During the course of its 10-model-year run, Pontiac heavily-promoted its fourth-generation Firebird. With the excitement surrounding all-new styling for ’93, and anniversary cars in ’94, ’99, and ’02, Pontiac ensured that its Firebird—and particularly the Trans Am—remained on the forefront of the performance car market.
Being a Firebird fanatic and of driving age when the fourth-generation Firebird was introduced, I dreamed of owning one and made regular trips to my local Pontiac dealer to see what was new. I was very familiar with SLP’s Formula-based Firehawk program. And I was ecstatic when I read about the WS6 Ram Air and Handling Package for ’96. It wasn’t until recent times that I learned that GM Performance Parts created a Firebird GT specialty vehicle package for 1997!
The front page of of the Firebird GT brochure.
I’d guess that because buyers were unable to add/delete equipment from the basic Firehawk or WS6 packages, GM Performance Parts sought to give ’93-97 Firebird buyers/owners the chance to equip their vehicle with performance goodies piecemeal, or as a complete aftermarket package.
A front/back page brochure announced the package for V6 or LT1 V8-powered Firebirds. The components could be installed by the home-hobbyist or handled by a GM dealer at extra cost. The brochure boasted:
- Cold Air Induction and Cat-back Performance Exhaust systems
- Lower-body ground effects package
- Suspension package consisting of 1LE-level pieces
- Hurst shifter with white racing shift knob for manual transmission
- “Firebird GT” Stripes and Exterior ornamentation
- “Firebird GT” embroidered floor mats
- 17 x 9” cast-aluminum Wheels (tires at extra cost)
Stated availability was January 1997. However, it’s unclear if GM Performance Parts actually ever released the complete package or individual components.
Components of the Firebird GT package could be purchased separately.
Are you familiar with the Firebird GT package? Do you have any additional paperwork on it? I certainly would be interested in hearing from anyone who owns/owned a Firebird GT or had purchased any of those components from a GM dealer.