The 1970 Pontiac Firebird marked the beginning of the second generation of Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro. Launched in the spring of 1970, the second-gen Firebird underwent a radical redesign that distanced it from the boxy aesthetic of the 1960s and embraced a more European-inspired, aggressive styling. Often hailed as one of the most beautifully sculpted American muscle cars of its era, the 1970 Firebird wasn't just about looks - it also packed serious performance credentials and helped Pontiac maintain its reputation as General Motors' performance brand.
Background: The Firebird Legacy
Pontiac introduced the Firebird in 1967, riding on the same F-body platform as the Chevrolet Camaro. While often seen as a corporate cousin, the Firebird managed to establish its own identity through Pontiac’s emphasis on performance and styling. The first generation (1967-1969) had done well, but by the end of the decade, it was clear that a new approach was needed.
General Motors had already been planning an all-new version of the F-body platform, and Pontiac’s designers and engineers used this as an opportunity to redefine the Firebird for a new decade. The result was a car that not only improved in terms of performance and handling but also featured a stunning aerodynamic design that would go on to influence muscle cars throughout the 1970s.
A Dramatic Redesign
The 1970 Firebird marked a radical departure from its predecessor. The new styling, led by Pontiac’s advanced design team under Bill Porter, featured a sleek, low-slung body, with pronounced fender flares, a long hood, and a short deck. The front end was distinguished by a pointed nose and a split grille design that became a hallmark of Pontiac performance cars.
Above: A 1970 Firebird restomod - the side view shows the raked back windshield.
The windshield was raked more steeply than the previous model, improving aerodynamics and giving the car a more aggressive stance. Unlike many other pony cars of the era, the 1970 Firebird had a fastback-style rear window integrated into the overall shape of the body, eliminating the separate rear window and sail panel design of the first generation.
This new body was not just for show. It sat on a revised version of the F-body platform, which provided improved torsional rigidity, better weight distribution, and sharper handling dynamics. The car was now lower, wider, and longer than the outgoing model, helping it feel more planted and composed at speed.
Trim Levels and Performance Options
The 1970 Firebird was available in four distinct trim levels: Base, Esprit, Formula 400, and the high-performance Trans Am. Each offered a unique combination of features and performance options, catering to a broad range of buyers.
Base Model
The base Firebird was the most accessible entry into the lineup. It came standard with a 155-horsepower 250 cubic inch (4.1L) inline-six engine. While this version was more of a cruiser than a bruiser, it allowed Pontiac to offer an affordable model to compete with the lower-end Mustangs and Camaros.
Esprit
Above and below: 1970 Pontiac Firebird Esprit with a 350 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission
The Esprit was a more upscale version, aimed at buyers who wanted sporty styling without the raw performance. It featured additional trim, a better interior, and more standard equipment. Power came from a 350 cubic inch (5.7L) V8 producing 255 horsepower. The Esprit was popular among buyers who wanted a refined daily driver with style.
Formula 400
For those seeking serious performance without stepping up to the full-blown Trans Am, Pontiac offered the Formula 400. This model included a functional twin-scooped fiberglass hood, stiffer suspension, and a 330-horsepower 400 cubic inch (6.6L) V8 engine. Buyers could also opt for an upgraded 345-horsepower Ram Air III or the legendary Ram Air IV engine, making the Formula a sleeper in the muscle car world.
Above and two below: 1970 Firebird Formula 400 - equipped thusly:
- Original drivetrain
- Purchased from the original owner who took this car on his honeymoon
- Documented with the original window sticker, Protect-O-Plate, copies of previous registrations, letter from original owner, owner's manual, showroom brochure and PHS documents
- Matching numbers 400/345 HP V-8 Ram Air III engine
- Matching numbers 4-speed manual transmission
- Keylime Green with Green interior
- Sold new at Savage Pontiac Center, Inc. in Van Nuys, California
The Formula 400 had minimal badging, giving it a more understated look compared to the flashy Trans Am, but performance was nearly on par—especially when properly optioned.
Trans Am
Above: 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in either Lucerne Blue (code 26) or Bermuda Blue (code 25)
The 1970 Firebird Trans Am was the pinnacle of Pontiac performance and one of the most iconic muscle cars of its time. It was instantly recognizable by its bold styling: a large rear deck spoiler, fender air extractors, a functional shaker hood scoop, and the now famous “Screaming Chicken” decal on the hood (though it wouldn't appear until 1973). The 1970 model featured bold blue stripes over white paint—one of the few color combinations available.
Above: The 345-horsepower, Ram Air III 400 V8 engine
Under the hood, the Trans Am came standard with the 345-horsepower Ram Air III 400 V8. The optional Ram Air IV engine was a race-bred powerhouse, officially rated at 370 horsepower but believed to make well over 400-horsepower in reality. Paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, it turned the Trans Am into a legitimate street and strip performer.
Above: The 400 cubic inch V8 Ram Air IV engine - rated at 370 horsepower - was believed to make well over 400-horsepower.
Suspension upgrades included a larger front sway bar, rear sway bar, firmer shocks, and variable-ratio power steering, making the Trans Am one of the best-handling American cars of its time.
Performance and Handling
The 1970 Firebird was widely praised for its balance of power and handling. The F-body platform improvements made the second-gen Firebird much stiffer, allowing engineers to tune the suspension for better road feel without sacrificing ride comfort.
