Pontiac started the F-body program in March of 1966, forced by GM management to use the 60 day from production Camaro engineering. Using the same floor pan, cowl & sub frame as the Camaro and Chevy II, the first Firebirds were known as '67 1/2's having been introduced late in the model year. This was the start of what was to became the now celebrated 35 year success story of the Firebird & Trans Am, selling over two million units from 1967 to 1981.Īlso on the option list was, in Pontiac's never ending search to develop cutting edge design and marketing, the unique and radical for it's time Over-Head Cam in-line 6, 230 & 250 cubic inch engines offered in both economy and performance versions. Included on the first option list was the venerable Pontiac V8 engine family that touted performance including multiple 326, 350, & 400 cubic inch versions. 1967 - 1968 - 1969 Pontiac Firebird History and Information