The REAL Story of the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird!

Ойын-сауық

The Pontiac Firebird hood bird is as famous as the car itself! Learn the REAL story of its creation from the designers at GM in the late 60s and 70s that are responsible for the notorious graphic!
For more information on the larger project that contains excerpts from this mini-doc, check out www.NorwoodLegends.com

Пікірлер: 458

  • @vortexgen1
    @vortexgen14 ай бұрын

    I have loved the hood bird ever since I saw it on the car. GM should have never killed Pontiac at the end of 2009. That still makes me mad. I'm definitely a Pontiac guy.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    I know, right. Just seems so short sighted to kill Pontiac. They really flat lined a HUGE loyalty base when the did that.

  • @user-by9qd4wv7o

    @user-by9qd4wv7o

    29 күн бұрын

    GM is like Biden. Catering to China by keeping the Buick brand.

  • @jakespoon5549

    @jakespoon5549

    24 күн бұрын

    Obama killed Pontiac , look it up.

  • @fila6243

    @fila6243

    24 күн бұрын

    Pontiac and Plymouth, two great brands killed by idiots.

  • @AdamWaffen

    @AdamWaffen

    23 күн бұрын

    They “killed” Pontiac because no one was buying their bland and identity less products. Chevrolet easily filled the void with their bland and identity less products.

  • @JoeR203
    @JoeR20324 күн бұрын

    Those '70-'73 front ends are the best looking.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Agreed. Are used to be partial to the 79, 80, and 81, but it’s hard to beat the original!

  • @norsefalconer

    @norsefalconer

    16 күн бұрын

    The blue and white 70 T/A is one of the most beautiful cars ever made, imo.

  • @kenkem396

    @kenkem396

    3 күн бұрын

    they remind me of my last wife pissed off and gorgeous

  • @Ozzy-R
    @Ozzy-R25 күн бұрын

    We always referred to the bird as “Screaming Chicken” or “Fire Chicken”. Former owner of Trans Am.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    Yep, she goes by many names!

  • @mikek8089

    @mikek8089

    20 күн бұрын

    Super Chicken. Back in the day, I had a red '75.👍

  • @kennethhowell1272
    @kennethhowell1272Ай бұрын

    Find it ironic that often people in charge cannot see a great concept. The now iconic firebird plus the spoilers on the Trans Am's of that era, made every young man (including me) want one.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    100%!

  • @mikemcguffin6528
    @mikemcguffin65284 ай бұрын

    I love when Burt Reynolds drove the trans am out of the semi-trailer.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    One of the greatest movie car reveal scenes of all time!

  • @jimbo9357

    @jimbo9357

    25 күн бұрын

    "Honey hush".

  • @norton2757

    @norton2757

    24 күн бұрын

    Yea it looked like a Lion stepping out of a cage.

  • @adamfrbs9259

    @adamfrbs9259

    23 күн бұрын

    I don't know man, a certain DeLorean had a pretty bit*hin reveal from a step van too. Lol

  • @SuperSedingAngeL-yr0

    @SuperSedingAngeL-yr0

    21 күн бұрын

    We all did!!! 😁

  • @doughamm749
    @doughamm74925 күн бұрын

    I’m 73 and never heard this story before. Thanks

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Glad we could bring it to you!

  • @PA1207
    @PA12072 ай бұрын

    This is a wonderful story of just plain brilliance seat of the pants evidence of what sells, the story of Mr. Schinella pointing out all of the hoods coming in on one assembly line without the bird, and every one leaving with the hood bird, is just a plain Fact, and you can't deny sales in the car industry, if the bird is on the hood it's a sold car ! Great story !

  • @littlered4122
    @littlered412217 күн бұрын

    I had a 1974 Formula 400 4-Speed Manual. I did not have the Bird, but I did have the Coolest RAM AIR HOOD SCOOPS. Man, I always loved Firebirds. As a Old Guy now, my Wife and I have a few Corvettes.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Sounds like a nice stable of cars over the years!

  • @speedy_pit_stop
    @speedy_pit_stop17 күн бұрын

    Had a 75 with the bird. It was about 3 years old at the time, but still one of the best driving machines I've ever owned. The way that car made me feel was like nothing else.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    14 күн бұрын

    They really were fun to drive!

