1971 · Pontiac · United States
1971 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am: The 455 HO Becomes Standard
The 455 HO year: the Trans Am's biggest engine, 2,116 cars, and a Formula line split across three V-8s.
United States · researched through 2026-09-22
Pontiac lowered compression across its 1971 engine lineup and, for the first time, made the 455 HO standard equipment in the Trans Am rather than an option; the Formula, meanwhile, could be ordered with a 350, a 400, or the same 455. This record's own overview notes that 1971 is also the first year Pontiac literature is widely described as publishing net alongside gross ratings, and that this record deliberately keeps the compiled gross figures rather than mixing standards. Compiled tables put total production at 53,124 Firebirds, with 2,116 of them Trans Ams, all carrying the 455 HO.1,2
Four model lines divided that total: 23,021 base Firebirds, 20,185 Esprits, 7,802 Formulas and the 2,116 Trans Ams. The base Firebird split 2,975 six-cylinder to 20,047 V-8, and by transmission 2,778 manual to 20,244 automatic across the line; the Esprit ran 947 manual to 19,238 automatic. This record's own production notes state that the Formula's engine rows cover only the 455s, since the source does not split out the far more common 350 and 400 Formulas individually, and that 350 of the 455s built that year were the standard L75 four-barrel against 321 the LS5 455 HO, 166 of the HO cars carrying a manual gearbox.1
The Trans Am's 2,116 cars split 885 manual to 1,231 automatic, a figure this record's own conflicts note is unresolved by roughly a single car depending on the table, since one compiled source rounds the base-Firebird and total counts one higher than another. Factory prices compiled for the year put a base hardtop at $3,047, an Esprit at $3,416, a Formula 350 at $3,445, and a Trans Am at $4,594, the last of those roughly $1,547 above the base car once the standard 455 HO and Trans Am equipment were accounted for.1,3
Six engines are documented for 1971: the standard 250-cubic-inch six at 155 hp and 235 lb-ft, the 350 two-barrel V-8 at 255 hp standard on Esprit and Formula, the 400 two-barrel at 265 hp optional on Esprit, the 400 four-barrel at 300 hp optional on Formula, the 455 four-barrel at 325 hp optional on Formula, and the 455 HO at 335 hp and 480 lb-ft, standard on Trans Am and optional on Formula. This record's own gross-versus-net note applies across that whole table, since Pontiac literature for the year carries both standards side by side.1,4
This record's own optional-equipment table, tallied across the whole Firebird line rather than by model, shows 50,149 of the 53,124 cars with a V-8 against 2,975 with the six, 46,665 with automatic transmission against 3,211 with the four-speed and 3,248 with the three-speed, and near-universal takes on power steering (50,468) and power brakes (28,952) alongside 53,124 front disc brakes, standard across every Firebird that year. Shipping weights climbed with each model, from 3,164 lb for a base hardtop through 3,423 lb for Esprit and 3,473 lb for Formula to 3,578 lb for the Trans Am.1,3
Pontiac offered fifteen exterior colors for 1971, and this record's own interior gallery documents color-coded standard, custom and Knit trims beginning with 201 Blue. No factory-published 0-60 or quarter-mile figures survive in this record's own performance section, which is left empty, and neither identification details nor unpublished leads are carried for the model year; what stands documented instead is the production table itself, four model lines and six engines resolving to 53,124 cars built with the 455 HO standing, for the first time, as the Trans Am's sole standard engine.1
Fact sheet · 1971 · United States
The numbers
1971 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am — The 455 HO year: the Trans Am's biggest engine, 2,116 cars, and a Formula line split across three V-8s.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird total, all models1 2-door coupe · not stated by source MuscleCarClub prints 53,125; see conflicts. | 53,124 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird (base)1 Firebird · 2-door coupe · not stated by source Tran-Zam's own base sub-table prints 23,022, as does MuscleCarClub; see conflicts. | 23,021 | built, model-year | Disputed |
