8 engines, the 6-cyl. PFST is a match for anything in handling. More efficient antiroll bar, wide rims, and racing tires gave PFST tremendous cornering power, yet breakaway was controllable. Fitch car handled in acceptable fashion, with roll more apparent from outside than while driving. The PFST uses a 230-cid 1967 Firebird Sprint basic engine because it has a greater rpm potential than the longer-stroke 250-cid 1968 engine. A high-performance camshaft, recalibrated carburetor (single four-barrel) and distributor, and fabricated dual exhaust system, increase output approximately 50 bhp. The PFST engine is a bit weak at low speed, but turns on above 4000 rpm. From 4000 to 6000 rpm, the PFST sounds like a real race car, and moves down the road at a rate surprising to those accustomed to big V-8 power. The cylinder head rework performed on the standard Sprint head obviously is effective. As impressive as the engine modifications were, it was the suspension that was the eye opener. PFST became almost free from body roll even in rapid transient conditions. Steering response of the car, which has a faster-than-stock steering ratio, is excellent. The PFST carried 15x8.5-in. wheels and 10-in. wide Firestone road racing tires. The PFST could probably be raced with success by a reasonably competent race driver without danger or difficulty. In short, it's an enjoyable club racer, good enough to win some local track trophies.)
Royal Pontiac "Bobcat" Firebird (various sub-models) (1967-1970) (Royal Pontiac was a dealership located in Royal Oak, Michigan. Founded by dragracer Ace Wilson, Royal Pontiac began making modifications to Pontiacs back in 1959, and selling these cars to customers. The Royal Bobcat "kit" could be ordered through the mail by any enthusiast. It consisted of a large box containing thinner head gaskets, blocked heat riser intake gaskets, distributor recurve kit, larger jets for the carb(s), rocker arm locknuts, colder spark plugs (Champion J10Y), and the necessary gaskets (valve cover, valley pan) to perform the modification. It also included Royal Racing Team club decals, Royal Bobcat body stickers, a "GR-RRR" lisence plate, and "Royal Pontiac" license plate frames. This was a very popular kit in the mid to late 60's. The kit could also be installed by Royal, and for these they went a little further by also blueprinting, cc'ing, and milling the cylinder heads. In addition to Firebirds, the "Royal Bobcat" package was also available for the Catalina, Grand Prix, and GTO.)
Lane "American Eagle" Firebird (1967) (No substantial documentation is currently known of the existence of this dealer modification package, but here is the information that was provided to FirebirdGallery by a previous owner of one of these cars. Lane Buick Pontiac Olds in Fairfield, California decided to build a limited number (14 according to the source) of special '67 Firebirds with what they called the "American Eagle" package. The dealership started with either a Polar White or Montego Cream Firebird. Each came with a custom interior coded either red, black, or blue. Next the following modifications were applied: 1) A lucerne blue stripe was added running the length of the middle of the car. 2) The air cleaner, riser, valley pan, and master cylinder cover were chromed. 3) The A.I.R. pump and alternator were polished aluminum. 4) A heavy duty radiator and dual exhaust were added. 5) All emblems were inset with red paint, and the slits on the quarters received the same treatment. These cars were rated at 260hp. They were equipped with the 326 2bbl V8 and contained the same crank and cam as the 326 HO. They were also outfitted with consoles, floor shifters, power steering, Rally IIs, full rally gauges, and manual drum brakes.)
Myrtl Motors "Tiger" Firebird (1968) (various sub-models) (Myrtl Motors Corp. was located at 61-20 Fresh Pond Rd., Maspeth, NY. Myrtle Motors was also in the business of "tweaking" Pontiacs for customer enjoyment, just like Royal Pontiac. Although they never garnered the attention Royal Pontiac did, Myrtle Motors built some very stout cars. The mods performed by Myrtle Motors to the 428 powered Firebird were almost identical to the famous Royal Bobcat package. The cost ranged from $2,781.00 to $5,149.74. Myrtl also modified GTOs.)
Canadian "Comanche" Firebird (1969) (Promoted as "a true North American Grand Touring car", it was sold exclusively in Montreal at Grant Hamilton Pontiac Buick, in Toronto at City Buick Pontiac-GMC, and in Ottawa at Surgenor Motors. The "Comanche" Firebird was only available at 3 dealerships in Quebec, Canada as listed in the brochure on the left. The dealers ordered a loaded Firebird from the factory, each with a gold leather interior (the only color available in leather). They were then re-painted a non-Firebird gold color with white accents. It is estimated that only about 30 of these were converted for sale to the public, and rumor has it Paul Newman may have bought one when he was filming in Montreal. Included options: Vinyl roof with special emblems, Marchal fog lamps, High speed driving lights with quartz bulbs, Special chrome hood louvers, Turbo Hydramatic or 4-speed close ration (either included a console), Variable ration power steering, Front power disc brakes, Remote trunk release, Radio, Door guards, Mirror group (vanity mirror and remote control mirror) Custom seat belts, Rally mag wheels, Special sport tilt steering wheel, Bucket seats (with the full leather interior), Rally Gauges with clock or tach, Floor mats (front and rear), Koni adjustable shocks, Special tire pump, Heavy duty air cleaner, Heavy duty radiator, Pirelli tires with special suspension, Power top (convertibles only), Rear defogger.)
Bales "Boss Bird" Trans Am (1971) (The stunning "Boss Bird" Trans Am is a '71 model that was created by Dane Bales, Jr. It features a lowered suspension, SCCA road race style wheels, subframe connectors, worked SD 455 Pontiac engine, Doug Nash 4+1 manual transmission, Race style seats, Fiberglass Hood, Front-Fenders, and Doors, factory styled paint & graphics.)