  • @tomlinsonmemories3087
    @tomlinsonmemories30874 ай бұрын

    I have heard this story many times and it never gets old 👍 Glad it was brought into the documentary for all us enthusiasts to find out about it!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks, Dan. Appreciate the comment and support! :)

  • @23GreyFox
    @23GreyFox17 күн бұрын

    I'm still amazed how America made all these good looking cars with massive 5 or 6L engines and less than 260 hp. While in other places they made 2L engines with 160hp.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Yeah, those engines were so inefficient and strangled by emissions regulations. Now you can get a supercharged 4 cylinder in the 300+ hp range! Wild!

  • @nihallll44
    @nihallll444 ай бұрын

    "Absolutely riveting! Exploring the backstory of the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird is like taking a thrilling journey through automotive history. The twists and turns, from initial rejection to the ingenious transformation showcased on a black car with gold stripes, paint a vivid picture of innovation and perseverance in the world of car design. As a passionate car enthusiast, I'm eagerly seeking more captivating stories like this. Are there other tales of automotive evolution waiting to be uncovered on this channel? Can't wait to dive into more intriguing narratives from the fascinating world of automobiles!"

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for the kind comments. We definitely have more stories coming, so check back, and please share with anyone else you think might be interested! Again, many thanks!

  • @deannmcdermott4951
    @deannmcdermott49514 ай бұрын

    Great video! Love the interviews with Bill Porter and John Schinella. It’s not a Trans Am without the Firebird on the hood!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks and we agree 100%! We’re so happy both of those amazing guys sat with us to talk about their careers at GM and the development of the bird! Really interesting that it went through so many iterations.

  • @Beyondtheobvious603
    @Beyondtheobvious6034 ай бұрын

    Being a car enthusiast, stories like this about the design evolution of iconic cars like the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird really resonate. It's remarkable how even a seemingly small design element can have such a significant impact on the overall appeal and legacy of a vehicle. The blend of artistry from Tiffany vases and feathers with the practicality of automotive design showcases the intersection of creativity and engineering in the automotive world. It's a testament to how every detail, even on the hood of a car, can become a piece of automotive history . . . . . Edit : 108377

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely, and we’ll put! Thanks for the great comment!

  • @Beyondtheobvious603

    @Beyondtheobvious603

    4 ай бұрын

    108377

  • @Beyondtheobvious603

    @Beyondtheobvious603

    4 ай бұрын

    It's your email right , "drew money " ?

  • @darryllspalding9680

    @darryllspalding9680

    Ай бұрын

    reads like something from a magazine?

  • @highlife0586
    @highlife058612 күн бұрын

    Good article. I will always remember the hood bird being called the "Screaming Chicken." I had an '84 Trans Am at one time, there was a mini hood bird on the Ram Air scoop.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Very nice! What color was it?

  • @1928ModelA1931
    @1928ModelA193118 күн бұрын

    It's hard to imagine those 70s T/As without the screaming chicken decal but to this day my favorite T/A is the Duke's Brewster green '73 in McQ. Just the small bird on the nose. This is the classiest Trans Am made in my opinion.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    I have to agree. The big bird is fun, but the smaller nose bird with the formula hood is the classiest!

  • @rogerlarsen5328
    @rogerlarsen532812 күн бұрын

    I was born in 1974. I still remember that hood bird. It made a massive impression on me in the first five years of my life. To this day I still think it is one of the coolest paint jobs any car has ever had… and I still want one.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the feeling! We couldn’t agree more!

  • @robertpoudrette4483
    @robertpoudrette4483Ай бұрын

    LOVE THE BIG BIRD! It had its followers and copycats! The Firebird screaming chicken is as iconic as the racing stripes everybody else had. And those special edition Trans Ams only made them more spectacular! Thanks for being bold guys!

  • @kgstevens
    @kgstevens19 күн бұрын

    I had a 79 Trans Am Silver Anniversary Edition. The bird was phenomenal - very large, even went onto the fenders. No small bird here.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Those 79 SEs were awesome!

  • @jeffreymayer8550
    @jeffreymayer85503 күн бұрын

    Great video! Bill and John are great guys and have fantastic stories. Both of them have come to Trans Am Nationals many times and I love their lectures. I have many items John has signed for me, including my map pocket in my '89 Formula 350.

  • @MikeSmith-ks4yg
    @MikeSmith-ks4yg21 күн бұрын

    Fantastic production ! Loved seeing the archived video footage of the GM plant .I have been a fan of the Transam hood graphic design ever since its release.I installed them and we developed a generic version to install on owners cars and at the dealers . I worked for a autographics company called Trimline. here in Atlantic Canada.Thank you for the well researched content in this video.

