The base cars came with a 250 CID six-cylinder engine that produced 175 horsepower.
It also was distinguished by its larger tires.Įlsewhere in the line, engine options were nearly identical to the 1968 models. The car featured a special scooped hood, a deck spoiler, fender vents and, that year, a white with blue stripe paint scheme, exclusively. The packages weren’t more powerful than other available Firebirds, but the looks and the handling of the Trans Am set them apart from the others. Though only around 700 Trans Ams were sold, they represented a preview of what was to come for the Firebird. Otherwise, the car shared many features with the 1968 models.īut the big news was the new Trans Am package, a name that would stick with the Firebird for decades to come. The broader fenders and wider look gave the car a more muscular look. This also helped distinguish the Firebird from the similar looking Camaro. The most striking change to the Firebird occurred at the front of the car with the fact that the headlights were now separated from the grille and the use of a new bumper. But both cars were still selling relatively well, so the move paid off for GM. Both the Firebird and its General Motors cousin the Camaro did a rare thing in 1969 and underwent significant restyles even though a full restyle was coming the following year.