Modified models: non-factory convertibles

National Coach Engineering Convertible Trans Am (1978-1981) (In 1978, NCE of Michigan began converting Firebirds to convertibles. They put a serial number plate on the driver side door jamb. There were a lot of modifications done to these cars. The frame is reinforced from front to back with flat bar and one inch tubing, the front seats sit lower, the back seat is trimmed 1.5 inches on each side to make room for the top. The sun visors are closer together and the dome light is now at the end of the console. Even the spare tire is relocated. Completed versions carried a price tag in the neighborhood of $30,000, which is expensive even by today's standards. They built about 200 convertibles in 1979.)
NCE Convertible 10th Anniversary Trans Am (1979) (Ten 1979 10th Anniversary cars were converted by NCE. They used a silver leather material for the top along with chrome struts for the top mechanism. In addition, they were also supposed to have a chrome roll-bar. Each one was numbered 1-10.)
Custom Coach Convertible Trans Am (1980) (One 1980 converted by Custom Coach is known online, but there might have been more, possibly from additional years. The one known was originally owned by a Canadian.)
Auto Forms Sport Roadster Convertible Firebird and Trans Am (1983-1986) (Auto Forms was a company that popped up in the early 80s. They provided a custom conversion service to convert a normal Firebird or Trans Am into a 2-seater roadster convertible. Auto Forms was a company based out of Elkhart, Indiana that performed convertible conversions on Firebirds. It is believe the conversions began in 1983 and were performed through early 1986. Autoform was sanctioned by GM and as such did conversions on both Firebirds and Camaros. The conversions were performed at two different facilities: one in Elkhart, Indiana and the other in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The conversion took about two weeks and cost an estimated $5500. Auto Forms worked directly with participating Pontiac dealers and did not accept customers off the street. New cars were drop shipped to one of the facilities and then delivered to the dealer for delivery to the customer. Year by year production is also not known but its believed that about 600 total cars were built between 1984 and 1986 including both Firebirds and Camaros. About 200 were produced each of those years. The conversion used an extended rear decklid that extended through the rear seating area to the front seats. The decklid was formed with two bullet shaped bulges that sat immediately behind each seat that provided both support for the head rest but also served to enhance the euro style race car look. The decklid was comprised of a 2-layer fiberglass laminate and opened up and back from the front so the top could be retracted for stowage. The rear portion of the decklid functioned as a trunk lid swinging open an external chromed hinges support by the struts re-used from the original glass hatch. The design maintained the size and space of the original trunk. The fiberglass panels came in stock Firebird colors: black, beige and red.)