| Esprit1,2 Esprit · 2-door coupe · not stated by source | 20,185 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Formula (350, 400 or 455)1,2 Formula · 2-door coupe · not stated by source MuscleCarClub labels the model Formula 400. | 7,802 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Trans Am1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · 455 HO · not stated by source | 2,116 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird (base), six-cylinder1 Firebird · 2-door coupe · 250 six · not stated by source | 2,975 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Firebird (base), V-81 Firebird · 2-door coupe · V-8 · not stated by source | 20,047 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Formula 455 (L75), automatic1 Formula · 2-door coupe · L75 455 4-bbl · automatic · not stated by source | 350 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird (base), manual1 Firebird · 2-door coupe · manual · not stated by source | 2,778 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Firebird (base), automatic1 Firebird · 2-door coupe · automatic · not stated by source | 20,244 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Esprit, manual1 Esprit · 2-door coupe · manual · not stated by source | 947 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Esprit, automatic1 Esprit · 2-door coupe · automatic · not stated by source | 19,238 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Formula, manual (all engines)1 Formula · 2-door coupe · manual · not stated by source | 1,860 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Formula, automatic (all engines)1 Formula · 2-door coupe · automatic · not stated by source | 5,942 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Trans Am 455 HO, manual1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · LS5 455 HO · manual · not stated by source | 885 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Trans Am 455 HO, automatic1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · LS5 455 HO · automatic · not stated by source | 1,231 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 455 HO (LS5), manual1 Formula · 2-door coupe · LS5 455 HO · manual · not stated by source Tran-Zam footnote, citing Rotella: 7 had the M13 heavy-duty 3-speed and 159 the M22 close-ratio 4-speed. | 166 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Formula 455 HO (LS5), automatic1 Formula · 2-door coupe · LS5 455 HO · automatic · not stated by source | 155 | built, model-year | Reported |
Model rows partition the Tran-Zam total of 53,124. Formula engine rows cover only the 455 engines; the remaining Formulas (350 and 400) are not split out by the source.
MuscleCarClub's figures are Red Book lineage; Tran-Zam's cite Rotella and Gunnell.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Factory price, Firebird (base) hardtop3 | $3,047 | factory list price as compiled, 1971 model year |
| Factory price, Esprit hardtop3 | $3,416 | factory list price as compiled, 1971 model year |
| Factory price, Formula hardtop (Formula 350)3 | $3,445 | factory list price as compiled; the table says the price applies to the Formula 350, 1971 model year |
| Factory price, Trans Am hardtop3 | $4,594 | factory list price as compiled, 1971 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34A (L22) · 250 six, 1-bbl1 250 cu in · 1-barrel | 155 hp @ 4,200, 235 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE gross (as compiled; source notes 110 net)) | standard, Firebird | 2,9751 Reported |
| 34D (L30) · 350 V-8, 2-bbl1 350 cu in · 2-barrel | 255 hp @ 4,600, 355 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (as compiled; source notes 165 net)) | standard Esprit and Formula | Not yet sourced |
| 34G (L65) · 400 V-8, 2-bbl1 400 cu in · 2-barrel | 265 hp @ 4,400, 400 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross (as compiled)) | optional, Esprit | Not yet sourced |
