1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am T-Top

As far as iconic movie cars go there are few more instantly recognisable than the Pontiac Firebird from Smokey and the Bandit. At the mere mention of Trans Am we’re immediately transported back to our youth in a cloud of tyre smoke, nostalgia, and CB radio handles.

The Firebird was a bit of a jewel in GM’s crown and enjoyed a 35-year production run, beginning in 1967. Developed as direct competition for the ubiquitous Ford Mustang the first-generation Firebird was a great looking car thanks to its classic ‘Coke bottle’ styling. The next generation arrived in 1970 and featured a re-designed body, but the concept of being a striking, front-engined, rear-wheel drive muscle car very much continued as did the ability to spec your Firebird with a plethora of options.

What's the difference between a Firebird and a Trans Am? The fact is, all Trans Ams are Firebirds but not all Firebirds are Trans Ams. 1969 saw the introduction of the Trans Am performance and appearance package as a factory option which included power, handling, and suspension upgrades as well as a more exclusive paint job and some styling accoutrements. Named after the American race series, the Trans Am name would continue to feature throughout the car’s lifespan.

The car presented here is a 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which has been in the UK since May 2015, owned and enjoyed by enthusiast owners. According to its accompanying original build-sheets, the car was supplied new in California by Grissom Pontiac in Modesto, and was well specified as a T-Top roof model (hence detachable tinted glass roof panels) with the 6.6-litre (403ci) V8 engine, Solar Gold paintwork, factory A/C, custom velour trim and the all-important (but rare) Special Performance Package (option code WS6) - developed by Herb Adams as a handling option for the Trans Am, including a larger diameter rear sway bar, tighter ratio steering box, 15x8-inch Snowflake wheels, additional frame bracing, as well as other suspension changes.

This car has a lovely originality, obviously being well-cared for over its 44 years, and is still in excellent condition throughout; pleasingly accompanied by its original Pontiac build-sheets, a host of invoices and its factory jack and spare wheel. It is said to drive and perform just as you’d dream a Trans Am might.

Classic American muscle cars have an indisputable appeal to UK car enthusiasts, with their no-nonsense approach to power and speed, they offer great value, always with a strong enthusiast-following for parts and advice, plus a good dose of that Hollywood movie screen magic in which to indulge.