'Early Birds' - part deaux

TransAmer99 · Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Posts: 97 Location: 281 Spring, TX

In 1964 John Z. DeLorean was the General Manager at Pontiac and was smitten with the idea of bringing his own (as opposed to the 'Vette) 2-seater sports car to market. Most of us over the age of 35 already know the end of that story. But here is what JZD envisioned as a purely Pontiac 'Firebird'. Both prototypes still exist today - a rarety, considering the fate usually awaiting pre-production design exercises - and appear every so often at auction. But if you plan on getting you hands on one, you'll need very deep pockets!

DeLorean argued with the GM Brass up until the eleventh hour for the go-ahead to produce this car as the Firebird - but ultimately had to give into the demands that he build his car off the new-for-1967 Camaro instead. Which explains the 'Bird's belated entry into the marketplace in April of 1967 while the Camaro was introduced in September of 1966.

Interesting to speculate what may have happened had the Firebird not been fettered to the Camaro instead...
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sir english firebird · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:33 am Post subject:

I clicked on thios morning just to have a looky and now my mind is being blown!!

I think we need a section just fior these RARE cars , i had no idea, i feel like ive had my head in the sand!!

As for the car it looks very " Corvette ". IMO
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TransAmer99 · Joined: 21 Jun 2008 Posts: 97 Location: 281 Spring, TX

I'll agree with the similarity to the Corvette, but bear in mind that this was 1964. A full four years before the 'cokebottle Vette' appeared. And the taillamp treatment clearly portends Firebird. As does the rear glass. Although the '68 Vette had a similar 'flying buttress' C-panel, it's rear window was recessed (and retractable).

My personal opinion is that DeLorean indirectly influenced the direction of the Corvette. GM undoubtedly liked what they saw in these prototypes, but didn't want to clutter the marketplace with a direct competitor to their premiere two-seater. Remember that the Corvette had experienced growing pains of it's own where the future was very much in doubt during the early sixties.

Nowadays, GM apparently feels differently, since Cadillac has it's own edgy version of the C6.
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sir english firebird · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

Looking back at the pics........ id of bought one.

Its a shame that the number crunchers decide what can and wont be made, i feel Pontiac has lost out over the years.
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The V8 made me do it officer!