| 34L (L78) · 400 V-8, 4-bbl4,1 400 cu in · 4-barrel | 300 hp @ 4,800, 400 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross (advertised)) | optional, Formula | Not yet sourced |
| 34P (L75) · 455 V-8, 4-bbl1 455 cu in · 4-barrel | 325 hp @ 4,400, 455 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (as compiled)) | optional, Formula | 3501 Reported |
| 34U (LS5) · 455 HO4,1 455 cu in · 4-barrel | 335 hp @ 4,800, 480 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross (advertised)) | standard Trans Am; optional Formula | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
V-8 Engine1 | — | 50,1491 Reported |
|
6 Cylinder Engine1 | — | 2,9751 Reported |
|
Transmission-Automatic1 | — | 46,6651 Reported |
|
Transmission-4Speed1 | — | 3,2111 Reported |
|
Transmission-3 Speed1 | — | 3,2481 Reported |
|
Power Brakes1 | — | 28,9521 Reported |
|
Front Wheel Disc Brakes1 | — | 53,1241 Reported |
|
Limited Slip Differential1 | — | 5,7911 Reported |
|
Power Steering1 | — | 50,4681 Reported |
|
Power Windows1 | — | 2,5421 Reported |
|
Air Conditioning1 | — | 30,4931 Reported |
|
Adjustable Steering Column1 | — | 3,0211 Reported |
|
Vinyl Roof1 | — | 16,7231 Reported |
L30RPO/UPC |
350 ci 2BBL V-8 (sales code 34D)1 | $121.12 | Not yet sourced |
L65RPO/UPC |
400 ci 2BBL V-8 (sales code 34G), Esprit (option code 350)1 | $52.66 | Not yet sourced |
L78RPO/UPC |
400 ci V-8 4BBL (sales code 34L)1 | $100.05 | Not yet sourced |
L75RPO/UPC |
455 ci V-8 4BBL (sales code 34P)1 | $157.98 | Not yet sourced |
LS5RPO/UPC |
455 ci HO V-8 4BBL (sales code 34U)1 | $236.97 | Not yet sourced |
G80RPO/UPC |
Safe T Track differential (sales code 361)1 | $46.34 | Not yet sourced |
G90-2RPO/UPC |
Performance Axle (sales code 368)1 | $10.53 | Not yet sourced |
WT5RPO/UPC |
Mountain Performance Axles (sales code 704), With Air Conditioning (C60)1 | $16.85 | Not yet sourced |
WT5RPO/UPC |
Mountain Performance Axles (sales code 704), Without Air Conditioning (C60)1 | $31.60 | Not yet sourced |
M12RPO/UPC |
3 Speed Manual Transmission, Floor Mounted Shifter. (sales code 35B)1 | $10.53 | Not yet sourced |
M20RPO/UPC |
4 Speed Manual Transmission (sales code 35E)1 | $205.97 | Not yet sourced |
M13RPO/UPC |
Heavy Duty 3 Speed Manual Transmission with Floor Shift (sales code 35C)1 | $84.26 | Not yet sourced |
M22RPO/UPC |
Close Ratio 4 Speed Manual Transmission (sales code 35G)1 | $237.65 | Not yet sourced |
M38RPO/UPC |
3-Speed Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission (sales code 35K), With Base 6 Cylinder Engine (34A)1 | $175.26 | Not yet sourced |
M38RPO/UPC |
3-Speed Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission (sales code 35K), Base or Esprit with 350 cid 2BBL Engine (34D)1 | $183.96 | Not yet sourced |
M40RPO/UPC |
3-Speed Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission (sales code 35L)1 | $201.48 | Not yet sourced |
M53RPO/UPC |
2-Speed Powerglide Auto Trans (sales code 35J), With Base 6 Cylinder (34A)1 | $148.92 | Not yet sourced |
M53RPO/UPC |
2-Speed Powerglide Auto Trans (sales code 35J), With 350 cid 2BBL Engine (343)1 | $190 | Not yet sourced |
N95RPO/UPC |
Wire Wheel Disks (sales code 473)1 | — | Not yet sourced |
N98RPO/UPC |
Rally II Rims, including Trim Rings (sales code 474), Esprit1 | $63.19 | Not yet sourced |
N98RPO/UPC |
Rally II Rims, including Trim Rings (sales code 474), Base and Formula1 | $89.52 | Not yet sourced |
P02RPO/UPC |
Custom Wheel Covers (sales code 472), Base and Formula1 | $31.60 | Not yet sourced |
P02RPO/UPC |
Custom Wheel Covers (sales code 472), Esprit1 | $5.27 | Not yet sourced |
P05RPO/UPC |
Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Base and Formula1 | $126.38 | Not yet sourced |
P05RPO/UPC |
Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Esprit1 | $100.05 | Not yet sourced |
P06RPO/UPC |
Wheel Trim Rings (sales code 471)1 | $26.33 | Not yet sourced |
PL4RPO/UPC |
Tires, F70 X 14 Raised White Letter (sales code TML), Base or Esprit1 | $76.88 | Not yet sourced |
PL4RPO/UPC |
Tires, F70 X 14 Raised White Letter (sales code TML), Formula1 | $41.07 | Not yet sourced |
PY6RPO/UPC |
Tires, F70 X 14 Blackwall (sales code TMF)1 | $35.81 | Not yet sourced |
PX6RPO/UPC |
Tires, F78 X 14 Whitewall, double line. (sales code TGR)1 | $45.29 | Not yet sourced |
