SUMMARY
2-owner, 3,313 actual mile survivorIf you road trip through the evolution of the storied Firebird, you'll find evidence of a predatory foul that, even in its heyday, was extremely scarce. But you'll have to look closely, because this highly exclusive king of the asphalt jungle, SLP's long extinct Firehawk, can easily blend with herds of pedestrian pony cars. In fact, it's such a coveted bloodline that a few brave souls even tried to revive the species by grafting SLP DNA onto an Aussie-born sedan. But ultimately, we were left with vivid memories and roughly 5,000 increasingly rare offspring. This menacing bird, 1 of only 13 Bright Red automatic Firehawk convertibles produced for the 2002 model year, is a truly exceptional Trans Am that sports just 3,313 original miles. And, if you're looking for the ultimate street brawler-turned-show car, it presents the perfect opportunity to swoop in and snatch a highly desirable F4!
BODYWORK/TRIM
As you can tell from our high resolution photography, Firehawk number 0795 is a pristine garage queen that's been in the care of two very meticulous families since new. 100% straight, with no history of accidents or damage of any kind, the car's fuselage reveals not so much as a dent or ding anywhere. High quality paint and bodywork from Troy, Michigan's SLP Engineering blends perfectly with tight and glossy panels from GM's St. Therese, Quebec assembly plant. And overall, this Pontiac conveys a premium sense of collectability that, when combined with its spectacular performance, creates a timeless modern classic.
ENGINE
Cosmetic appeal aside, this Trans Am is, first and foremost, a high performance street machine. Lift the ducted hood and you'll find a potent Generation III V8, which is the forerunner to virtually all the technology still featured in GM sports cars. Utilizing an aluminum block and heads, flat top pistons and coil near plug ignition, that efficient, overhead valve LS1 creates 345 horsepower and 350 lb./ft. of Kansas-flat torque. Mechanically, the small block presents a spotless, like-new appearance, with the engine compartment looking almost exactly as it did when the car left McFarland Pontiac's showroom roughly 13 years ago. In general, LS1s are super stout pieces, which are virtually indestructible. And, while we know this car has been babied, you're probably not going to break a fourth generation F-Body. Twist the key and the cylinders rumble to life, sending rhythmic notes from a low-profile air box to low-restriction exhaust pipes. Goose the throttle and the engine smoothly zings toward redline. And the car's effortless power really begins to show itself when given enough room.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Take a look under this Poncho and spotless floors, clean stainless hardware and fresh factory equipment make it clear the car's previous owners were absolutely meticulous about maintenance. In 2002 a vast majority of Firehawks were equipped with row-it-yourself 6-speeds, but this one carries a 4-speed automatic. And while some will scoff at GM's tough 4L60E, when combined with the free-breathing LS1, it makes for a very potent street car that does quite well in bracket races. Behind that gearbox, a 10-bolt, posi-traction rear end spins friendly, 2.73 gears. Braking is provided by four discs, which have been upfitted with standard anti-lock. Exhaust flows through low-restriction pipes and SLP-exclusive tips. And at the corners of the car, 17-inch wheels are mounted to sticky 275/40 Michelin Pilot Sports. Unlike Trans Ams of the past, the fourth generation has the hardware to maximize all of its power thanks to a performance-tuned double A-arm front and 3-link rear suspension. And, with all those basics secured, GM's official mediator for its performance madness, Acceleration Slip Regulation, was installed and activated.
INTERIOR
Inside the car, fresh bucket seats adjust electronically for the driver and fit like a glove all around, while a leather-clad steering wheel sports convenient thumb controls for an awesome Monsoon sound system. The instrument panel is a requisite red Pontiac layout that positions a small Driver Information Center next to a large tachometer and sweeping speedometer. Between the seats, a conservative shifter rides in a straight and clean console. And naturally, all the luxuries you'd expect in a modern car are present and accounted for including: power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, a power trunk and remote keyless entry with GM's PASSkey theft deterrent system. It's always hard to describe a car that's essentially new in every way. So I'll just sum this Trans Am up by saying that everything is in impeccable working order, from the optional cruise control all the way to the ice cold air conditioning.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
In addition to an official Certificate of Birth, the sale of this exclusive Firebird includes an SLP window sticker that breaks down as follows.
ADOPTING DEALER: McFarland Pontiac of Maysville, Kentucky
ADOPTEE: Firehawk number 0795
BASIC ALTERATIONS:
- 345 Horsepower LS1 V8OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
- Firehawk front floor mats ($99)TOTAL OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT: $416
SLP SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $4,715
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
An original GM ManifestFun bird references aside, Firehawks are seriously cool cars. Exclusive when new and even more so now, F4 Firehawks are virtually guaranteed to be substantial collector metal. What's better: SLP's mods are high quality throughout, and this clean Pontiac currently sits as a no compromises cruiser that can be enjoyed as much or as little as its new owner demands. If you're looking for some limited production, well-preserved muscle that's fit for the front row of the show, this Trans Am is ready to fly!