Pontiac has long been a beloved marque in the automotive world, known for its innovative designs and powerful performance. While the brand was discontinued in 2010, its legacy lives on through a vibrant community of collectors and enthusiasts. Here are ten of the coolest Pontiacs that hold a special place in the hearts of collectors:
1. 1967 Pontiac GTO
The 1967 Pontiac GTO is often credited with starting the muscle car era. Known for its powerful 400 cubic inch V8 and aggressive styling, the ’67 GTO combines performance and a distinctively sharp look that remains highly coveted by collectors.
2. 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The first model year for the Trans Am variant, the 1969 Firebird Trans Am, they featured distinctive styling with its white body, blue racing stripes, and rear spoiler. This model set the stage for what would become one of the most iconic cars in the muscle car category.
3. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Famously featured in the movie “Smokey and the Bandit,” the 1977 Firebird Trans Am boasts the beloved shaker hood and a large firebird decal on its hood. Its appearance in pop culture solidified its status as a symbol of 1970s cool.
4. 1957 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
One of the more luxurious models, the 1957 Bonneville Convertible featured a fuel-injected V8, a rarity at the time, and stylish two-tone paint. It’s known for its luxury and limited production numbers, making it a rare collector gem.
5. 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge
The GTO Judge is renowned for its performance and the Ram Air III or Air IV engine option. It stands out with its vibrant colour options, striping, and “The Judge” decals, which add to its appeal as a collector’s item.
6. 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT
The 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT marked a significant evolution in the model’s design, emphasizing a more refined and aggressive aesthetic that matched its mid-engine configuration. Unlike earlier models, the Fiero GT featured a powerful 2.8-litre V6 engine, offering improved performance and handling, making it feel more like a genuine sports car. Its distinctive styling, including hidden headlights and a sleek, aerodynamic body, makes the Fiero GT a standout collectable. Its uniqueness as one of the few mid-engine sports cars from an American maker adds to its appeal among enthusiasts.
7. 1961 Pontiac Catalina
The 1961 Pontiac Catalina combined powerful performance with a stylish, full-size body that appealed to many buyers. Known for its lightweight construction relative to its size, the Catalina was equipped with a potent 389 cubic inch V8 engine, which could be tuned with tri-power (three two-barrel carburettors) for even more outstanding performance. Its sharp, angular lines and wide stance commanded it on the road. Collectors value the Catalina for its beauty and performance pedigree, making it a desirable piece of Pontiac’s performance history.
8. 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO
The 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO is heralded as the progenitor of the muscle car era. The GTO boasted a 389 cubic inch V8 engine with a four-barrel carburettor or a tri-power setup as an optional LeMans package. This powerful engine, combined with a stiffer suspension, dual exhausts, and a choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission, made it a hit with the performance crowd. Its success prompted other manufacturers to offer similar models, sparking a muscle car revolution. The ’64 GTO’s blend of affordability, performance, and style keeps it highly prized in the collector car market.
9. 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
The 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am was engineered as a special edition to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Trans Am series, distinguishing itself with a turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine sourced from the Buick Grand National. This made the Turbo Trans Am exceptionally quick, with performance rivalling contemporary Corvettes. It was also the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1989, adding to its historical significance. Due to its limited production and outstanding performance, the Turbo Trans Am continues to be highly sought after by collectors, representing a distinctive cross-brand collaboration with General Motors.
10. 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455
The 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455 featured the formidable Super Duty 455 cubic inch V8, one of the most potent engines offered by Pontiac. This engine was designed for high performance with features like reinforced block and components, high-flow cylinder heads, and a robust connecting rod and crankshaft assembly. The SD-455 turned the Firebird Formula into an exceptional performer, easily one of the fastest cars of its era. The scarcity of SD-455 models, coupled with the 1973 oil crisis, has elevated their status among collectors, making them highly coveted. These models symbolize Pontiac’s pinnacle in muscle car dominance, showcasing the brand’s commitment to high-performance vehicles.