Though it had been introduced the previous year for a very limited run, 1970 marked the real introduction of the Trans Am. Total production for the model was 7,708, and the base price was $3,370 Trans Am Not only did the Formula 400 get a bigger engine, it was also equipped with a heavy duty suspension system to provide better handling. It was the best selling Firebird of the year, despite the fact that it cost nearly $400 more than the base model. In addition to the larger six-cylinder engine, the Esprit also was designed to offer more luxury and included a custom cushion steering wheel and upgraded trim inside and out. Total production of these models was 18,961, and the base price was $2,875. Standard features included in the base model included all-vinyl front bucket seats along with bucket-type seats in the back, loop-pile carpeting and a deluxe steering wheel. Though reviews of the car were positive, production decreased nearly 45 percent over 1969 to 48,739, but a great deal of that had to do with the short production year. An optional upgrade milked an additional 10 horsepower out of the Trans Am motor. Ram Air version of the 400 engine that could produce 335 horsepower. Finally, the Trans Am model came standard with a H.O. Next up was the Formula 400 that was, fittingly, outfitted with a 400 CID V8 rated at 265 horsepower. When a buyer upgraded to the next Firebird option, the Esprit, a 350 CID V8 was included standard that produced 255 horsepower. The base model was just the 2-Door coupe, and came standard with a 250 CID six-cylinder engine that produced 155 horsepower. Instead, official model names were given to four different versions of the Firebird, something that had never previously happened.

said the striking new car was “a muscle car with styling that looked as if it had been designed in Italy.”Īnother noticeable aspect was the absence of a convertible model, which had seen declining sales since it was introduced in 1967. Since the bumper was the color of the car, it gave a unique bumper-less appearance.

The first thing noticed about the Firebird was the front end, with its “Endura” plastic bumper that encased the grille and headlights. But the drastic restyling made up for its late entrance. Much like the precedent set with the very first Firebird, the first of the second-generation cars also was released late and, therefore, was known as the 1970½ Firebird.

70 thunderbird convertible