Last week, I wrote about Anders’ ’32 Ford hot rod, but that’s not the only awesome American classic hiding in his garage. He’s also the proud owner of this gem, a 1971 Pontiac Firebird 350 that has been thoroughly restored and modified.
The Norwegian chose to buy the car already restored, and for good reason, as he knew this Firebird was solid. However, even though the car had already been restored, Anders couldn’t resist giving it his personal touch after purchase.
Inspired by pro touring/restomod builds he had seen online and in magazines, he set out to give the car a subtle facelift. Although the restoration work gave the Firebird a new lease on life, it’s Anders’ subtle modifications that turn heads when he’s cruising down the street.
In true restomod/pro touring style, he has retained the classic charm of the second-generation Firebird while incorporating modern upgrades that enhance both the driving experience and aesthetics.
When the car was new, it only came with air conditioning; all the Trans Am styling parts it’s now sporting were added later. However, eagle-eyed readers may have already noticed that the T/A shaker hood scoop is missing. While it would undeniably look cool with a shaker hood, I love the clean lines the car has without it.
The first thing Anders did when he got the car home was to install new wheels and tires. The Firebird now rolls on stylish US Mags Rambler wheels ordered from Vintage Wheels in Norway — a simple yet effective upgrade that quickly changed the car’s appearance.
The stylish wheels measure 8.5×18 in the front and a hefty 9.5×18 in the rear. They are wrapped in 225/45-18 rubber up front and respectable 275/45-18 tires at the back.
Behind the wheels, we can spot some upgraded brake discs and pads, but Anders assures me that even sportier components are in the works.
American cars from this era aren’t exactly known for their road-holding capabilities, but by installing a Hotchkis Performance Coil 2.5” suspension setup, Anders has ensured that this ‘Bird hugs the tarmac like a drunken penguin.
This setup also lowers the Firebird closer to the ground, giving it an undeniably aggressive stance with the large wheels filling the arches.
It’s clear that the styling and exterior have been carefully curated, and muscle car enthusiasts might notice that the front end has received some subtle changes between the grille and spoiler.
The rear spoiler adds that little extra touch, giving Anders a nostalgic reminder of the 1976 Cannonball movie every time he opens the trunk—we’re talking about the Cannonball movie starring David Carradine here, not the one with Burt Reynolds.
Covered in a striking Candy Apple Red paint, this Firebird truly stands out and gives the car a unique, eye-catching character. A deep red hue is perfect for a car like this, as it highlights the elegant curves and classic lines.
Inside the cockpit, things are also far from how it left the factory. Everything has been reupholstered in beige with red piping, and the Firebird logo is embroidered in black, white, and red on the seat backs.
1971 was the first year the Firebird came with these bucket seats with integrated headrests, as earlier models had lower seat backs with separate headrests.
The dashboard matches the rest of the interior, and the steering wheel has red stitching to reflect the red lines on the seats. Other than this, things are pretty much how you’d expect them to be.
One thing that has remained original for now is the engine. Anders’ Firebird is equipped with a matching numbers Pontiac 350 engine that was fully rebuilt in the winter of 2023. Combined with the upgraded suspension and brakes, the car is certainly a joy to drive.
Both the handling and comfort are surprisingly good, making the Firebird a reliable classic despite its age. That being said, Anders has plans to get a bit more power under the hood.
The engine currently produces around 270 horsepower, and the owner describes the acceleration as slow, but in a car like this, it’s more about the nostalgic driving experience than power figures anyway. Especially with today’s gas prices and a thirsty V8 engine under the hood.
He has considered modifying the exhaust system, installing a new intake, cam, and heads, and he dreams of swapping to a TH200R4 transmission — but only time will tell if that happens.
One thing that is guaranteed is that he will install a new limited-slip differential in the spring, which will only make the car better and more fun to drive. And driven it will be!
Anders is always present at car meets, either with this Firebird or the ’32 hot rod we wrote about earlier. He is clearly proud of his Firebird, and car meets are the perfect opportunity to share it with other muscle car enthusiasts.
For many, the Pontiac Firebird 350 is not just a car; it’s a time machine that takes them back to the golden era of American muscle cars. All credit to enthusiasts like Anders, who keeps the passion for classic cars alive with rolling works of art like this.
Specs:
Make: Pontiac
Model: Firebird 350
Year: 1971
Engine: Pontiac 350, fully rebuilt
Power: approx. 270 hp
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Slow
Styling/Exterior: Trans Am styling, slightly modified front end
Paint: Candy Apple Red
Interior: New upholstery with red stitching
Chassis and Brakes: Hotchkis Performance Coil 2.5”, upgraded discs and pads. More upgrades on the way.
Wheels and Tires: US Mags Rambler 8.5 and 9.5×18 with 225/45-18 and 275/45-18 tires
