Vintage Pontiac GTOs from the 1960's through the 70's have been expensive for many years. Having that sort of muscle car as your favorite while you're a broke high school student could make you yearn for something that's simply out of reach. Evan Rose was a GTO fan for these formative gearhead years as a kid. Thankfully, he one day happened to see a 1979 10th anniversary Firebird Trans Am at a car show that really caught his eye.

Nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, the Drag School Boot Camp in Lewisberry stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for young adults facing the consequences of their past actions. Operating under the umbrella of National Drag School Youth Projects Inc., this program has been a cornerstone of rehabilitation and community service for over two decades.

When Pontiac released the third-generation Firebird in 1982, many enthusiasts felt underwhelmed by the performance. As a result of tightening emissions restrictions, the top-trim 305ci V8 engine in the '82 Trans Am produced only 165 horsepower. These numbers would improve by the end of the third gen's run in 1992, but there was always a desire for an even more potent Firebird — one that could challenge GM's flagship Corvette. A startup called Street Legal Performance (SLP) partnered with Pontiac dealers to make this dream a reality. The resulting car was dubbed the SLP Firehawk, and only 25 were sold that year, making it an extremely rare vehicle today.

When it comes to restoring, customizing, or upgrading a Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am, having access to high-quality parts is essential. Whether you're working on a first-generation 1967 Firebird or a late-model 2002 Trans Am, Classic Industries has been a trusted name in the restoration industry for decades, offering a comprehensive catalog of parts and accessories for every year of the Pontiac Firebird.

The 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades for the automotive world. The post-WWII boom had led to the birth of a new era of car design, and designers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of style, innovation, and performance. This was a time when cars were not just modes of transportation—they were symbols of status, freedom, and a rapidly evolving culture. From sleek muscle cars to futuristic concepts, the contributions of key automotive designers during these two decades shaped the vehicles we know today. Below are some of the most influential and visionary designers of the 1960s and 1970s.

"Hey, that car looks just like the one from The Rockford Files!" It's a statement owner Pat McEntee hears frequently. Then he has to explain that no, it doesn't just look like the car, it IS the car. His '77 Firebird Formula is certainly one of the most famous Pontiacs ever made, right alongside Burt Reynolds' "Smokey and the Bandit" Trans Am. According to his documentation, James Garner took the wheel of this Firebird on the famous detective TV series "The Rockford Files," which aired on NBC between 1974 and 1980.

Chip Foose is a name synonymous with automotive artistry and innovation. Known for his seamless blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and passion for car restoration, Foose has become a legendary figure in the custom car industry. His iconic television show, Overhaulin', has not only showcased his remarkable skills but has also inspired millions of automotive enthusiasts around the world. Among his many partnerships, Foose's collaboration with Classic Industries stands out as a perfect marriage of talent and resources, resulting in automotive magic.

The world of custom car restoration and fabrication has long been a realm where passion meets artistry. Few exemplify this as well as Joe and Amanda Martin, alongside their talented team at Iron Resurrection. Known for their expertise in breathing new life into rusted-out relics and forgotten classics, the Martins and their crew continue to set the gold standard in automotive restoration.

Las Vegas, NV – November 2024: Jeff Leonard, the esteemed CEO of Classic Industries, has been awarded the prestigious ARMO Person of the Year Award at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. This award, presented annually by SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and innovation in the restoration industry. Leonard’s award underscores his invaluable contributions to the field and his passion for preserving automotive history.

Whether you call it the Firebird, the rising phoenix, the hood bird, or use its tongue-in-cheek "screaming chicken" nickname, this iconic decal has become synonymous with the Pontiac Trans Am. But it hasn't always been that way. In fact, according to former Pontiac head of design Bill Porter, GM leadership hated the idea when it was first proposed. YouTube channel Original MotorCar interviewed Porter and his colleague John Schinella to hear the fascinating history behind the development of the Trans Am Hood Bird design.