  • @Mowersaw29
    @Mowersaw29Күн бұрын

    We all called it the screaming chicken. Loved that car still love them today. Thank you Pontiac.

  • @briancarmichael1668
    @briancarmichael166823 күн бұрын

    Iconic piece of automotive history. Right up there with The Mustang logo, Jaguar cat emblem etc.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Yep, it’s definitely become one of the most iconic symbols in all of automotive history. Don’t know a single person that couldn’t identify it. No doubt helped by the popularity of Smokey and the Bandit.

  • @firebird5288
    @firebird52882 ай бұрын

    It's interesting how the first generation Firebird used a native American bird emblem, which is actually the Thunderbird. The Firebird and the legend of the Firebird isn't even native American at all. The Phoenix or firebird originates from ancient Greek mythology. However, some Native American tribes may have adopted the Phoenix or firebird as a symbol or incorporated it into their culture through modern cultural exchange.

  • @KRHExclusives
    @KRHExclusives3 күн бұрын

    This is a great interview, thank you for publishing this! I started watching the video wondering if Bill would talk a bit about John Schinella also, since he was in the Pontiac Design Studio also around the same time. AH! You mention John at 4:08...fantastic, thank you! And 4:36 Here John is! What a great interview sequence!!!

  • @gingerriviera3654
    @gingerriviera365415 күн бұрын

    This was an awesome peice of GM history. Thank you.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    14 күн бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching!

  • @liamfirebird6922
    @liamfirebird692219 күн бұрын

    I love that hood bird. Its as iconic as the tail fins on a 57' Chevy. The Trans Am is my dream car, and I hope to get one someday. Pontiac should never have taken the bird off the hood, they should never have killed the Firebird, and GM should never have killed Pontiac!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Agreed! The 2008 financial crisis brought GM to its knees with bankruptcy, which meant they had to streamline their brands and cut something. Buick was a big brand in Chinese due it its presumed popularity in the US (haha), but now is a perfect time to bring Pontiac back!

  • @AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin
    @AutomotiveAdventuresWithAustin20 күн бұрын

    Very cool new channel great work on this video! Looks like you are definitely on to something with the viewership this video has, and as a Pontiac guy really appreciate the interviews and information! Keep up the good work!

  • @countyline02
    @countyline024 ай бұрын

    312802 I like the large hood bird. It's bold and in your face with no apologies. When Bill Porter said he doodled the idea on a napkin is pretty awesome. I bet alot of good ideas start out that way.

  • @Beyondtheobvious603

    @Beyondtheobvious603

    4 ай бұрын

    Hey man, did you got the reply

  • @countyline02

    @countyline02

    4 ай бұрын

    Not since I put the code up, but it's the holidays so I'm being patient.

  • @Beyondtheobvious603

    @Beyondtheobvious603

    4 ай бұрын

    @@countyline02 me toooo

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks guys and congratulations again! Appreciate the support!!

  • @johngatsby1473
    @johngatsby147318 күн бұрын

    My step dad was one of those tote the note dealers when this car came out. I told him, as a kid, that he should buy and sell the Trans Ams and he thought it was a dumb idea but he grabbed a black one and made good money....next thing you know we had gone through multiple colors of these cars and ir was the first car i ever tried to sneak out. I was in the 7th or 8th grade and had visions of how kewl i would be driving around. Damn... those are some good memories

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the memories! Those hood birds were definitely an acquired taste. Took some getting used to, but once you did, it was hard to imagine a world without them!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the memories! The hod bird was definitely an acquired taste! But once you got used to it, it was hard to image a world without them!

  • @caspar0777
    @caspar077720 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this interesting story! I own a 71 455ho trans am and dive it often

  • @marcanglin7127
    @marcanglin7127Күн бұрын

    I had a new 1975 Stellar Blue Trans Am (400 auto with White inserts), and the first thing I did was take that "Fire Chicken" decal off the hood !!! ( I apprenticed with a custom painter at the time and there was NO WAY that I would have a big decal on the hood !!!). However, I DID get a vanity license plate for the car, and, as Florida only allowed 7 digits for a custom plate, my plate read "FUNYDUK". I still have the plate around here somewhere !!!

