Car for Sale: 1974 Pontiac Firebird Resto Mod With a Corvette LS3

TopSpeed

By Ciprian Florea

Published May 11, 2020

Classic Pontiac design with a modern twist

The second-generation Pontiac Firebird was built from 1970 until 1981, and the cars produced in the first couple of years are by far the most popular. That's because they're from the golden muscle car era and fitted with the high power engines that went extinct when the oil crisis hit in 1973. However, the Firebird enjoyed new popularity toward the end of the 1970s thanks to a Trans Am model being used in the Smokey and the Bandit movie. If you're looking for something unique from the era, here's a nice restomod version of a 1974 Firebird.

A 1971 Pontiac Firebird With Modern DNA

Listed for sale by Mecum Auctions at its Indy 2020 sale on July 10 to 18, this 1974 Firebird is actually fitted with design features from the 1971 model. But the exterior is far from standard, as it rides on modern, low-profile tires, and the front bumper has been removed. It was also painted in matte grey, a hue that Pontiac didn't offer back in the day.

But by far, the biggest news lies under the hood, which hides a modern LS3 engine from GM. Actually, this restomod packs more punch than the modern Chevy Camaro SS. The engine is not the only modern feature, though. The Firebird also comes with forged Mahle pistons, a Monster 4L70E transmission, and a race-spec aluminum driveshaft from Coleman Racing.