1967-68 Pontiac FirebirdThe 1967-68 Pontiac Firebird was based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro. However, Pontiac designers made the Firebird their own, thanks to the cool-looking bright chrome wraparound bird beak on the front, the louvers stamped into the rear fenders, the slatted taillights at the rear, and a more luxurious options list. Even though the Firebird followed the Camaro into the marketplace five months later, it took advantage of some lessons learned during the Camaro's launch. As a result, the Firebird's engine was moved farther back in the chassis for better weight distribution and handling, while traction bars were made standard to reduce axle windup during aggressive starts. The Firebird also came in five trim levels compared to the Camaro's four, the top three of which signaled V8-powered muscle car performance. For 1967, the mildest of the three was the Firebird 326 with 250 horsepower. Next was the Firebird 326 H.O. with 285 horsepower. The top of the line was the Firebird 400 with 325 horsepower, which could be boosted to 335 horsepower with the L67 Ram Air package. In 1968, the 326 grew to a 350, a 400 H.O. version was added, and all V8 engines except for the Ram Air saw power increases. 1970 1/2 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmThe 1970 1/2 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was originally intended to be a 1970 model, but the new cars were delayed by a massive labor strike and tooling issues at GM. Their late production start led them to be called 1970 1/2 models.The new Trans Am was the Firebird's top trim level, designed for all-out performance. Powered by Pontiac's 400 cubic-inch Ram Air III with 345 horsepower, the Trans Am came with a four-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, variable-ratio power steering, special shocks and springs, spoilers front and rear, fender air extractors, a shaker hood scoop, and an engine-turned instrument panel. The Trans Am was initially available only in two color combinations: Blue with white stripes or white with blue stripes. This Trans Am was a big hit with the motoring press, but a combination of high insurance premiums, emissions regulations, and a tough economy caused both Trans Am and Firebird sales to dwindle. Despite this, the true believers at Pontiac kept the Trans Am in production, which made the success of the next cool-looking classic Pontiac muscle car possible.