It
became official on February 23, 1967, about five months after the Camaro's
debut. Like its Chevrolet counterpart, the 1967 Firebird was offered in both
hardtop and convertible versions, but Pontiac put a slightly different twist on
its launch by developing a quintet of models known as the “Magnificent
Five,” each targeted at a different market segment. The entry-level $2666
Firebird was propelled by the sohc inline-6. Representing one of the few such
engines built by an American automaker, the 230 cu-in. powerplant produced a
credible 165 bhp-or 215 in high-output “Sprint”
form that brought with it a tougher clutch, floor-shift for the 3-speed manual
transmission and heavy-duty suspension.
Next up was the 250-bhp Firebird 326
V-8, with a more appealing HO version just above it that pumped out a generous
285 bhp and announced its performance mission with racing stripes and twin
exhausts. But the car that real enthusiasts found most interesting was the
Firebird 400. Predating the “Super Duty” Firebirds, the 400 was rated at a
conservative 325 bhp to stay within GM's existing 10-lb- per-bhp limits although
enthusiasts knew its real output was considerably higher. What
set the 400 off from other Firebirds were such
things as a unique hood
with twin (non-functioning) hood scoops, redline tires and dual exhausts. For
about $200 more, the truly serious Firebird buyer could add the Ram Air option,
which made the hood scoops functional and added more horsepower (though still
rated at 325 bhp) with a hotter cam and larger, low-restriction exhaust
manifolds.
Just 63 Ram Air coupes and two convertibles were built for 1967,
making these, today, among the most sought-after early Firebirds.
In 1967 buyers could have ordered cars, customizing
them with a myriad of options. Pontiac saw its F-Body as slightly more
sophisticated than its Chevrolet counterpart, and included such useful features
as a rear-window defogger, fold-down rear seat and shoulder belts. However,
performance was always Pontiac's core mission, and Pontiac catered to the
speed-hungry public with its now-famous hood-mounted tachometer, hood retaining
pins and adjustable Koni shocks.
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