Pontiac, as a brand, may be long gone, but there are still plenty of their creations out there roaming the highways. From some of the best motoring creations, like the iconic Pontiac GTO which every gearhead should learn about. A timeless American classic and one of the first breed of pure muscle cars. A machine that possessed plenty of horsepower, tonnes of road-going grace, and a truly enviable evolution. One of the worst American cars ever made in the form of the Pontiac Aztek, a vehicle that needs to be stricken from the history books.

Among the awesome highs, and pitiful lows, one of the most famous models to ever roll off the Pontiac production line was the splendidly named Firebird. A hero vehicle that itself had something of a rollercoaster ride of an existence, but never once lost its unique identity or irresistible charm. Possessing an impressive back catalog of must-have models, choosing the 10 best Pontiac Firebird models of all time isn't easy, but here they are.

10 1974 Pontiac Firebird 455 SD

Pontiac Firebird
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The mere mention of a Pontiac Firebird Super Duty is enough to get muscle car fans twitching with excitement. A low-volume production model with just over 1400 being made, the 455 Super Duty is as exclusive as it is powerful. Remaining something of a classic car unicorn.

Rocking a 7.5-liter V8 engine, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird 455 Super Duty makes anywhere from 290 hp up to 310 hp. Along with a colossal tidal wave of torque, rated at 395 lb/ft, the enigmatic machine was able to light up its rear tires and sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Related: 10 Pontiacs That Defined The Muscle Car Era

9 2001 Pontiac Firebird TransAm WS6

Pontiac Trans Am WS6 front quarter red
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With looks that could divide a room, the last generation of the Pontiac Firebird to be officially made was something of a styling mess. It incorporated lots of radical ideas all in one place, with some not hitting the mark. Despite this, it is still one of the best models out there.

Outfitted with a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 the 2001 Pontiac Firebird WS6 came blessed with 325 hp straight from the factory. Wonderful to drive, this Pontiac Firebird could catapult its occupants to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat, before covering the quarter mile in under 14 seconds.

8 1993 Pontiac Firebird Formula Firehawk

1995-Pontiac-SLP-Formula-Firehawk
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A titan of its time, the 1993 Firebird Formula Firehawk was as close to a road-legal race car as a Pontiac fan could get. Only 201 cars were made in 1993, and each packed a huge punch. Sporting a 300 hp V8 engine, it was also upgraded to feature many performance parts.

Capable of rocketing to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, the Firehawk gained Brembo brakes, Recaro seating, and stiffer suspension. All hinting at the potential that lay beneath the sedate styling. What's a Pontiac Firebird Formula worth today? They're a bargain at around $12,000.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Pontiac Should Be Resurrected

7 1977 Pontiac TransAm

1977 Pontiac Trans Am Classic Car
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The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am got transformed into a legend, having appeared in the Smokey and The Bandit movie. With gleaming black paint and gold accents, the now iconic Pontiac Firebird captivated its audience. Going on to do what many thought couldn't be done.

Piloted by Burt Reynolds, the legendary machine took on a life all of its own. Replica cars are still sought-after collectibles, with their powerful 6.6-liter V8 engines and 225 hp providing plenty of power. It's a car that will live on forever, thanks to its exciting screen time.

6 1967 Pontiac Firebird

1967 Pontiac Firebird
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When the first Firebirds were sold in 1967, it was the start of something very special. Launched to steal sales from the ever-popular Ford Mustang, it won over a legion of admirers. Available with a selection of powerful engines, it left a lasting mark on the muscle car scene.

Anyone unfamiliar with the gearhead favorite 1967 Pontiac Firebird might ask, is it a Camaro? But the Firebird was longer and had a far more pronounced nose. It also sold in a much lower volume, bought by enthusiasts who appreciated what Pontiac had put on offer.

5 2016 TransAm Worldwide Bandit Edition

trans-am-worldwide Bandit
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Created as an homage to the legendary 1977 Pontiac Trans Am from the film, the Bandit Edition is not what it seems. Built by specialist Trans Am Worldwide, the spectacular-looking vehicle is a highly modified Chevy Camaro SS packed to the t-tops with attitude.

Under its emblazoned hood lurks a 7.4-liter supercharged engine generating 840 hp, which in turn is linked up to a Hurst transmission. Only 77 examples were ever made, and each one came with Burt Reynold's signature on the dashboard, making them even more special.

4 1989 Pontiac Firebird GTA Turbo

1989 Pontiac Firebird 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am 2-Door Coupe In White Paint
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The turbocharger took the 1980s car scene by storm, and Pontiac was all aboard for the ride. Having dropped a 3.8-liter turbo-fed V6 into its 1989 Firebird GTA, Pontiac created one of the most exciting muscle cars of that era. With its power figures being very underplayed.

Officially, Pontiac pegged the 1989 GTA output at 250 hp, but it was thought to be much closer to 300 hp. Especially when the car's 0-60 mph sprint time was regularly clocked at under 5 seconds. Ballistically fast, the GTA Turbo can teach a modern sports car a thing or two.

Related: Watch This Twin-Turbo LS Pontiac Firebird Take Down The Mighty Tesla Model S Plaid

3 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400

Red 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 parked
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Able to hold its own against some of the most powerful muscle cars of the era, the 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 was brimming with enviable street racing pedigree. As its thunderous 6.6-liter V8 could make short work of the competition, thanks to having a meaty 330 hp on tap.

Stamping on the throttle will see the 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 launch forward and hit 60 mph in a blistering 5.6 seconds, making it a real backstreet contender. Bristling with period muscle car aggression, the Firebird 400 feels and looks as potent as its growling V8 sounds.

2 1981 Pontiac Firebird Turbo TransAm

1981 Pontiac Trans Am Exterior Fall
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To the horror of many pure-muscle car fans, Pontiac embraced in vogue technologies for the early 1980s to offer a small-displacement turbo engine. It wasn't particularly well received by Firebird fans, as they were reluctant to accept the thought of a turbocharged model.

The Turbo Trans Am is now a desirable muscle car, just as much fun as its naturally aspirated siblings. Offering 200 hp from its 4.9-liter forced induction engine, the Turbo Trans Am could scamper to 60 mph in 8 seconds. It also had a boost gauge, which is 1980s retro cool.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Underrated Cars Of The 1980s

1 2002 Pontiac Firebird Collector Edition

Looking Back At The Pontiac Trans Am WS6
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As the good ship Pontiac started to sink, the brand spat out one last final version of the Firebird. A special edition car that came fitted with a 325 hp V8, the collectors model was available with bright yellow paintwork and an array of Pontiac 'Screaming Chicken' sporting decals.

A fitting end to the iconic run of cars, the last Firebirds had active ram air scoops, and were restricted to just under 2000 units. An out-and-out muscle car, the Firebird Collector Edition could hammer to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds before running on to a notable top speed of 160mph.