The SD-455 engine was an exciting addition to the Firebird engine lineup in 1973, and it was a shame that it would only be around for two years. At a time when most pony cars were seeing their maximum available power decreasing, the Firebird increased power with the new engine. Though the horsepower ratings were at 310 and 290 for 1973 and 74, respectively, many experts feel this underrepresented the power of the engine. Many felt the 1973 version was producing at least 370 horsepower, and experts saw no performance change with the 1974 engines, even with the reported horsepower drop.

The new front and rear design came from the government’s new 5 MPH bumper requirement that put an end to the Endura rubber bumper. This also resulted in a revised taillight design.

As it had been since the second-generation models were introduced in 1970, Firebird was available in four models: base, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am. Engine options were nearly the same as they had been in 1973, though there was an addition 400 CID V8 available for the 1974 models.

The base engine was a 250 CID six-cylinder rated at 100 horsepower. Horsepower was expressed in net ratings rather than gross for all engines per a 1972 government regulation. The base V8 was a 350 CID engine that was rated at 155 horsepower. From there, customers could upgrade to the 175 horsepower 400 CID V8. A different version of the 400 produced 225 horsepower, and was now standard on the Trans Am. Although the Trans Am previously had come with a 455 engine standard, the smaller engine likely represented Pontiac’s reaction to the oil crisis of 1973. The car saved on gas but still had desirable look of the Trans Am. Trans Am buyers also could opt for a non-SD 455 CID V8. Nearly 1,000 buyers opted for the SD engine.

Base Firebird

Total Firebird production was up drastically for the year model to 73,729, compared with 46,313 the year before. The base model reclaimed its spot on the top of the Firebird sales heap (Esprit was the best selling 1973 model), and 26,372 were produced. The base price was $3,335.

Firebird Esprit

The Esprit was designed to be the luxury model Firebird and also included the base V8 engine standard. Other standard features for the model included custom bucket seats, cut pile carpeting that was new for the year model and a cushion steering wheel. Total production was 22,583, and the base price for the model was $3,687.

Firebird Formula

The Formula models answered the Esprit’s luxury with performance. Also equipped standard with the base V8, the models had a heavy duty suspension for improved performance. Total production was 14,519, and the base price for the cars was $3,659.

Trans Am

While including the 400 CID V8 as an option for those that were fuel conscious, The Trans Am also was offered with the two 455 CID engines for those that just wanted the power of a Trans Am. Production was up drastically to 10,255 (from 4,802 the previous year), and the model would be the top selling Firebird by the following year.

Pony Car Competition

1974 marked the end of most pony cars. Ford converted the Mustang to a compact car that year with the Mustang II and made the Mercury Cougar into a mid-sized luxury car. Other than the Camaro, the rest of the pony cars (AMC Javelin, Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Barracuda) were discontinued.

But for the Firebird, the year marked a new beginning. Not only did sales grow in 1974, they would continue to do so every year through the end of the decade. The Trans Am model would become enormously popular, and the Firebird, along with the Camaro, would be the only pony cars left on the road for the rest of the decade.

For Sale

Image Gallery

Engine Specifications

Performance Statistics