  • @originalsoundjunky
    @originalsoundjunky3 ай бұрын

    Great video ! It was neat hearing it straight from the designers mouths! I look forward to the documentary.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the comment. Full doc releases later this year so stay tuned!

  • @hqztonners
    @hqztonners27 күн бұрын

    I love the fire bird! Has always been a favourite of mine and a dream car. Very interesting how the team got the bird going. Thanks very much for sharing these great stories.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching! We really appreciate it!

  • @mr.lawrence7321
    @mr.lawrence732125 күн бұрын

    " Corvette Summer" clips. Nice touch.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Thanks! Yeah, they really fit the tone of what John Schinella was talking about with the cruising culture.

  • @speedmetal7198
    @speedmetal71985 сағат бұрын

    Wow! Amazing history. Thank you. I'm a big fan...

  • @joequillun7790
    @joequillun779026 күн бұрын

    Thank you OMC for posting this video. The Bucky Red Pontiac ad in 72, for the 73 car really grabbed my attention. Was 18 at the time, loved GTOs, but the early T/As, ('Specially the 73 hood bird cars,) IMHO was Detroit's best work of art. thanks for the memories. :)

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Really appreciate the comment. Definitely subscribe so you can see more on your KZread feed. We’ll be posting some great videos in the next few weeks and months!

  • @joequillun7790

    @joequillun7790

    24 күн бұрын

    @@OriginalMotorCar Anything, (Pontiac related) I'll be lookin fwd to. Thanks again.

  • @bjperez9076
    @bjperez907624 күн бұрын

    I never knew the story until now! I remember being a little kid and watching Smokey amd the Bandit and falling in love with the TA. Years later when the 4th gen was out my mom and I test drove a WS6 and she was this close to buying it but didn't. Later a friend of a kid I went to school with bought it and I drooled over that thing! Then the 98 model came out and I was mesmerized seeing it on the cover of Motor Trend. I HAD to have one. I finally did get one a few years back and have been going back and forth on putting a Screaming Chicken on it for fun. I've seen the hood decals and t top decals and can't decide, but after watching this I am leaning towards the hood decal! Great video!!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Definitely do the hood decal and send us an email with a picture when you do! Send it to hello@originalmotorcar.com!

  • @bjperez9076

    @bjperez9076

    24 күн бұрын

    @@OriginalMotorCar I'll keep you posted if/when I do it. Wouldn't be for awhile as I work for a local school district and the end of the year is crazy!

  • @commandertopgun
    @commandertopgunАй бұрын

    I was 17 yrs when I saw the Firebird Trans Am in dark green and gold, it was a thing of beauty, I went bonkers, I mean, I couldn't sleep, had to get one. Love at❤ first sight, couldn't live without the bird/ decal on the car.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Nice! Did you end up getting one?

  • @danparsons6566
    @danparsons656626 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this video! I've owned several Firebirds and Trans Ams, and never knew this story. Very cool!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    It’s pretty great as far as design evolution goes. It’s always interesting to hear the story behind something so iconic!

  • @oldmanvatne2911
    @oldmanvatne29113 ай бұрын

    The question I've tried answer is which style bird for which year. From what I can tell the flame style wing was up to 78 and the feather wing was from 79-81, with the wildcard is the gold special edition 78 had a feather style bird . I've seen a few other 77/78 with a feather style but don't know if that was done in a restoration and not period correct. I was 8/9 when they first came out so wasn't in the market to buy but love the car.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    3 ай бұрын

    We’ll try and do a story about this. I have some folks I can talk to that can get it straightened out. The confusion comes in when people swap the bird during restoration. I am a fan of putting the correct bird on for the year of the car if you’re restoring it for sale or collecting, but if you’re restoring it to keep and drive, put your favorite version on regardless of year!

  • @zanderhicks9562
    @zanderhicks956222 күн бұрын

    I have the Firebird tattooed on me and I never knew this about the symbol!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    That’s great! Send us a pic to Hello@OriginalMotorCar.com

  • @craigthacker
    @craigthacker14 күн бұрын

    We didn't have Trans Am in Australia, but this car was every teenage boys dream after watching Smokey and the Bandit with Burt Reynolds and Sally Field in 1977.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    14 күн бұрын

    Yep, I think that was an international phenomenon for sure! Thanks for watching!

  • @Predikant
    @PredikantАй бұрын

    I was 13 years old when I happened upon one of these cars, it left an indelible impression on me which lasts till this day, so a big thank you to those that bought it to fruition and many thanks for creating this documentary. 👍

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Couldn't agree more! Thanks for the comment and the support!

