A late introduction in the model year could have also made a big impact on sales. With only 697 being produced, you could say the car was a sales failure. Was the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am a success? Maybe. The 1969 Trans Am prototype that was used by the automotive press at Riverside Raceway in December 1968 sold for $313,500 at the Barrett-Jackson 2015 Scottsdale auction. It failed to sell with a high bid of $1,900,000. The only triple white Trans Am convertible crossed the block at Mecum’s 2016 Kissimmee auction. The 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am commands a high price when they appear at auction. And finally, it’s evident there’s been an attempt of fashioning this one after the new Gran Prix, but both cars are new this year, making it hard to latch onto an image.” Second, it doesn’t have the personality – if that term applies – of its predecessor. With regard to the exterior design, the magazine stated “The ’69 Firebird styling just doesn’t have the appeal of the ’67 – ’68 car. Hot Rod was critical of the Tran Am’s exterior styling, interior space, and, oddly, placement of the gas tank. Hot Rod also tested the Trans Am for their March 1969 issue. Anything approaching a true Trans-Am car? Sorry.” Car Life remarked “Why such serious criticism? Simply because a Ponycar named the “Trans Am,” riding on the fame of the road racing circuit, and styled and powered for performance should handle better.” Car Life also quipped “A bad car? Certainly not. While it praised the Trans Am for its suspension, braking, and quarter mile times, the magazine was not impressed with the Trans Am’s handling and understeer. The magazine put a Trans Am prototype through its paces for the April 1969 issue. Car Life had a love/hate relationship with the Trans Am. Pontiac unleashed the Trans Am to members of the automotive press on Decemat Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California. Due to its high price, only 55 takers opted for the Ram Air IV and all of these engines were installed in coupes. Transmissions options for the Ram Air IV included a Muncie close-ratio four-speed or the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. This engine featured forged high compression pistons, round port heads, and a longer-duration cam. It was conservatively rated at 345 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft.
#1969 pontiac firebird drivers#
Drivers wanting a bit more gusto under the hood could opt for the L67 Ram Air IV. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, but the Muncie wide-ratio four-speed or a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic were optional. It featured 10.75:1 compression, a four-barrel carburetor, and cast-iron exhaust manifolds.
It was rated at 335 horsepower and 430 lb.-ft.
The standard engine was the 400 cubic-inch L74 Ram Air III.
#1969 pontiac firebird driver#
Drivers wanting more frills could order options such as a rally gauge cluster, hood-mounted tachometer, and a power driver bucket seat.īuyers of the new Trans Am had a choice of two powerplants. Interior amenities include a sport-type steering wheel, bucket seats with Morrokide upholstery, and power steering. Functional hood scoops, 14-inch wheels, and free-flowing dual exhaust are more distinctive styling cues of the Trans Am. Other distinguishing features include a blacked-out grille, rear deck airfoil spoiler, and front fender air extractors. Out of the 697 Trans Ams produced, only eight were convertibles.Īll Trans Ams were sprayed Cameo White with dual, full-length Tyrol Blue striping. They were produced at the Van Nuys, California and Norwood, Ohio plants. A mere 697 Trans Ams rolled off the assembly line for the 1969 model year. Due to low production numbers, it became an instant collectible.
#1969 pontiac firebird code#
It was UPC code WS4 and cost around $1,100 to $1,200, depending on the transmission ordered. Pontiac’s pony car was officially known as the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package.
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