PONTIAC INTRODUCES THE FIREBIRD
The addition of a completely new Pontiac sports car series, The Firebird, was announced today by John Z. DeLorean, a General Motors vice president and general manager of Pontiac Motor Division.
Built to sports car proportions with a new approach to "long hood, short deck" styling, the Firebird will go on sale February 23. It will be available in two styles, a hardtop coupe and convertible. Adding a new dimension to the personal sports car field, the Firebird will offer a choice of five engines, including a Pontiac overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine as standard and up to the optional 400 cubic-inch V-8. Standard equipment are bucket seats, three-speed manual transmission (with four-speed manual and two-speed and three-speed automatic optional), all-vinyl interior trims and the safety items previously announced on the 1967 Pontiac.
"The personal sports car field is probably the most rapidly growing in the industry. With the introduction of the Firebird we hope to attract new car buyers who want to step up to something extra in styling as well as performance in this segment of the market" DeLorean said.
Built on a 108.1-inch wheel base, the Firebird has an overall length of 188.8inches, is 72.6 inches wide and 51.5 inches high. The Firebird is named after a legendary Indian symbol which promised action, power, beauty and youth. It was first used in 1954 on GM's dramatic gas-turbine-powered car, the Firebird I.
EXTERIOR STYLING
Exclusive styling features set the Firebird apart into a class of its own, earning new status for Pontiac's trend-setting stylists. The distinctive Pontiac identity is maintained with a wide peripheral front bumper and strong vertical center accent framing two deep grille openings. Horizontally mounted duel headlamps are set in the outboard ends of the grille openings and chrome framed parking lamps are on the lower valance panel. Pontiac block lettering appears on the left grille face.
The side appearance includes a full width rocker molding and six vertical louvers on the front of the rear quarters, rear of the door opening. All models have an identification name and Firebird crest on the front fender in front of the wheel opening. An engine designation emblem is on each side of the hood plateau.
Firebird rear end treatment features a protective wrap-around bumper, wide louver style tail lamps with integral back-up lamps consisting of two long chrome edged slits on either side set in the painted rear end panel. Individual Pontiac letters appear on the deck lid. A distinctive Firebird emblem appears on the fuel filler door located at the center of the rear end panel and models with the 400 option will have the 400 designation numerals on the right side of the deck lid. The custom trim option will add front and rear wheel opening molding and will replace the hub caps with deluxe wheel discs.
ENGINES
A total of 17 engine-transmission combinations make it possible for each buyer to custom-tailor the Firebird to his own performance requirements. In addition to the standard 230 cubic-inch overhead cam engine rated at 165 horsepower, the Firebird is available with the sprint OHC 6 engine rated at 215 horsepower with four-barrel carburetor. The 326 cubic-inch V-8 engine is offered with two-barrel carburetor with 250 horsepower and a four-barrel carburetor H.O. version with 285 horsepower. Special body side striping including H.O. designation is included with this option.
An optional "400" performance package offers the 400 cubic-inch V-8 with 325 horsepower and includes wide oval red line tires, and twin air scoops on special hood as standard equipment.
CHASSIS
The Firebird features the time proven, extensively tested structural elements of a separate frame and integrated body-frame combination. This offers the advantage of isolating the passenger compartment from the power plant and providing excellent handling and roadability characteristics. The front chassis is a unitized sub-assembly consisting of the engine-transmission combination, front suspension, brakes, and steering gear with linkage all mounted on separate forward portion "ladder" frame design. This is bolted to the body through four rubber-isolated mounts.
A heavy ribbed reinforced underbody forms a sturdy foundation platform for the all steel body. At the rear. framing elements are integrated into the underbody to provide firm mounting for the rear suspension and axle. Single leaf springs and solid Salisbury rear axle contribute to the quality characteristics of the Firebird. The Firebird rear axle has separate axle shaft tubes pressed and welded into a central cast differential carrier housing. A single tubular propeller shaft connects the transmission to the rear axle through yoke and trunion universal joints. Standard gear ratios are designed for general use with optional economy, performance and special purpose ratios also offered. Wide oval tires are standard as well as Pontiac's exclusive Space Saver Spare, a specially-constructed spare tire that is deflated until needed.
Other standard equipment includes a duel circuit hydraulic brake system with a malfunction warning system, an energy-absorbing steering column, a traffic warning flasher and provision in the turn signal to indicate freeway lane changes.
INTERIORS
The Firebird assures comfort and luxury for both front and rear passengers with curved side glass contributing increased shoulder room. In addition to the "thin-line" front bucket seats there is a bench-type front seat option on hardtop coupes with folding center armrest and individual back-rest to suit individual preference. Also there is an optional folding rear seat back, carpet trimmed on the back, to provide added luggage space. A center floor console with rear seat courtesy lights, ashtray, stowage compartment and floor shift controls is available for all transmissions. Interiors are all expanded Morrokide and are color-keyed to the exterior paint colors.
The floors are covered in quality nylon blend deep loop pile carpeting. The Firebird sports a styled padded instrument panel conveniently recesses all instruments and tell-tale lights in two round bezels. Control knobs, located high on the instrument cluster, feature easy grip styling. Among the standard equipment items are duel, front and rear seat belts with pushbutton release, front seat shoulder harness attaching provisions, front seat backrest latches, freewheeling door locks and two-speed electric windshield wipers and washers. For the luxury-minded, the custom trim option provides an instrument panel assist grip, deluxe steering wheel, custom seats and side trim, bright roof rail and windshield moldings.
ACCESSORIES
A full selection of options and accessories are offered including power steering, power brakes and manual or power front disc with drum rear brakes. AM-FM radio, rear window defogger, air conditioning, stereo tape player and Pontiac's cruise control system.