PL3RPO/UPC |
Tires, E78 X 14 Whitewall, double line (sales code THR)1 | $28.44 | Not yet sourced |
PM7RPO/UPC |
Tires, F60 X 15 Raised White Letter with 15 inch Rally II Rims (sales code NL)1 | $146.39 | Not yet sourced |
PM7RPO/UPC |
Tires, F60 X 15 Raised White Letter with 15 inch Honeycomb Rims (sales code NL), Formula1 | $199.05 | Not yet sourced |
PM7RPO/UPC |
Tires, F60 X 15 Raised White Letter with 15 inch Honeycomb Rims (sales code NL), Trans Am1 | $36.86 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Base Firebird 6 Cylinder1 | $448.17 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Base Firebird with V-81 | $458.73 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Esprit1 | $432.40 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Formula with 350 V-81 | $471.36 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Formula with Optional V-8s1 | $492.48 | Not yet sourced |
Y88RPO/UPC |
Basic Group (sales code 321), Trans Am (includes AM Radio Only)1 | $66.35 | Not yet sourced |
U63RPO/UPC |
AM Radio with Windshield Antenna (sales code 401)1 | $66.35 | Not yet sourced |
U69RPO/UPC |
AM/FM Radio with Windshield Antenna (sales code 402)1 | $139.02 | Not yet sourced |
U58RPO/UPC |
AM/FM Stereo Radio and Windshield Antenna (sales code 405)1 | $239.08 | Not yet sourced |
U80RPO/UPC |
Rear Speakers (sales code 411)1 | $18.96 | Not yet sourced |
U57RPO/UPC |
Stereo 8 Track Tape Player (sales code 412)1 | $133.76 | Not yet sourced |
U55RPO/UPC |
Casette Tape Player (sales code 414)1 | $133.76 | Not yet sourced |
D34RPO/UPC |
Right Hand Visor Vanity Mirror (sales code 441)1 | $3.16 | Not yet sourced |
AK1RPO/UPC |
Custom Seat Belts (sales code 451)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
N30RPO/UPC |
Custom Cushion Steering Wheel (sales code 461)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
NK3RPO/UPC |
Formula Steering Wheel (sales code 464), Base Firebird1 | $57.93 | Not yet sourced |
NK3RPO/UPC |
Formula Steering Wheel (sales code 464), Esprit and Formula1 | $42.13 | Not yet sourced |
U30RPO/UPC |
Rally Guage cluster with Tach (sales code 714)1 | — | Not yet sourced |
W63RPO/UPC |
Rally Guages and Clock (sales code 718)1 | $47.39 | Not yet sourced |
U35RPO/UPC |
Electric Clock (sales code 722)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
D55RPO/UPC |
Front Console (sales code 431)1 | $58.98 | Not yet sourced |
D58RPO/UPC |
Rear Console (sales code 424)1 | $26.33 | Not yet sourced |
N41RPO/UPC |
Variable Ratio Power Steering (sales code 501)1 | $115.85 | Not yet sourced |
N33RPO/UPC |
Tilt Steering Wheel (sales code 504)1 | $45.29 | Not yet sourced |
B32RPO/UPC |
Front Floor Mats (Pair) (sales code 521)1 | $7.37 | Not yet sourced |
B33RPO/UPC |
Rear Floor Mats (Pair) (sales code 522)1 | $6.32 | Not yet sourced |
B42RPO/UPC |
Rear Trunk Mat (sales code 524)1 | $8.43 | Not yet sourced |
A01RPO/UPC |
Soft Ray Tinted Glass, All Windows (sales code 531)1 | $37.92 | Not yet sourced |
A02RPO/UPC |
Soft Ray Tinted Glass, Windshield only (sales code 532)1 | $30.54 | Not yet sourced |
C49RPO/UPC |
Electric Rear Window Defogger (sales code 534)1 | $63.19 | Not yet sourced |
C50RPO/UPC |
Rear Window Defogger (sales code 541)1 | $31.60 | Not yet sourced |
A31RPO/UPC |
Power Windows (sales code 551)1 | $115.85 | Not yet sourced |
A90RPO/UPC |
Remote Deck Lid Release (sales code 421)1 | $14.74 | Not yet sourced |
C60RPO/UPC |
Custom Air Conditioning (sales code 582)1 | $407.59 | Not yet sourced |
Y92RPO/UPC |
Convenience Lamps (sales code 664)1 | $11.59 | Not yet sourced |
WU1RPO/UPC |
Self Charging Flashlight (sales code 691)1 | $12.54 | Not yet sourced |
W54RPO/UPC |
Custom Trim Group (sales code 731)1 | $78.99 | Not yet sourced |
AU3RPO/UPC |
Power Door Locks (sales code 554)1 | $45.29 | Not yet sourced |
B85RPO/UPC |
Belt Reveal Moldings (sales code 484)1 | $21.06 | Not yet sourced |
B80RPO/UPC |
Moldings, Roof Drip (sales code 481)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
B96RPO/UPC |
Front and Rear Wheel Opening Moldings (sales code 491)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
B84RPO/UPC |
