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1968 Firebird - Built for the Open Road

There are many situations in which "too much of a good thing" is a real possibility. Even the things we love can get tiresome if we experience them in excess, like eating chocolate at every meal or listening to a favorite song 24/7. But for Katina Kaliterna, of San Pedro, California, this logic doesn't apply to her restored 1968 Firebird. She drives it every chance she gets, racking up miles with a smile on her face. Take one look at the beautiful Pontiac, and you'll understand why she feels this way.

1998 Firebird - Reborn in a Flash

The fourth-generation GM F-body is a performance bargain, and a platform that has been steadily garnering more appreciation as the years pass. This includes both Camaro and Firebird/Trans Am models. While some may claim the fourth-gen cars are too new to be considered classics, we can remember the same being said about third-gen and even second-gen models in past decades. As far as we're concerned, the fourth-gen is definitely worthy of respect and appreciation.

1978 Trans Am - A Well-Earned Reward

As the saying goes, patience is a virtue, and few are more acutely aware of this than those who save up for years to afford a dream car. It's not easy to deliberately set aside a portion of every paycheck and leave that money untouched until the day it can be handed over in exchange for the keys to the classic car you've always wanted. But Connor Schwarz, of Huntington Beach, CA, did just that in order to purchase his 1978 Trans Am.

1970 Pontiac Firebird - Early Second-Gen

 

As production of the groundbreaking first-generation Pontiac Firebird wrapped up after three successful years, GM would continue to sell the original F-body cars throughout 1969 and into the earlier months of 1970. Then, partway through the year, the automaker introduced the second-generation Firebird. As a result, some would call this new car a "1970 1/2" model.

1975 Firebird - A California Classic

California is a friendly environment for classic cars due to its mild and sunny weather conditions year-round. Snow, ice, and salted roads are virtually nonexistent, and even rain is a rare phenomenon. This means that the Golden State is a great place to find survivor vehicles that have been preserved in excellent condition since the day they rolled off the production line.

2000 SLP Firehawk - Bird of Prey

The name Firebird implies an avian creature with mythical capabilities, and the name Firehawk takes that bird's capabilities to the next level. A hawk doesn't just glide effortlessly through the air, it actively hunts down its prey. With this in mind, Firehawk is a fitting name for a special line of Pontiac vehicles that took the Firebird to a higher level of performance.

1977 Firebird - Screaming Yellow

When you own a classic car with sleek body lines, glistening chrome, and a roaring V8 engine, it's bound to turn some heads as you drive around town. You're not driving a beige Camry, after all. So why not take it to the next level, and throw subtlety aside completely? That's what Onesimo Lopez, of Santa Ana, California, did with his 1977 Firebird project.

Barnfind Cars: What is a "Barn Find" and How Can It Be Restored?

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. We fantasize about discovering a rare, original, and highly sought-after classic car that had been stowed away in a barn, garage, or yard for decades, preserved like a time capsule from the past. Unfortunately, the reality is that these barnfinds are still old cars. They've been sitting in the same spot without use or maintenance, often for decades. So, if you come across one of these vehicles, how should you examine, repair, and restore it?

1979 Pontiac Trans Am - Frame-Off Restored T/A

In 1980, Pontiac made the difficult choice to drop all large-displacement engines from its Firebird and Trans Am lines as a result of increasing emissions restrictions. This made 1979 the "last hurrah" for the 400ci V8 and 403ci V8. The following model year, they were replaced by the 301ci Turbo and 305ci motors.

This 1979 Pontiac Trans Am belongs to Alfredo Chavarin, of Corona, California. Alfredo has owned the car for about six years, after buying it from the previous owner in decent mechanical condition. The California sun had done a number on the Pontiac's paint, so Alfredo proceeded with a full frame-off restoration.

The Trans Am was repainted in its original shade of silver, and new decals from the Classic Industries Firebird & Trans Am catalog were applied. Alfredo says he still needs few minor parts, including replacement grill hardware, but the project is coming along nicely. He also plans to install a set of reproduction 17-inch wheels for a modernized look.

Collector Car Insurance is Here!

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying to get a standard run-of-the-mill insurance company to protect your “investment” can be problematic, at best.  As some would say in the medical field: You need a specialist.

Classic Industries Understands Collector Car Enthusiasts

Classic Industries understands the needs of enthusiasts, and are experts in filling the gap when there’s a need for high-quality parts and accessories. So, when it comes to insurance for your classic car, who better to understand the issues associated with classic car insurance, than Classic Industries? Using their vast experience, they have developed the Classic Industries Collector Car Insurance Program.