Motor Trend tested a 1970 Trans Am with the Ram Air IV and recorded 0–60 mph times in the low five-second range, with quarter mile runs in the high 13-second bracket - excellent performance for the era.
Braking was improved with front disc brakes standard on all models. Power-assisted brakes were optional but commonly ordered. A limited-slip rear differential was also available, aiding traction in high-performance driving.
Above and few below: This 345-horsepower, Ram Air III 400 V8 equipped 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am received a frame-off nut and bolt restoration and is equipped thusly:
- Frame-off nut and bolt restoration
- WS-code 400/345 HP Ram Air III engine
- Muncie 4-speed transmission
- 12 bolt rear end
- COV-code 3.33 Positraction
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Lucerne Blue with Black-bordered White striping
- Deluxe Blue interior
- Bucket seats and console
- Factory air conditioning
- AM/FM radio
- Rallye II wheels
- Goodyear Polyglas tires
- Invited to MCACN, 2015
- PHS (Pontiac Historic Society) documents
The Firebird's handling characteristics stood out in a field where most muscle cars were straight-line bruisers. The lower center of gravity and revised suspension geometry gave it cornering prowess that many competitors lacked. In fact, automotive journalists at the time often referred to it as one of the few American muscle cars that could hold its own against European sports coupes on twisty roads.
1970 Pontiac Firebird – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
| 10 Polar White | |
| 14 Palladium Silver | |
| 25 Bermuda Blue | |
| 26 Lucerne Blue | |
| 28 Atoll Blue | |
| 43 Keylime Green | |
| 45 Palisade Green | |
| 47 Verdoro Green | |
| 51 Goldenrod Yellow | |
| 53 Coronado Gold | |
| 58 Granada Gold | |
| 63 Palomino Copper | |
| 65 Carousel Red | |
| 67 Castilian Bronze | |
| 75 Cardinal Red |
Above and several below: A 1970 Polar White with Lucerne Blue Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is equipped thusly:
- Original car except one repaint and engine detailing
- Ram Air IV 400/370 HP engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Power steering and brakes
- Repainted in correct Polar White and Lucerne Blue
- Blue interior
- Original Goodyear Polyglas GT tires
- Believed to be 54,000 miles
- PHS Documentation
- One of 60 Ram Air IV 4-speed Trans Ams produced in 1970
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 1970 Firebird was equally forward-looking. A new wraparound dashboard angled controls toward the driver, with a prominent tachometer and speedometer housed in deep-set pods. Bucket seats were standard, and the rear seat—though not overly spacious—was suitable for short trips.
Pontiac offered a range of interior trim options, from basic vinyl to upgraded cloth and leather combinations. The Formula and Trans Am received special sport steering wheels and unique trim packages. Air conditioning, power windows, rear defogger, and upgraded sound systems were among the many options available.
While the cabin was not as plush as some full-size GM vehicles, it offered a driver-centric feel that matched the Firebird's performance intentions.
Sales and Market Impact
Production of the 1970 Firebird began late in the model year, due to tooling and production delays, so total sales were relatively modest. Approximately 48,739 Firebirds were built in 1970, including:
- 18,874 Base models
- 18,961 Esprits
- 7,708 Formulas
- 3,196 Trans Ams
These numbers reflect the Firebird’s slightly upmarket positioning compared to the Camaro, which sold in much higher volumes. However, the Firebird’s lower production numbers have contributed to its collectability and desirability among enthusiasts today.
Cultural and Automotive Legacy
Above and two below: 1970 Firebird Trans Am that's red, white, and blue:
- Original numbers matching Ram Air III engine
- Original Muncie M22 4-speed transmission
- Original interior
- Original tires, jack and spare
- 17,015 miles
- 12 bolt posi rear end with 3.73 gears
- Delivered new to Packer Pontiac
- All factory and PHS documentation
The 1970 Firebird, especially the Trans Am, helped shape the muscle car iconography of the 1970s. Though government regulations, insurance costs, and emissions controls would soon cripple performance cars, the 1970 model was released at the peak of the golden muscle car era.
It set the tone for future Trans Ams, which would go on to achieve legendary status in the 1970s thanks to their performance and pop culture appearances - most notably in Smokey and the Bandit (though that featured a 1977 model). The second-generation Firebird would remain in production until 1981 with various updates, but the purity and aggressiveness of the 1970 model are particularly prized by collectors.
1970 Pontiac Firebird: A Muscle Car Milestone
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird was more than just a redesigned pony car - it was a statement of purpose. Pontiac had created a car that combined European-inspired styling with American muscle, delivering performance and sophistication in a package that was far ahead of its time.
Whether in the understated Formula or the fire-breathing Trans Am, the 1970 Firebird set the benchmark for what a performance coupe could be. It captured the imagination of enthusiasts then, and it remains one of the most admired and sought-after classic muscle cars today.
For fans of American performance, the 1970 Firebird is not just a car—it's a legend.
Pontiac Firebird Components Overflowing at Classic Industries
Just in case you haven't noticed, Classic Industries offers an abundance of great components for the Pontiac Firebird. Shopping online for Firebird items is a dynamic place to be, especially when you can enhance the treasure hunt with a Firebird Parts and Accessories Catalog.