Modified models: black/gold

Team Lotus "John Player Special" Trans Am Show Car (1974) (Black and Gold) (Of interest was a special black Trans Am show car which emulated the "John Player Special" Formula One cars from Team Lotus. The car had gold pin striping on the hood, roof, deck lid and lower body sides which included the wheel spats and spoilers. Gold head lamp bezels and grille accents were added. The standard argent "honey comb" wheels were replaced by ones finished in gold. Topping off the package was a brilliant gold bird on the hood. Eventually, this theme would make it from show circuit to the showroom.)
Trans Am Specialties "Bandit Edition" Trans Am (1981-1982) (series of 200 specially equipped Trans Ams bearing the Bandit name. Universal Studios (producers of "Smokey and the Bandit") granted rights to the name for that limited run to Trans Am Specialties, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where new Pontiacs become Burt Reynolds signature models. Bandits-to-be start as Trans Ams that come from Pontiac thoroughly optioned. The factory fits everything from T-top roof and power windows to lighted vanity mirror and remote trunk release. More importantly, the cars come with all the good hardware under the skin, including 4-wheel disc brakes and the WS-6 suspension with its high-rate springs and anti-roll bars front and rear. This performance equipment is a necessary and proper adjunct to the central element in TA Spec's makeover, a nofoolin' big-bore monster motor straight out of the power-crazed 1960s. The 455 Pontiac V-8 dumps truckloads of torque into a nice but hardly necessary close-ratio Doug Nash 5-speed gearbox. The Bandit transformation entails some welcomed lavishness in addition to Pontiac's factory amenities. Trans Am Specialties installs a pair of Recaro seats (upholstered to match the velour of the rear seat), a Blaupunkt 3001 4-speaker stereo, an Escort radar detector, a motion-sensitive theft alarm and the inevitable CB radio. Goodyear Eagle steel-belted radials in a chunky P255/60R15 size play a major role both visually and functionally. TA Spec mounts these on the factory-optional 15x8 inch alloy wheels. Gabriel Strider shocks, adjusted full firm, bolster the suspension. For identification, we have no wildfowl hood decals or stripes. Yet the name Bandit is in no great danger of being overlooked, appearing as it does no fewer than eight times on or in the car. Airbrushed lettering displays the word immediately aft of each front wheel and across the tail; stick-on block letters spell it out along the top of the windshield; a small dash plaque directly in front of the driver serves as a constant reminder; and carpet mats with the name woven in a contrasting color lie in each front footwell and in the trunk. Despite all those Bandit labels, the car's real identifier is that 7.5-liter powerplant. It wraps the car in an aura of potency and sheer mechanical presence. Some 200 buyers will wind up in a genuine, limited-series Bandit. The distinction will cost them approximately $30,000. Anyone thinking the mechanicals could be duplicated for less is correct; a good portion of that tab covers the rights to the name. And in this case, with that name comes an air of authenticity and exclusivity -- and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty from TA Spec. It's a pretty heady car, this Bandit by Trans Am Specialties (1514 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034). Driving it is an experience in sensation and image. The look plays a part, as does the engine, the name, the price. They all add up to a distinct personality that no one fails to notice-and that flows like electricity through the Recaro cushions into whoever dons the mantle of the Bandit. The `82 version is priced more in line for us working folks, at $16,500. But, while more attractive, the new Bandit is less fearsome. In place of last year's 500-horsepower engine and 5-speed Doug Nash gearbox is a warmed-up Chevy 305 and Borg-Warner 4-speed. Only 200 Bandits were produced this year, and each one is registered with Universal Studios to ensure authenticity. Each Bandit is serial numbered, and the number is air brushed on the front fender as well as the map pouch. For 1982, Chuck Posey of T/A Specialties outdid himself. Not only did he buy the Bandit name from the popular Burt Reynolds series, but he bought Burt himself. Each map pouch is personally signed in gold ink by Reynolds. Once the car is gone gone over and tightened up, it is transformed into a Bandit. Posey adds his own fiberglass hood, air dam, flares and wing These pieces are manufactured by T/A Specialties itself, and it gives the Trans Am one of the most businesslike exteriors in the industry. To make sure the Bandit sticks when it should stick and slides when it should slide, Posey upgraded the very credible WS6 suspension with heavier springs, solid bushings, and Goodyear NCT P245x60x15 radials on 15x7 Appliance aluminum wheels. If you ever tried to run this rubber with the WS6 suspension there's a 50-50 chance that the tires rubbed against the fenderwells on full lock turns. Posey solved this problem by substituting his own design fiberglass fenderwells for the factory item. For optimum handling, Posey dials in alignment settings for camber 1 negative; caster 1 positive; toe-in 1/16 inch. All this boosts lateral acceleration capability from 0.822 for the stock Trans Am to 0.849 for the Bandit. Most important, you get this increased cornering power without any sacrifice in ride comfort. The Bandit feels tighter and more agile, and gives you better road feel and quicker transient response. If the superb exhaust note isn't sufficient to turn you on, the Bandit can be had with a first-class sound system consisting of a Blaupunkt 3001 stereo with Sony equalizer and Panasonic speakers. While the Bandit's sales brochure listed only the 305 engine as being available, Chuck Posey said he'd build a Bandit to order with anything from a 350 LT-1 to a blown 455 with 5-speed trans and 2-speed rear.)
Chattanooga Custom Creations "Bandit II" Formulas and Trans Ams (1990-1991) (Chattanooga Custom Creations converted 600 Formulas and Trans Ams to modern 'Bandit' Editions in 1990 and 1991, which were then sold at Pontiac dealerships. The car featured the ground effects all around, the hood sccop (more like a bubble cause it didn't even appear to be operational like the later 2nd gens at least looked the part), special wheels simulating the 15x8 snowflakes, and interior appointments such as a gold dash and embroidered floor mats and seats.)

