1973 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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All you need to know about the 1973 Pontiac Firebird is that Clint owned one. What better stamp of coolness do you need? The 1973 Firebird lived to see another year, and two significant additions played a big part in its longevity and journey to iconic stature. The first was a new SD-455 (Super Duty) engine that somehow passed muster with the EPA regulations. In the face of the looming energy crisis and dwindling pony car sales, the Firebird had lost some engine power over the years. The 350 V8 was downgraded further to a why-bother 150-hp. The Formula 400 V8 slid to 250-hp. The 455, available in the Formula and Trans Am, was introduced last year and hit 300-hp. But the new SD-455 was based on a racing engine and featured aluminum pistons, oversized valves, and a specially designed camshaft. Though listed at 310-hp, in reality it got closer to 370-hp and could be easily modified to reach even higher numbers. Hand-assembled, only 252 Trans Ams and 43 Formulas received it in 1973. As muscle cars continued to shed power in the new energy-conscious era, the unique SD-455 made the 1973 Firebird one of the few truly racing performance cars left on the road. The other legendary addition was a new bird decal on the hood of the Trans Am. Previously a small image on the front bumper, the fondly-dubbed "Screaming Chicken" splayed its fiery wings over the entire hood, dripping with gaudy testosterone and overblown kitsch. But it worked, and that chicken has become the Trans Am's identifying feature. This combo of race-car engine and mythic fowl helped significantly boost sales of the 1973 Firebird.

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Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
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User reviews for 1973 Pontiac Firebird

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by Mitch H
Apr 03, 2012
great styleing and acceleration loved this car and not terribly expencive to maintain and lots of room to work on it the cost of ownership is pretty low and very fun to drive. would recommend the car as a weekend car Apr 03, 2012
by Tim D
Jun 01, 2010
This 455 modified with aluminum parts and new less air constricting holly air filter and roller rockers, basically a makeshift Heavy Duty version. Even if that was true the 73 factory actually has the same PSI as the 71 and 72. Ram air was a good concept but the build on a 455 constricts airflow compared to a Trans Am scoop. Handling is tight, the powered steering compared to most cars does not have any resistance, but as of now the steering likes to turn more then the wheels but that will be fixed later. For it's size the only thing to remember alone is how wide it really is. Thanks to the length of the engine compartment the right side shorter then the window is a bind and you will need two people to park on the street. The good thing is the back is shorter then most cars these days and makes up for the huge front end. Also the diving position is more located in the center mass of the car which gives a great balance of front and rear viability. Main concern is the huge but not that troublesome right side of the car. If you can drive a 18 footer boat and dock it alone in a vertical strain in windy conditions then you can drive this car fine alone. It is also a great excuse to drive slowly or speed limit speed. Things that are accessory based and safety are slowly deteriorating. Things of plastic like front seat belts tend to pop out and explode, so I think now cause it is a release spring problem keep the seatbelts in the sockets when not in use. All things leather and metal are still in shape. The best feature is in the design when your roll the windows down at any speed there is no back draft. The radio stations now are receiving better broadcasting technology so the old analog radio can tune in better. A rare refined car, this is the last Endura Modal with the smoothest front. The GM plant closed half way during the year of 1972. Luxury features like powered windows, stereo, 8-track, even the antenna is in the windshield. It is like a modern Cadillac without the Cadillac riding sea sickness boat feel. For a rare price of 13,000 in beginning deterioration condition or a car with flaws but fixed is worth a lot more, but why would I sell it? MPG is 10-15ish by how you drive. Even though it is an automatic, you can still drag race or GT with it cause three gears is all you need to keep up the speed. Overall and performance is high because its market price range of a modern Honda Civic.Jun 01, 2010
by Tim D
Feb 01, 2010
The early seventies were the musical car strongest and so even ford with it's mustangs had less pony car to them. The thing about fuel economy really shook other brands, but for this machine the news never reached. Thing is when owners have older cars axillary functions of basic AC and fans do not tend to work but constant heat and air flowing in and out in the chassis makes it feel like you are the car. The smell of gas is common for high octane motors with cubic standard. In the old days a 455 only had 290 horsepower, this is now and still uncertain it matches because of torque. Automatic, nice for more control assurance. It is race-able and may so beat a dodge Hemi in top shape. The front bumper of the 73' does not have deep groves around the headlights and has better grills that just show the brand name and not the engine size with it. Only 12 MPG highway standard, alternated driving style may increase MPG. Don't worry about that, that is why we all have newer more expensive and efficient cars or a bike for commutes. This Photo has the smashed fender and cracked bumper hidden on the left side, remember the bumper is part of the face and grill of the car. Other photos have it fixed. Chassis is still in shape for some reason and everything is in tact with factory restored parts matching numbers. The California Plate means it was sold in California, numbers are six digit with blue background. This car year has great potential, do not be fooled by auto clubs.Feb 01, 2010

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