  • @FirebirdDude
    @FirebirdDudeАй бұрын

    Hi Drew! I love the hood bird. My '84 Norwood Trans Am has the optional decal. Keep up the videos! Firebirds forever!!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the support! Send us a pic to hello@originalmotorcar.com. Would love to see it!!!

  • @rockypergin2216
    @rockypergin22163 күн бұрын

    Love that bird! I wish I still had my 77

  • @MrJohnnyDistortion
    @MrJohnnyDistortionАй бұрын

    Great story. It is now and forever will be a BIG part of American muscle car history.

  • @mark8544

    @mark8544

    25 күн бұрын

    Yup, the Pontiac Fire Chicken

  • @MrJohnnyDistortion

    @MrJohnnyDistortion

    25 күн бұрын

    @@mark8544 🔥 🐔. 😆

  • @MrJohnnyDistortion

    @MrJohnnyDistortion

    25 күн бұрын

    🔥 🐔. 😁😆

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    100%! Thanks for watching!

  • @MrJohnnyDistortion

    @MrJohnnyDistortion

    22 күн бұрын

    @OriginalMotorCar 70-73 were the best nose and body with a taller shaker than later years. I had a '79 W30 403.

  • @user-xn2od3gb6n
    @user-xn2od3gb6n25 күн бұрын

    Keep dropping videos it really helps understand the what happend as a younger person that likes cars it keeps the knowledge being passed around can you do a Dodge daytona and the plymouth superbird please I think it would be a good edition to the channel

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    We actually have a SuperBird video coming out next! Stay tuned.

  • @TerryTimm-ee8gb
    @TerryTimm-ee8gb5 ай бұрын

    I liked that John didn't let the executives stop the bird from happening! Give them light and a better bench!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Absolutely! John is THE MAN!

  • @Caje-zf8md
    @Caje-zf8md21 күн бұрын

    Just before being deployed overseas, I made the difficult decision to sell my beautiful red '73 Trans Am with the famous "Screaming Chicken" decal on the hood. It went to a guy who eventually took it out to California. Now all I have left are a couple of Polaroid photographs of the car. To this day I wonder if that car is still on the road.

  • @user-bt9zw8kd8e
    @user-bt9zw8kd8e4 ай бұрын

    Trans am!!! Love this car!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Agreed!

  • @frankmendoza6617
    @frankmendoza661724 күн бұрын

    When I was a baby my Dad decided to trade in his 1970 Corvette for a 1979 Trans Am with T-Tops because his family was growing and a little 2 seater wasn’t going to work any longer. When I was about 5 I realized how cool his car really was and that was one our family vehicles until 1998 when his wife sold it. I was devastated.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Bummer that it was sold, but that was common. Who would have known how special these cars would become!

  • @barryallenflash1
    @barryallenflash116 күн бұрын

    This was cool! I always wondered about this. My Dad worked for the GM plant Anderson, IN in the late 70's early 80's. He started on the "line" and worked his way up to Plant Manager, that was pretty cool in itself. One day he brought home the Firebird resin pieces that go on the outside by the window. I was a kid with little or no interest in cars at the time. I wasn't sure what to do with them. By this time he was remarried (parents divorced around '80) I was visiting him at his "other" home and instead of taking them home with me when I left, I just gave them to my step-sister. I never saw them again! Oh, I wish I had those NOW!!! UGH!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    14 күн бұрын

    That's an impressive career for your dad! Plant managers had a LOT of responsibility!

  • @barryallenflash1

    @barryallenflash1

    13 күн бұрын

    @@OriginalMotorCar Yes and this was in the 80's. My uncle (on my mom's side) and I were having a conversation about that. My uncle said-"Do you know how much your dad was making?" I had no clue. "about $25 an hour." Now I understand how we could afford a brick house (we had built) on 2 acres of land, just outside of town. It all makes since now! Hmm.

  • @toddh2410
    @toddh241025 күн бұрын

    Really wish I could have a 455 sd bird!! I saw all of those trans am’s roll out on to the streets back when because I was born in 1962.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Don’t we all! I actually won a bid on eBay for a 455 super duty a few years back. Got it for a great price, but the seller said they had just closed a handshake deal before the auction ended. Really bummed me out!

