Pontiac production records for the 1973 model year reveal that one A-car was assembled with the Super Duty 455. Its disposition and/or whereabouts have remained unknown for 50 years. Its engine had been saved from being salvaged by a former GM engineer in the mid-1980s and its significance was recently uncovered. Here’s how!
The Ellusive Super Duty 455 308/320 “K” Camshaft
SD-455, Pontiac20 CommentsMost Pontiac enthusiasts are aware that Pontiac planned to equip its Super Duty 455 with a 308/320-spec camshaft, but emissions regulations forced the division to go with the 301/313 grind for production. Have you ever seen an original SD-455 308/320 camshaft? Well, here’s your chance!
Cielo del Sol- The Original Grand Prix SSJ
6 CommentsHow a chance encounter on a popular automobile auction website reveals that Pontiac’s 1970 Grand Prix Cielo del Sol show car may have ended up in private hands.
Forever Correlating A '72 Trans Am With A Specific Omaha Location
personal story4 CommentsHave you ever had a Pontiac experience that often makes you wonder about a certain car when you pass by that location? Here’s our Pontiac story behind the image of this Omaha, Nebraska storefront!
This '61 Ventura Was NHRA's 1962 A/SA National Champion
6 CommentsIn my photo collection was an image of a ‘61 Ventura and its owner, who was proudly displaying the numerous trophies he’d won. It wasn’t until recently that I learned the person in the photograph was Ralph Hardt and he was celebrating his Pontiac’s win as NHRA’s National Champion in A/SA for 1962.
A Bygone Era—Pontiac Dealerships In Small-Town America
6 CommentsA look down main street in Small Town USA around 1970 reveals Pontiac and the many other dealerships that shaped the auto industry and America during that time.
Sharing In Someone’s Pontiac Excitement
vintage photos2 CommentsThere’s a strong sense of nostalgia when looking at vintage photographs old then-new Pontiacs. This series of images comes from my collection. They depict a factory-fresh ‘77 Trans Am that someone had just taken delivery of. Can you imagine the excitement they felt?
My Dad’s First Trans Am
Pontiac, personal story, vintage photos8 CommentsDuring the 1970s my dad owned a number of Pontiacs and several Firebirds were among them. His first Trans Am was a Firethorn Red ‘76. While he planned to order a Formula that model year, he ultimately decided upon the Trans Am. He was so happy with it that it paved the way for others that followed. Here’s how it came to be.
A Wrecked 1973 Firebird Found Its Way Home
Pontiac3 CommentsThis series of vintage images from my Pontiac photograph collection depict a 1973 Firebird involved in some sort of collision. I had no idea when I purchased them a few years back from an out-of-state antique dealer that the accident scene was located in Omaha, Nebraska. As you’ll see with the efforts of Google Maps, that intersection hasn’t changed much over the years.
Cruising Firebirds at the Cruisin’ Tigers’ 2021 Indian Uprising
personal story, Pontiac2 CommentsThis past August my dad and I attended the Indian Uprising in Crystal Lake, Illinois. It’s always been a great event with plenty of beautiful Pontiacs in attendance. This year local hobbyist, Teri Reed invited us to join her and a group of friends in a Firebird cruise that Saturday morning. And what a treat it was!
Memories Of My '83 Grand Prix LJ...
personal story5 CommentsThe last new vehicle my grandfather ordered was an ‘83 Grand Prix LJ. After he passed and it was time for my grandmother to get something newer, my father purchased it in 1995 and gave it to me to drive back and forth to college. I have great memories of that car when I was young as well as when I grew older. I’m happy to share them with you.
How A "Piece" of Mac McKellar And Pontiac History Found Me...
Pontiac, personal story, SD-4555 CommentsI find Pontiac’s 1973 Press Preview among the Division’s most interesting events ever. It’s there that the Super Duty 455 was introduced the motoring world. A performance bombshell while others were shying away from it, every magazine writer in attendance that reported their take on the SD-455 in their respective publications. Mac McKellar—arguably Pontiac’s most famous engineer and a man I greatly admire—was at there that day and I was recently gifted his personal nametag.
Finding The Perfect (for me) 1974 Formula!
personal story, Pontiac15 CommentsI have been searching for a ‘74 Formula for quite sometime and after years of disappointment, I decided that when the right Formula came along, I’d know it. With help from Jeff Denison, Dan Jensen’s Formula 455 found me! Here’s how!
Memories Of My Dad's 1974 Formula 350...
Pontiac6 CommentsIn 1981 my dad purchased a ‘74 Formula 350 that he used as his daily driver. With fond childhood memories of that particular Firebird, it left me with a soft spot in my heart for 1974 Formulas. I share that story with you.
Always Learning: ‘80-81 Turbo Formula and Turbo Trans Am Tidbits
Pontiac26 CommentsSorting out Pontiac’s ‘80-81 Turbo Formula and Turbo Trans Am and its association with the WS6 suspension package. Was or wasn’t it required?! Let’s find out!
Overstock Special! 67-69 Firebird Books- $30 plus shipping
Pontiac3 CommentsThe Definitive Firebird and Trans Am Guide 67-69 may no longer be in print but new copies are available via PontiacV8.com!
Finally Found Time To Drive My '76 Trans Am...
personal story, Pontiac2 CommentsWhile the pandemic has forced many of us to stay home and maintain ample distance in social settings, there may be no safer activity than taking your vintage Pontiac out for a cruise. Have you been finding yourself driving your car(s) more frequently since March?
Pontiac's Professional Cars- Part 2
PontiacCommentSomeone's New 1967 GTO...Before and After
Pontiac1 CommentMany enthusiastic owners take pictures of their new vehicles. Vintage photos like this captivate me. What piqued my interest even more is the fact that the owner not only took photos of this GTO when it was new, they also took photos of the aftermath.
Did You Know? Pontiac's 1959 Kleenex Promotion
did you know1 CommentDid you know that at least one Pontiac dealership partnered with Kleenex to provide new 1959 Pontiac buyers with a year’s supply of tissues?