The 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a classic American muscle car from the second generation of the Firebird lineup, known for its performance, styling, and cultural significance. The Firebird was the base model with the Trans AM being the Firebird performance model which was a specialty package beginning in 1969. Mid-1976 brought a Limited Edition Trans Am, which set the style for the incredibly popular Trans Ams to follow.
The Trams AM was essentially the same model but with better performance options, stronger suspension system and a more powerful engine.
The Pontiac Firebird and the Trams Am’s are very popular American automobiles built by Pontiac from 1967 to 2002. The Firebird went through four generations and was in production for thirty-five years.
Pontiac’s Pony Car Offering
The Pontiac Firebird was introduced in February 1967 as Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro,. The Firebird actually came out about six months after the Camaro and became quickly popular with pony car buyers. When the Pontiac Firebird debuted, the model had what is called a coke-bottle-like design. This design was also shared by it’s corporate cousin, the Chevy Camaro.
1979 Firebird Styling
For 1977 the Firebirds were again restyled with a dramatic new front end with quad headlights set into a new grille design. The ’77 to ’78 is often referred to as the “Batmobile” style, referring the aggressive front end. The hood was updated with new sheet metal making it more flat (better for bird decals). The restyling included a new grille and quad headlights.
Beginning mid-year all Trans Am tail lamp bezels were painted black rather than the body color bezels. This black treatment had been very successful on the Formula Appearance Package since 1976.
A new custom interior including new seats was brought forth for 1978. Replaced were the horse-collar style seats and plastic door panel lowers. This new interior was modern and featured a pillow back seat design. These seats were available in Doeskin Vinyl or Lombardy cloth in several colors.
The Black Special Edition Trans Am received two designations for 1978. Y82 for those built in the Norwood OH plant and Y84 for those built in the Van Nuys CA plant. All Black Special Editions had Hatch Roofs standard that year.
1978 Pontiac Firebird Specifications
Three engine options were available with the 1978 Firebird. The base model had a 250 cubic inch Inline Six with 155 HP. Also two V-8’s including a 400 cubic inch V-8 that delivered 180 HP3" class=NTcng> t8-.org/2000/svt actu220rong>978 ing a 400 . The Fir80 HP3" d Hatch R
nase model witrty-five y Wh>
