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Third Generation 1982-92 |
| There were no third generation Firebird promotional models produced between 1982 and 1992. |
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Fourth Generation 1993 - 1997 |
| The fourth generation 1993-97 Firebird promotional models were available in coupe and convertible body styles with the convertible being offered in 1996 and 1997. All fourth generation models are Trans Ams and were produced by AMT/Ertl in 1/25th scale. The fourth generation models offered excellent detail. Colors were limited to one or two for each style per year and for the first time came with different colored interiors and a black chassis. These promos are reasonably priced and easier to find than many of the older models with the exception of the 1997 Convertible. Only 2,500 1997’s were produced and sadly marked the end of Firebird promotional models. Values will range from $25.00 for a 1993 to around $50.00 for a 1997. The following is a detailed look at the fourth generation. |
| 1993 |
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Trans Am Coupe – Colors known to exist: Bright Red and Sunfire Yellow. This is the first Firebird promotional made by AMT/Ertl. Both colors featured black T-Top roof, painted silver aluminum style wheels, a tampo-printed black bird decal on the nose of the front bumper, chrome front fog lights and complete black, red, and white taillight treatment with small red bird in the center of the lens. The rear glass had lines running across it to simulate the rear window defogger. Tires were the correct style Goodyear Eagle GSC radials. Gray was the only interior color and was well detailed right down to the six-speed shifter and seat belt holders on the headrest. The chassis was molded in black and featured correctly detailed front and rear suspension, drive train and exhaust system. Value for a mint condition car is around $25.00. |
| 1994 |
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Trans Am Coupe 25th Anniversary – Colors know
to exist: Artic White. This was a special year for the Trans Am as 1994 marked it’s
25th Anniversary. To commemorate this milestone a very special promotional
model was made. Like the real car the promo was done in an all white exterior with white
interior that featured a six-speed shifter and seat belt holders on the headrest. It had
the optional T-Top roof done in black and chrome fog lamps. A tampo-printed blue center
stripe ran the length of the car with a blue bird located at the nose of the front bumper.
"25th Trans Am" decals in silver and blue were present on
the lower front door panels. The black, red and white taillight treatment had "Trans
Am" above the red bird in the center of the lens. Unique five spoke white wheels
with Goodyear Eagle GSC tires rounded out this package. The black chassis was identical to
the 1993 model. Value for a mint condition model with original box is around $45.00. Trans Am Coupe - Colors known to exist: Black. The black car featured a gray interior with six-speed shifter and seat belt holders on the headrest, black T-Top roof, Goodyear Eagle GSC tires mounted on chrome aluminum style wheels and chrome front fog lamps. A tampo-printed silver bird decal was located on the nose of the front bumper. The word "Trans Am" was deleted from the black, red and white taillight treatment. Only a small red bird was in the center of the lens. The chassis was black and identical to the 1993 model. Value for a mint condition black car is around $25.00. |
| 1995 |
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Trans Am Coupe – Colors know to exist: Cyclamen Metallic. This model featured a
gray interior with six-speed shifter and seat belt holders on the headrest, black T-Top
roof, chrome aluminum style wheels mounted on Goodyear Eagle GSC tires, a tampo-printed
silver bird decal on the nose of the front bumper and chrome front fog lamps. The black,
red and white taillight treatment had "Trans Am" located above the red
bird in the center of the lens. The chassis detail was identical to the 1993 and 1994
models. Value for a mint condition model is around $25.00. Trans Am Convertible – Only color known to exist is Teal Metallic. This is the first Firebird Convertible promo produced since 1969. It features gray cloth style interior with six-speed shifter, black convertible boot, chrome 5 spoke wheels (only available on the convertible promo) mounted on Goodyear Eagle GSC tires, chrome front fog lamps and a tampo-printed silver bird decal on the nose of the front bumper. The rear taillight treatment is the same as the coupe. The lower rear bumper featured molded exhaust extensions. This exhaust feature is unique to the convertible promotional. The chassis is black and is the same as the 1993 and 1994 models. |
| 1996 |
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Trans Am Coupe – Only color known to exist: Polo Green Metallic. This is the last
year for the Trans Am coupe promotional model. It features a tan cloth style interior with
six-speed shifter and seat belt holders on the headrest , black T-Top roof, chrome five
spoke wheels mounted on Goodyear Eagle GSC tires, chrome fog lamps, and a tampo-printed
silver bird decal on the nose of the front bumper. The black, red and white rear taillight
treatment included a red bird without "Trans Am" in the center of the
lens. The chassis is black and is the same as the 1993-95 models. Trans Am Convertible – Only color known to exist: Red. It features a gray cloth style interior with six-speed shifter, black convertible boot, chrome 5 spoke wheels mounted on Goodyear Eagle GSC tires, chrome front fog lamps, and a tampo-printed silver bird decal on the nose of the front bumper. The black, red and white rear taillight treatment included "Trans Am" above the red bird in the center of the lens. The lower rear bumper featured molded exhaust extensions. The chassis is black and is the same as the 1993-95 models. |
| 1997 |
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Trans Am Convertible – Only color known to exist: Bright Purple Metallic. This is the final year for the Firebird promotional model. Its has been rumored, but not confirmed that Pontiac did not like the model and halted production at just 2,500 models. In addition to its bright exterior finish the model also featured a gray cloth style interior with six-speed shifter, black convertible boot, chrome 5 spoke wheels mounted on Goodyear Eagle GSC tires, chrome front fog lamps and the word "Trans Am" on the lower front doors. The black, red and white rear taillight treatment had "Trans Am" above the red bird located in the center of the lens. The lower rear bumper featured molded exhaust extensions. The front bumper featured a molded bird instead of a tampo printed decal. The chassis was the same as the 1993-1996 models. Value is hard to determine for this model because of its rarity. I paid $35.00 for mine. |
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A Final Thought This brings me to the end of a detailed look at Firebird promotional models. I hope you have enjoyed the ride. I will continue to research for new information and update accordingly. I want this to be as informative and complete as possible. I am open to any suggestions or comment that anyone may have. I have collected Firebird promotional models as a hobby since 1973. Sadly I had all the first generation models when they were new but being a small child I played with them to a point were none exist today. As a collector I now have to re-purchase those $2.00 models at prices often 75% to 25% more than they originally sold for at Pontiac Dealers. All the models in my collection are near mint to mint condition. My suggestion to those interested in starting to collect Firebird promos with a limited budget is to begin with the second and fourth generation models. These models seem to be plentiful and reasonably priced. Generally they can be purchased from $155.00 for 1970-1972 models to $25.00-$50.00 for the 1977-97 models. The first generation models are more expensive. My experience has been anywhere from $225.00 for a excellent near mint condition 1967 coupe to as much as $475.00 for a very rare 1968 convertible in mint condition. Prices will vary with condition. Near mint to mint condition models will always bring a premium over those models in excellent and lesser condition. Generally a near mint condition model will have maybe slight imperfections either on the body or chrome. True mint condition models will be free from flaws not including factory flaws. A good source to find who sells these models is in the Automobilia section of Hemmings Motor News or any of the scale model car magazine classified sections. One source that I have found and had an excellent experience with is Wheat’s Nostalgia 216 Tech Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Ph# (412) 922-0616. Happy collecting! |
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