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| The second generation of Firebirds started with the '70 models at a base price of $4305. This is also the first year that the endura front bumper
graced the firebirds, giving the car a racy look. Pontiac discontinued the convertible version of the firebirds due to
lack of demands. |
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There is little visual differences between the '70 and '71 Models. But underneigth the hood, the infamous Pontiac 455 made it debut.
The Pontiac 455 produced 335 hp at 4800 rpm and 480 lb/ft of torque at 3600 rpm. The compression ratio of the 400 went from 10.5 CR down to 8.4 CR. This is because of the
pressure the insurance companies put on the auto makers to reduce the power of the engines. |
| In 1972, UAW went on strike against GM. Which resulted in only 1286 Trans-Ams built that year.
The firebirds at the plant were in different stages of production and was later scraped because these cars would not meet the new
Federal safety standard in 1973. |
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In 1973, the Government imposed a new safety standards for bumpers. It was required that all cars have bumpers that can
withstand 5mph collisions. Previous Firebirds all fail to meet the new standard, so the Engineers at Pontiac strengthen the endura
with steel reinforcement. The new standard, along with poor sale in "pony" cars, almost discontinued the Firebirds from the Pontiac Lineup. |
| After 1974, the Firebird Trans-Ams were the only performance coupe (beside the Corvette) being produced by an american auto company.
The Mustang started it new life on the "Pinto" platform, Chevrolet discontinued the Z28, and other auto companies completely halted their "pony" car operations.
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Thoughout 1975, the Trans-Ams continued to enjoy it dominance as being only one of two performance coupes being built. Pontiac temporary retired the 455 from the
Firebird lineup until they gave in to demands and sold limited numbers of 455 equipped Firebirds. |
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