Second-gen Firebird enthusiasts have a keen eye that’s quick to catch the unmistakable body shape of a GM F-car on the streets today. One distinctive Firebird characteristic is the rear air spoiler that Bill Porter and team in Pontiac Studio designed for the 1970 Trans Am, which was then made available on other Firebird models in subsequent years. That rear spoiler is exactly what caught my eye one day while on my commute.
As I approached a stoplight, I glanced at the 1988-1995 Chrysler Lebaron convertible in the next lane over. That’s when I noticed the familiar shape of the second-gen Firebird spoiler adorned with dual racing stripes. I first thought someone installed an aftermarket facsimile, but quickly recognized it was a genuine 1970-1981 Firebird (or 1971-1981 Camaro) rear spoiler center section affixed to the Lebaron’s decklid!
I momentarily sat in awe wondering who conceived repurposing such a component in this fashion. Was the owner a Firebird fan? I then noticed the in-transit tag in the rear window and realized that the new owner may not have even installed it. It was likely the handywork of a previous owner, a body shop, or even a used car lot looking to create consumer appeal.
Regardless of where my mind drifted in those few seconds, I chuckled as the Lebaron pulled away thinking that at some point in its past someone purposely installed that now-antique spoiler with the intent of enhancing the Lebaron’s sporty appeal. Whether we (you or me) feel that was truly accomplished, someone certainly did!
What do you think?