High back Bucket Seats Introduced this Year

In 1971 the one high back bucket seat was introduced replacing the former low back bucket seat with separate head rest.  These high back bucket seats were adapted from the Chevy Vega line and many consider them to be inferior to the 1970 seats.  1971 seats were available in two versions as in 1970, standard or custom.  Standard seat were available in all Morrokide vinyl while custom seats were offered in either Knit Vinyl and Morrokide or Pinehurst Pattern Cloth and Morrokide.

New Formula Models

The Formula 350 and Formula 455 joined the Formula 400 as separate models in the Formula line.  In addition to engine sizes of 350cid and 455cid joining the 400 each model received specific badges on the fenders.

Rear Deck Spoiler

The Rear Deck Spoiler became available on all Formula models this year as a factory option number 572/D80. The spoiler was also available on all Base, Esprit, and Formula models as a dealer installed option.

Firebird Body Stripes

Stripes were offered as an option on Firebirds this year but is not shown in early literature, therefore suggesting that the stripe was offered as an option after the introduction of 1971 Firebirds. The stripes were offered in Black, Blue, Gold and Silver and ran along the lower mid sections of the rear edge of the from fender to the front edge of the rear fender.

New Honeycomb Wheels

The Honeycomb Wheel is listed as standard on Trans Am in early factory literature but was actually made an option after early supply problems forced the reinstatement of the 15" Rally II as standard equipment. The Trans Am version of the Honeycomb wheel was a 15" diameter versus the 14" diameter available on all other models.

Lower Engine Compression Ratios and Bigger Engines Available

High Performance engines received lower compression ratios this year to allow for unleaded gasoline. Because of this the 455 engine was now allowed by GM to be installed on Firebirds whereas previously the 400 was the largest due to corporate edict.  The standard 400 compression ratio was dropped from 10.25:1 to 8.2:1.   The 455 engine was offered with 8.2:1 compression while the HO version offered 8.4:1.   The 455 HO was now standard on the Trans Am. The Ram Air III and IV engines were retired.

Base Firebird Now Available with a Floor Mounted Shifter

The 3 speed manual transmission with the Floor Mounted shifter (35B) could now be ordered on Base Firebirds with the 6 cylinder engine. Previously the shifter was column mounted with this combination.