1973 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1973 Pontiac Firebird have a strong affection for this classic car, particularly enjoying its unique sound and visual appeal. Many drivers appreciate the power and performance, especially when modified. However, some have faced issues with engine reliability and fuel economy, with less favorable comments regarding the limited speed off the line. The nostalgic charm of the Firebird resonates well, making it a beloved choice among enthusiasts."
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.
February 1, 2010This was an Esprit model but at some point someone pulled out the 350 and dropped in a 455 out of a Catilina they also found a Formula hood and installed it. It had a 270 rear end so wasn't particuarly fast off the line but with all that torque and the high ratio in the rear this car has the distiniction of being the best at duing burnouts of any car I ever owned. It was also the car my wife liked driving the most.
July 24, 2009I have just fallen in love with this car. This was my first car, and hopefully i'll always have it. The exhaust i put on it sounds amazing. i love driving it because when ever you do people always are looking at you.
August 14, 2009What owners say
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.
February 1, 2010This was an Esprit model but at some point someone pulled out the 350 and dropped in a 455 out of a Catilina they also found a Formula hood and installed it. It had a 270 rear end so wasn't particuarly fast off the line but with all that torque and the high ratio in the rear this car has the distiniction of being the best at duing burnouts of any car I ever owned. It was also the car my wife liked driving the most.
July 24, 2009I have just fallen in love with this car. This was my first car, and hopefully i'll always have it. The exhaust i put on it sounds amazing. i love driving it because when ever you do people always are looking at you.
August 14, 2009Right now the engine is torn from it, and the whole front end is dissasembled. We just finished rebuilding the engine for the second time to control a smoke problem. We also put dynamat down so noise level is controlled a bit. The car is 350hp at the moment but once we stock it, it will be at least 375hp.
May 5, 2009This was a great car that got a lot of looks. Not a fast car by any stretch, but had a great sound. This is not my old car, mine was white but just as polished as this one.
March 25, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
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Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
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Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
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Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
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Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