  • @Coelacanth97
    @Coelacanth9721 күн бұрын

    I'm a Mopar guy and never cared much for these cars, but that was a great story. The Firebird hood bird was a quintessential and iconic design element, it would seem strange to not have the decal there.

  • @johhnyo
    @johhnyo24 күн бұрын

    as a kid i always wanted a transam with the bird, ended up with a 78 formula

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    78 formula was still a great car! Some people actually prefer the formulas to the Trans Ams.

  • @originalsusser
    @originalsusser25 күн бұрын

    Back when I was a young guy, I had a 69 firebird. Well, the hood decals weren't for them. I never did end up owning my dream 73, but if I had, it would've had the bird for sure

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Yeah, I’m a big fan of the 73! First time we got a choice of colors on the TA!

  • @Bikerbug2020
    @Bikerbug2020Ай бұрын

    My mom had a White 1984 15th Anniversary TA, it was a great looking car from the exterior the interior was a bit well Plastic with fake plastic rivot/bolts on the dashboard. But damn did it sound great on I-77…heading to the Richfield Coliseum.

  • @kennethpole2439
    @kennethpole243921 күн бұрын

    It may be an urban legend but I recall reading many years ago that the original plan was "Banshee" but that was dropped because it meant "bird of death".

  • @user-gr2xx3iz6g
    @user-gr2xx3iz6g4 ай бұрын

    Love the story of the hood bird ,especially the part about the pearl white prototype

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Yeah, it's a beautiful car, isn't it?! Is that a Monte Carlo in your profile pic? What year?

  • @user-qr5gd3co5s
    @user-qr5gd3co5s24 күн бұрын

    My brother had the 75 Trans Am with white and Blue bird. I loved that car

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    White and blue is classic trans am!

  • @user-qr5gd3co5s

    @user-qr5gd3co5s

    21 күн бұрын

    @@OriginalMotorCar sad story about the car may he RIP .

  • @jimbo9357
    @jimbo935725 күн бұрын

    The bird on the '86 TA is on the small side due to hood vents. Stiil looks good.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Yeah, it was interesting to see how the sizing changed through the different iterations. I would’ve liked to have seen the bird a little larger on the third gens, and depending on the hood itself, I’ve seen people fit the bigger bird on the third gen hoods without vents. It always looks good, no matter the size!

  • @purdyquibb
    @purdyquibb17 күн бұрын

    Perfect example of why car guys should be making/designing cars.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    100%. Bob Lutz was a car guy that brought us some real performance and fun right before Pontiacs demise. GM need more “car people” deciding what to greenlight!

  • @CarsandCats
    @CarsandCats24 күн бұрын

    Subscribed. This channel is going to blow up.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    We hope you’re right! Thanks for the support!

  • @darylb5564
    @darylb556426 күн бұрын

    I grew up in Norwood. Everyday on the way to and from practice I walked passed the storage lot. Man I wanted one so bad!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    That’s cool! I can only imagine seeing all those Camaros and Firebirds as a kid!

  • @jergervasi3331
    @jergervasi333126 күн бұрын

    Great video! Love the bird!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the comment and thanks for the support!

  • @divyarajsingh97
    @divyarajsingh9725 күн бұрын

    Just great keeping doing it!!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    We’re definitely in the works on more videos! We promise there’s more coming soon!

  • @georgegouvas27
    @georgegouvas2722 күн бұрын

    the phoenix rose from the fire

  • @shdwwzrd69
    @shdwwzrd6923 күн бұрын

    When I was a kid my mom had a purple 71 with an airbrushed unicorn on the hood

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    That sounds incredible! Have any pics?

  • @stevecarmack6267
    @stevecarmack6267Ай бұрын

    Very cool story. Just subscribed!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for the support!!!

  • @joejones8810
    @joejones881025 күн бұрын

    The Fire Bird is the Phoenix. A symbol of rebirth and rising from it's own ashes.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Let’s hope, maybe one day the Firebird will rise again!

  • @JSchroederee

    @JSchroederee

    18 күн бұрын

    Of course the video just said it's not a Phoenix. It's the Firebird of Hopi Legend, which is a very different story where the firebird is killed for the destruction it caused and never comes back

  • @sentiakum9225
    @sentiakum92254 ай бұрын

    Like the hood

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    For sure!

