Pontiac Trans Am parts Improve Vehicle Performance
by GLADY REIGN
Pontiac Trans Am parts were first introduced in 1969 as a $725 optional handling package of the first generation Pontiac Firebird. Back then, it was called a Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package and included a rear spoiler. Firebirds with Pontiac Trans Am parts only had 689 hardtops and 8 convertibles made. The First Generation Firebirds had a characteristic "soda-bottle" styling. It had bumpers that were integrated into the design of the front end and its rear slit taillights.
Pontiac Trans Am parts were also included in the next generation of the Firebird. According to some critics, the 455 engine available in the Second Generation Firebird Trans Am was the last high-performance engine of the original muscle car generation. The powerful engine first made its appearance in 1971 as the 455-HO. Also, a special version of the 455 was offered in 1973 and 1974. It was then called the SD-455. The SD-455 utilized leftover components from Pontiac's 366 NASCAR engine and was built as a full-bore racing engine that produced over 540 hp. Some car enthusiasts consider the SD-455 as the most powerful factory Pontiac engine ever produced. Others also think that it was the last of the true muscle car engines. Due to restrictions on vehicle emissions, Pontiac stopped the production of the 455. This made the 1976 Trans Am the last of the "Big Cube Birds," with only 7,100 units produced with the 455 engine.
In celebration of Pontiac's 50th anniversary, a special edition of the Trans Am was released. The first anniversary Trans Am package and the first production Black and Gold special edition had the vehicle painted in black and gold accents. By the 10th anniversary of the Trans Am in 1979, a special anniversary package was available. It had silver paint with a silver leather interior. The 10th Anniversary cars also featured a special Firebird hood decal, which extended off the hood and onto the front fenders. 1979 saw the success of Pontiac Trans Am parts as there were 116,535 Trans Ams sold that year. And it still holds the record to this day.
