1978 Pontiac Firebirds

Sales of Firebirds continued to soar in 1978 and Pontiac expanded colors and options. The big news for 1978 was the increase in horsepower of the W72 400 engine option to 220hp from 200hp in 1977. A new Gold Special Edition was introduced with gold paint, gold accents on the grille, wheels, dash panel, and steering wheel and gold tinted T-tops. The gold edition also included a new four color hood bird design that would set the trend for Trans Am's in the next few years. This bird was also available on non-Special Edition gold Trans Am's. Due to paint matching problems the Black and Gold Special Edition was re-introduced mid-year as well. This year the Fisher T-top was introduced and sold alongside the Hurst T-top from 1977. Buyers did not get a choice of which T-top they preferred but the Gold Special Edition included the Fisher versions which were slightly larger. The Skybird returned in 1978 but was soon replaced with the Redbird. Everything that was blue on the Skybird was Red on the Redbird.
"When you're looking for a car with a of Firebird's fire...but you need a handsome value there's just one solution. Our basic 'bird. Our base model has the wow of every Firebird. Plus one all its own. Just ask your dealer "how much." Esprit is a melding of luxury and excitement. The kind of luxury that never intrudes. And the kind of excitement that's indelibly Firebird. The Formula Firebird is for driving buffs, who wish Sunday drives would last until Tuesday. And the most exhilarating Firebird has to be the Trans Am. And for good reason. Look at the styling. That broad, forceful sweep. Punctuated by air extractors, air deflectors and a singular air dam."

Sales of Firebirds continued to soar in 1978 and Pontiac expanded colors and options. The big news for 1978 was the increase in horsepower of the W72 400 engine option to 220hp from 200hp in 1977. A new Gold Special Edition was introduced with gold paint, gold accents on the grille, wheels, dash panel, and steering wheel and gold tinted T-tops. The gold edition also included a new four color hood bird design that would set the trend for Trans Am's in the next few years. This bird was also available on non-Special Edition gold Trans Am's. Due to paint matching problems the Black and Gold Special Edition was re-introduced mid-year as well. This year the Fisher T-top was introduced and sold alongside the Hurst T-top from 1977. Buyers did not get a choice of which T-top they preferred but the Gold Special Edition included the Fisher versions which were slightly larger. The Skybird returned in 1978 but was soon replaced with the Redbird. Everything that was blue on the Skybird was Red on the Redbird.

"When you're looking for a car with a of Firebird's fire...but you need a handsome value there's just one solution. Our basic 'bird. Our base model has the wow of every Firebird. Plus one all its own. Just ask your dealer "how much." Esprit is a melding of luxury and excitement. The kind of luxury that never intrudes. And the kind of excitement that's indelibly Firebird. The Formula Firebird is for driving buffs, who wish Sunday drives would last until Tuesday. And the most exhilarating Firebird has to be the Trans Am. And for good reason. Look at the styling. That broad, forceful sweep. Punctuated by air extractors, air deflectors and a singular air dam."