Vinyl Body Side Moldings - Black (sales code 494)1 | $31.60 | Not yet sourced |
C24RPO/UPC |
Concealed Wipers (sales code 432)1 | $18.96 | Not yet sourced |
D35RPO/UPC |
Dual Body-Color Sport-Type Outside Rear View Mirrors (LH Remote) (sales code 434)1 | $26.33 | Not yet sourced |
B93RPO/UPC |
Door Edge Guards (sales code 492)1 | $6.32 | Not yet sourced |
D80RPO/UPC |
Deck Lid Spoiler (sales code 572)1 | $32.65 | Not yet sourced |
C08RPO/UPC |
Cordova Vinyl Top (sales code SVT), Base Firebird and Formula1 | $89.52 | Not yet sourced |
C08RPO/UPC |
Cordova Vinyl Top (sales code SVT), Esprit1 | $73.72 | Not yet sourced |
D98RPO/UPC |
Vinyl Stripes (wide stripe along the mid-lower section from the rear of the front fender to the front of the rear fender.1 | — | Not yet sourced |
V32RPO/UPC |
Rear Bumper Guards (sales code 734)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
WU3RPO/UPC |
Hood Air Inlet (sales code 601)1 | $84.26 | Not yet sourced |
Y99RPO/UPC |
Handling Package (sales code 331)1 | $205.37 | Not yet sourced |
J50RPO/UPC |
Power Front Brakes (sales code 502)1 | $47.39 | Not yet sourced |
W74RPO/UPC |
Warning/ Clock Lamps (sales code 652)1 | $42.13 | Not yet sourced |
U05RPO/UPC |
Dual Horns (sales code 681)1 | $4.21 | Not yet sourced |
UA1RPO/UPC |
Heavy Duty Battery (sales code 692)1 | $10.53 | Not yet sourced |
TPIRPO/UPC |
Delco X Battery (sales code 654)1 | $26.33 | Not yet sourced |
V01RPO/UPC |
Heavy Duty Radiator (sales code 701)1 | $21.06 | Not yet sourced |
N65RPO/UPC |
Space-Saver Spare Tire (sales code 684)1 | $15.80 | Not yet sourced |
K45RPO/UPC |
Dual Stage Heavy Duty Air Cleaner (sales code 422)1 | $9.48 | Not yet sourced |
VK1RPO/UPC |
Delete Front License Plate (sales code 742)1 | — | Not yet sourced |
Z49RPO/UPC |
Canadian Base Equipment (sales code 852)1 | — | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
11 |
Cameo White1 | Not yet sourced |
13 |
Nordic Silver1 | Not yet sourced |
19 |
Starlight Black1 | Not yet sourced |
24 |
Adriatic Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
26 |
Lucerne Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
42 |
Limekist Green1 | Not yet sourced |
49 |
Laurentian Green1 | Not yet sourced |
52 |
Tropical Lime1 | Not yet sourced |
53 |
Quezal Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
59 |
Aztec Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
61 |
Sandalwood1 | Not yet sourced |
62 |
Canyon Copper1 | Not yet sourced |
67 |
Castillian Bronze1 | Not yet sourced |
75 |
Cardinal Red1 | Not yet sourced |
78 |
Rosewood1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
201 |
Blue (Standard Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
203 |
Saddle (Standard Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
206 |
Jade (Standard Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
207 |
Sandalwood (Standard Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
209 |
Black (Standard Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
211 |
Blue (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
212 |
Ivory (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
213 |
Saddle (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
214 |
Sienna (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
216 |
Jade (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
217 |
Sandalwood (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
219 |
Black (Custom Interior)1 | Not yet sourced |
227 |
Sandalwood (Custom Interior, Cloth Seats)1 | Not yet sourced |
229 |
Black (Custom Interior, Cloth Seats)1 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping weight, Firebird (base) hardtop3 | 3,164 lb | Firebird (base) hardtop |
| Shipping weight, Esprit hardtop3 | 3,423 lb | Esprit hardtop |
| Shipping weight, Formula hardtop (Formula 350)3 | 3,473 lb | Formula hardtop (Formula 350) |
| Shipping weight, Trans Am hardtop3 | 3,578 lb | Trans Am hardtop |
Where the sources disagree
Identification
Read a 1971 Pontiac VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1971
- AMC AMX The AMX name moves onto the redesigned Javelin as its top model. It is a derivative badge, not a continuation of the two-seater. 2,054 were built, all with the 360 or 401.