  • @craigsmith3683
    @craigsmith3683Ай бұрын

    Very informative about the story of the hood bird know as the Firebird Phoenix

  • @Ozzy-R

    @Ozzy-R

    25 күн бұрын

    As a former owner of a Trans Am GTA, in our circles we never referred to it as Phoenix, instead it’s either “Screaming Chicken” or “Fire Chicken”. It’s because of its American Indian origin.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    Yeah, it goes by many names, but it’s an unmistakable icon in automotive history!

  • @HeartPassionLove
    @HeartPassionLove4 ай бұрын

    I picture myself driving that car and listening " baby girl got my eyes on you" by jimmy reed the co star and singer and having coffee with the girl in advertising video

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Sounds like a good time!

  • @YourOwnWay
    @YourOwnWay26 күн бұрын

    I have always loved the hood bird. Being a kid in the 80’s, the Firebird to me was the car He-Man would have driven.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    This might just be the best comment yet! Love the image of he-man driving a Firebird Trans Am. You’re totally right!

  • @caledoniawarrior
    @caledoniawarrior22 күн бұрын

    The hopi indian bird was the thunder bird. Not the firebird. The firebird was taken from the European Phoenix

  • @mark37f
    @mark37f29 күн бұрын

    A nice video addendum to Rocky Rotella's Firebird and Trans Am guide. oh, and lower the music - we want to hear what Mr. Porter has to say.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Got it! We’ll work on our music levels in the future vids. Thanks for the support, and the feedback!

  • @phillipgarrow2297
    @phillipgarrow229724 күн бұрын

    I had a 1976 trans am hurst edition black with gold rims I wish I still had it I had more fun with that car than I ever had with my C7 Z06

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    It’s amazing how much fun these things were…even at normal road speeds! Truly one of the best times you can have from 40-70 mph!

  • @tomhext1229
    @tomhext1229Ай бұрын

    Great Video!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Please share with anyone else you know that might like it too!

  • @kr2513
    @kr251324 күн бұрын

    More insane is the head designer in 58 to 77 had an issue with the bird in the first place. I love all the 58 to 60’s but they were crazy looking

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    Yeah, it’s hard to believe anyone wouldn’t have wanted it on the hood!

  • @peterdixon7975
    @peterdixon797519 күн бұрын

    The 'screaming chicken' is the Firebird / Trans-Am. IMHO the Trans-Am & in particular the post '77 car is the continuity Muscle Car that kicked the trend of the Malaise era and held the fort until the Fox Mustang and others returned in the 1980's. I'll take my Firebird as a Bandit replica please.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Great point!

  • @Shastavalleyoutdoorsman
    @Shastavalleyoutdoorsman25 күн бұрын

    Still have my seventy eight. I hope to finish it one day. I love the bird so much...I had it tattooed on me at eighteen 😂

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    Nice! That’s dedication!!!

  • @BupendraJogi-lm4qx
    @BupendraJogi-lm4qx4 ай бұрын

    Great ❤

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @jbcowherder6210
    @jbcowherder621025 күн бұрын

    back in my high school auto-body class the teacher called those decals the "Super-chicken"......................super iconic!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    I like “super chicken”!

  • @lucyfuir6386
    @lucyfuir638622 күн бұрын

    I had in 1986 red transam silver effects with a giant silver firebird on the hood.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    21 күн бұрын

    Sounds like a good one!

  • @zracer1099
    @zracer109914 сағат бұрын

    I have a very important, some would say rare, but historical Trans Am. It’s been hidden from the world and I kept it away but I feel now is the time to let this car see daylight and shine. The story behind this car is amazing and hard to believe, but true. I been waiting for someone to tell it for me. I think you and this channel might be a good fit. Let me know if you’re interested and want details.

  • @raymondschaffran2403
    @raymondschaffran24035 күн бұрын

    Cool thanks for sharing this 👍💘🌹🐺

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 күн бұрын

    Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

  • @jonathannelson4324
    @jonathannelson4324Ай бұрын

    I’ve never seen a white and blue one that I can’t remember. Great color combination.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Yep. It was the international racing color for the USA. It fits!

  • @Ski_zaBoi1776
    @Ski_zaBoi1776Ай бұрын

    And as such a legend was born and history made !!!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    100%

  • @fishypictures
    @fishypicturesАй бұрын

    I had and lost my firebird due to not having the foresight to take good care of it. Best handling car at the time. I was 17 years old and had a 1970 . I would drift before drifting was a thing. I would jump it over the hills of San Francisco. Tried to learn to do Rockfords when that was a thing. Wrecked it in 1982. Sold the wreck for $1.00 . I’ve always wanted to buy another but as always, life gets in the way. Can’t find them now.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    But at least it sounds like you enjoyed the heck out of it when you had it! Be thankful for that!

