The REAL Story of the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird!

I have loved the hood bird ever since I saw it on the car. GM should have never killed Pontiac at the end of 2009. That still makes me mad. I'm definitely a Pontiac guy.

Those '70-'73 front ends are the best looking.

We always referred to the bird as “Screaming Chicken” or “Fire Chicken”. Former owner of Trans Am.

Find it ironic that often people in charge cannot see a great concept. The now iconic firebird plus the spoilers on the Trans Am's of that era, made every young man (including me) want one.

I love when Burt Reynolds drove the trans am out of the semi-trailer.

I worked at the Baltimore Assembly Plant. Muscle car Heaven! During plant tours the visitors were flabbergasted to watch the "Body Drop." That was when the completed body, from the firewall to the rear bumper, was lowered to meet the chassis on the first floor. One body was dropped onto the frame at a rate of one per minute. I think this would make a good feature for this channel. These were the years we built the Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet "A" bodies all on the same assembly line. In later years we converted to the M-Vans.

I’m 73 and never heard this story before. Thanks

I bought my new 1979 Trans AM in February of '79. I ordered it special, fully loaded. It took 18 weeks to arrive. When it showed up it had $700 worth of damage including the bird being scratched by the car carrier. Many other issues as well. Total value of the deal, $9,435 delivered! The fake gas shortage was in full swing by then. I had to give the dealership another $10 just so I could get home! The Pontiac 400 was no longer available by Feb 1979. So I opted for the small block 403 Olds Automatic! Myan Red with black hob nail cloth bucket seats. Power everything! Tri-band antennae. I loved that car.

This is a wonderful story of just plain brilliance seat of the pants evidence of what sells, the story of Mr. Schinella pointing out all of the hoods coming in on one assembly line without the bird, and every one leaving with the hood bird, is just a plain Fact, and you can't deny sales in the car industry, if the bird is on the hood it's a sold car ! Great story !

I had a 1974 Formula 400 4-Speed Manual. I did not have the Bird, but I did have the Coolest RAM AIR HOOD SCOOPS. Man, I always loved Firebirds. As a Old Guy now, my Wife and I have a few Corvettes.

I was born in 1974. I still remember that hood bird. It made a massive impression on me in the first five years of my life. To this day I still think it is one of the coolest paint jobs any car has ever had… and I still want one.

I have heard this story many times and it never gets old 👍 Glad it was brought into the documentary for all us enthusiasts to find out about it!

Thanks for the story from the designer's view. Fire chicken on the cover Hotrod magazine had me sold at first sight. A diehard Pontiac man, for life, the only manufacturer that had its head cut and still doesn't know it's dead.

Great story, my best friend bought a black firebird in 1980 and brought it over to show me and take a ride into Westwood. Everyone who saw us were waving and yelling Awesome ride guys. That was some good times.

This was a truly fascinating video. The history of the bird’s origin, the behind-the-scenes stories (“a poet of profanity”) and the archival photos were fantastic. Bravo!

I bought a 1973 Formula 400 brand new in 73, that car had a punch, one of my favorite cars that I have owned.

I worked as a painter for Pontiac at a dealership and installed dozens and dozens of those decals, you would think that they would be difficult. They were one of the most easy decals that I ever put on,when you got over the sheer size, about 10 or 15 minutes from start to finish when I first started, and after I got used to them It’d take about five minutes😁😁😁

"Absolutely riveting! Exploring the backstory of the Pontiac Firebird Hood Bird is like taking a thrilling journey through automotive history. The twists and turns, from initial rejection to the ingenious transformation showcased on a black car with gold stripes, paint a vivid picture of innovation and perseverance in the world of car design. As a passionate car enthusiast, I'm eagerly seeking more captivating stories like this. Are there other tales of automotive evolution waiting to be uncovered on this channel? Can't wait to dive into more intriguing narratives from the fascinating world of automobiles!"

Great video! Love the interviews with Bill Porter and John Schinella. It’s not a Trans Am without the Firebird on the hood!

Absolute love!!!!! Why does corporate not know already that people like wild stuff?