Modified models: wagons

Pontiac Trans Am "Kammback" Wagon prototype (1978/1979) (The 'wagon' idea originated in 1978, with the construction of a second-generation Trans Am that made the rounds on the show circuits. That car was later updated with the new-for-1979 styling and eventually was retired to Pontiac's own historical museum.)
Pontiac Trans Am "Tandem GTA" Kammback Wagon prototype (1985) (The GTA Kammback wagon grew out of a styling exercise by Pontiac; in attempting to gauge the possible public response to a Firebird-based sport wagon, Pontiac was considering a way to broaden the Firebird's customer base. Unfortunately, it was never committed to production due to the increased cost it would add to the GTA's sticker price. The idea again took flight on a 1985 Trans Am, and then later was transferred to the GTA Kammback wagon. The one example owned by Pontiac still is a regular sight at major car shows around the U.S.)
Pontiac Trans Am "Hurst Hauler" Kammback Wagon prototype (2000) (Earlier generations of Firebirds have been modified and sculpted into a station wagon platform for concept vehicles. Now, with the Hurst Hauler, that Kammback roofline makes an appearance on the fourth-generation Firebird. Automotive Services in Sterling Heights, MI, was the progenitor of the idea and performed the initial design tasks. They worked with Custom Design Ltd. in Trevor, WI, to construct the Kammback rear hatch and halo band. The attention-grabbing Standox candy apple red hue with orange tinting was a custom mix. Of course, the chassis components received their share of attention, as well. Mr. Gasket/Eibach springs hunker the Hurst Hauler lower to the ground. Lakewood rear control arms and panhard bar keep things on the straight and level. The Hurst shifter is specially prepared for drag race duty with an integrated Line-Loc switch. Baer Racing brakes stand aft of 18x10-inch American Racing Torq-Thrust II rims wrapped with BFGoodrich g-Force P295/35ZR18 rubber. When Westech Automotive of Silver Lake, WI, set out to extract more oomph from the LS1 V8 engine, they began by balancing and blueprinting the entire assembly. Valve springs and a custom-grind camshaft from Erson Cams work around the CNC'd cylinder heads. Accel fuel injectors, air filter, spark plugs and wires finish off the engine. Expelling the spent gases is a Corsa Performance exhaust. When all of this work was completed, TTS Power Systems burned a special computer calibration module to make sure all the modifications worked together in a friendly fashion. And they certainly did: to the tune of 370 horsepower. The Hurst Hauler made its debut at the 2000 SEMA Show. It also was a support vehicle for the 2001 Hot Rod Power Tour, piloted by the folks from Year One-The Next Generation.)

page 1 My 02 WS6 Trans AM

page 2 Car Stereo System 

page 3 My Car at different places

page 4 Water damage to my car, because the window bracket broke

page 5 My Brakes

page 6 Car Maintenance and Services Done

page 7 My RPO Codes

page 8 Pontiac Firebird - Trans Am info

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