  • @rickmiller1649
    @rickmiller16496 ай бұрын

    Excellent! Thank you very much. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for the kind words! Please share it with anyone else you know that you think might like it as well! When we uploaded this video originally, we racked up 45K views in 2 days, but we accidentally deleted it when we uploaded the corrected version! :( Hoping we can keep sharing it so the KZread algorithm will pick it back up and run with it! It's a fun story that needs to be told!!! Please consider subscribing as well, as we will be release MANY more interesting stories in the future!

  • @ralphharrison6622
    @ralphharrison662226 күн бұрын

    my first fave car was the trans am. part of the reason was the head and tail light design. the other part was the big ol fire chicken on the hood. of course, after my dad bought me a toy lancia stratos, that all went out the window.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    That’s great!

  • @rickyburton4642
    @rickyburton46425 ай бұрын

    Can’t live without it! 👍👍😎

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the post!

  • @majorwilkesjr.5827
    @majorwilkesjr.582721 күн бұрын

    It's just crazy to think that someone was trying to do away with this idea simply because they didn't see the vision for themselves.

  • @7gear642
    @7gear6425 ай бұрын

    I own a 1968 Firebird 400 and a 1971 Trans Am 455HO. I was impressed by this video the first time I saw it; in fact I shared the details of the origin of the First Gen and Second Gen Firebird logos with my wife. I always suspected the First Gen was of American Indian origin but was surprised to learn that the Second Gen came from a Tiffany vase design! In fact I took a photo of the vase to share with the guys in my Pontiac Club. Even though it's early in the video the origin of the graphic design concepts are discussed, that is my favorite part. The lighting discussion at the end is interesting too on how the bird was design retained and offered on the 73's - 81. I've been a Firebird owner for 46 years going back to my 1972 Firebird Formula 400... keep up the great stories!

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, and sharing this story with others! Can't thank you enough. Would love to see your '68 and '71? Do you still own your '72 Formula 400?

  • @AtZero138
    @AtZero138Ай бұрын

    Grew up with Pontiac... 62 Tempest... And 71 Firebird Formula...

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Good choices!

  • @jalopywrench
    @jalopywrench26 күн бұрын

    Being a Pontiac fan and especially a TransAm fan I love this video

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    22 күн бұрын

    Thanks so much! Hoping to bring a lot more quality content in the future!!

  • @Maxid1
    @Maxid124 күн бұрын

    I almost bought one in 1978 when I was in the Navy. It would have cost me every cent of my pay for that year. It could have worked since I had a place to sleep and 3 squares a say (on ship). The only reason I didn't was, I wouldn't have been able to drive it. No money for ins, gas, etc.

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    That’s a tough choice! The responsible you did the right thing, but wouldn’t it be cool to have one now!

  • @Maxid1

    @Maxid1

    24 күн бұрын

    @@OriginalMotorCar it was the gold one!

  • @michaelbujanda8785
    @michaelbujanda878524 күн бұрын

    "The Screamin Chicken"!!!!! Is what it was called during my highschool days!!!! In the 80s some of the high school kids drove these on campus!!!! I remember the Saturday night cruising that went on !!! I used to see a bunch of Firebirds, Cameros and Chevelles and other Hot Rodded muscle cars when the hobby was affordable for middle class people!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    24 күн бұрын

    You have to remember that back then these cars weren’t that old. It would be the same as driving something from the early to mid 2000s now. Of course those cars of the early 2000s aren’t as cool as the 70s era muscle cars.

  • @michaelbujanda8785

    @michaelbujanda8785

    24 күн бұрын

    @OriginalMotorCar True 👍 The older cars just look better!!! And when you open the hood to look at and work on the engine for maintainance !!! There's lots of room and space!!!🙂🙂🙂🙂

  • @wyomingz28
    @wyomingz284 ай бұрын

    Glad that they decided to do the hood bird. Life would be sad without it. Like the part about how the guy got mad about the bird being on the car. Great video, love this kind of history. 849785

  • @OriginalMotorCar

    @OriginalMotorCar

    4 ай бұрын

    Yeah, it’s be hard to imagine the car without it! Thanks and congrats!

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