- AMC Hornet SC/360 AMC's one-year compact muscle car pitched as an insurance-friendly alternative. AMC reportedly planned 10,000, but 784 were built.
- AMC Javelin A new, flared-fender Javelin, with the AMX name as its top model. Javelin won AMC the 1971 Trans-Am manufacturers' championship.
- AMC Matador Machine The Rebel Machine's unadvertised successor, a 'Machine Go' option package for the Matador hardtop. Production is unknown; published guesses run from 43 to 68.
- Buick Riviera The boattail Riviera: 455 rated 315 gross / 255 net, GS 330 / 265; 3,175 of 33,810 were GS.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Compression fell to 8.5:1, the GS 350 and GS 455 were merged into one GS series of 9,170 cars, and the GSX became an appearance package on any GS.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS A single RPO Z15 SS package now spanned small- and big-block V8s; 9,502 of 19,293 SS cars carried the LS5 454, and Chevrolet began printing net ratings beside gross.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova SS limited to the L48 350 per the source; Rally Nova (RPO YF1) offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 194,878 cars; Super Sport 7,015.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS A single RPO Z15 SS package on the Malibu/Custom El Camino; the El Camino share of 19,293 SS cars is not separately published.
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS The last SS 454 year: RPO Z20 on 1,919 of 128,600 Monte Carlos.
- Dodge Challenger Challenger's second year lost the SE, the R/T convertible, and the T/A; a new pillared coupe joined the hardtop and convertible, and production fell to roughly a third of 1970's.
- Dodge Charger A new, shorter third-generation body absorbed the Coronet two-doors and the Super Bee; it was the last year for the R/T and for a factory Hemi Charger.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The end of the line for Coronet performance: the two-door Coronets were replaced by the Charger, taking the Super Bee with them.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon Dodge's version of the Duster fastback arrived as the Demon, and the Demon 340 became the performance Dart: 10,098 built, plus 85 Canadian Swinger 340 Specials.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber became its own model with a dual-scoop hood, and the 210 hp 302 V8 arrived; Classic Industries counts 38,963 Grabbers.
- Ford Ranchero GT The second Torino-based Ranchero year; reference counts give 3,632 GTs, while Barn Finds rounds the GT figure to about 3,900 of 24,946 Rancheros.
- Ford Thunderbird The last fifth-generation year kept the 360-hp 429 as standard; production fell to 36,055.
- Ford Torino A carryover year for the 1970 body; the Torino Cobra now came standard with a 351 four-barrel and offered the 429 Cobra Jet-R, but only 3,054 Cobras were built.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The final Cyclone year: production fell to a few thousand across Cyclone, Cyclone GT and Cyclone Spoiler.
- Mercury Cougar A larger second-generation Cougar, new body codes, and the one-year 429 Cobra Jet option, fitted to 448 cars.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds Compression fell to 8.5:1 for regular fuel, the W-31 was dropped, the sports coupe was gone, and 4-4-2 production fell to 7,589.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Four headlamps and a new grille marked the second E-body year; the Hemi and 440 Six Barrel stayed on the 'Cuda order form, but Barracuda-line production fell to about a third of 1970's.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 The Duster 340's second year brought a new grille, a Thermo-Quad 340 rated 275 gross and 235 net hp, and a $2,703 list price, while output fell to about 12,900.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite On the redesigned 1971 Satellite body the GTX fell to 2,942 cars, only 30 of them with the Hemi.
- Plymouth Road Runner Redesigned on the new Satellite body as a hardtop only, the Road Runner fell to 14,218 cars, and a 340 joined the 383, 440, and Hemi.
- Pontiac GTO Lower compression, dual gross and net ratings, the 455 HO as the top engine, and production down to 10,532.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Boat-tail styling, lower compression, and the manual transmission gone by March: 116 of 58,325 had one.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Tempest name gives way to T-37; the GT-37 option carries on and the 455 HO is available in two-door LeMans models.