1975 · Pontiac · United States

1975 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am: The Trans Am Takes the Lead

The year the Trans Am took over the line: 27,274 built, more than twice the Formula.

United States · researched through 2026-09-22

Brochure spread of 1975 Firebirds: a red Formula and silver Trans Am at night, a yellow Esprit, an orange Firebird, a dash and bucket-seat interiors
1975 Pontiac Firebird line: Formula and Trans Am, with interiors (1975 Pontiac full-line brochure)

In 1975 the Trans Am outsold the Formula for the first time in the compiled tables this record draws on: 27,274 Trans Ams against 13,670 Formulas, within a Firebird total of 84,063. This record's own overview states that the 400 was standard Trans Am power for the year and that a 455 HO returned mid-year, built with manual transmissions only, for a run of 857 cars, the single key fact this record leads with. The remaining 43,119 cars split into 22,293 base Firebirds and 20,826 Esprits.1,2

The Trans Am's 27,274 cars break into three engine-transmission rows: 6,140 manual and 20,277 automatic with the 400, and the 857 manual-only 455 HO cars introduced partway through the model year. This record's own production notes state that the three Trans Am rows partition the 27,274 total directly, and separately flag that one compiled source, the Pontiac Trans Am Page, prints the 1975 Formula count as 16,670, a figure that matches no other lineage this record has read and looks like a copying slip from a later year; that number is not shown in this record's own production rows.1,2

This record carries no price section for 1975, for the same reason given across this record's own price notes: a J.D. Power valuation figure was pulled from every page on the site because those live pages can change without notice and cannot be independently checked, and no replacement source has yet been found. Four engines are documented instead: the 250 six at 105 hp and 185 lb-ft, the 350 four-barrel at 175 hp standard on Formula and optional on Firebird and Esprit, the 400 four-barrel at 185 hp standard on Trans Am and optional on Formula, and the returning 455 HO at 200 hp and 330 lb-ft, optional on Trans Am only and built, per this record's own engine table, in the same 857-car quantity as the Trans Am production row.1

This record's own optional-equipment tally, taken across the whole Firebird line, shows 75,749 of the 84,063 cars built with a V-8 against 8,314 with the six, 70,941 with automatic transmission against 10,775 four-speed and 2,347 three-speed manuals, and 76,750 cars fitted with radial tires. Front disc brakes and power steering were each standard across all 84,063 cars, and 8,577 took the Cordova vinyl top, a figure this record's own options section cross-checks between its colors-page total and its equipment-table total without conflict.1

Pontiac offered sixteen exterior colors for 1975, matching the count this record's own paint table carries, and its interior gallery again documents the year's color-coded standard trims. This record's own unpublished leads section flags one figure explicitly not used: a duplicate 9,382-unit D98 vinyl-accent-stripe count that Tran-Zam's colors page prints for both 1975 and 1973, a repetition its own note treats as a likely copying slip on the source's part rather than a genuine cross-year coincidence.1

No shipping weights, dimensions or factory-test performance figures survive in this record's own specifications and performance sections, both of which are left empty, and no identification details are carried for the model year. What the record documents in full is the year the Trans Am became the Firebird line's dominant model within its own numbers: three model lines beneath it, four engines, and the mid-year 455 HO's narrow, manual-only, 857-car run.1

Fact sheet · 1975 · United States

The numbers

1975 Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am — The year the Trans Am took over the line: 27,274 built, more than twice the Formula.

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

  • 857 Trans Ams had the 455 HO, all with manual transmissions.1,2

Production

Totals
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Firebird total, all models1,2 2-door coupe · not stated by source 84,063 built, model-year Reported
Model
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Firebird (base)1,2 Firebird · 2-door coupe · not stated by source 22,293 built, model-year Reported
Esprit1,2 Esprit · 2-door coupe · not stated by source 20,826 built, model-year Reported
Formula1,2 Formula · 2-door coupe · not stated by source MuscleCarClub labels every Formula year "Formula 400" regardless of engine. 13,670 built, model-year Reported
Trans Am1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · not stated by source 27,274 built, model-year Reported
Engine transmission
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Trans Am 400 (L78), manual1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · L78 400 · manual · not stated by source 6,140 built, model-year Reported
Trans Am 400 (L78), automatic1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · L78 400 · automatic · not stated by source 20,277 built, model-year Reported
Trans Am 455 HO (L75), all manual1,2 Trans Am · 2-door coupe · L75 455 HO · manual · not stated by source 455 HO introduced mid-year per Tran-Zam. 857 built, model-year Reported

Model rows partition 84,063; the three Trans Am rows partition 27,274.

ptap prints the 1975 Formula as 16,670, which matches no other lineage and appears to be a copying slip from a later year; it is not shown.

Prices when new *

No price is shown here. One was, until 2026-09-24: a figure from J.D. Power's live valuation pages, pulled from every page on this site because those pages can change without our knowing and we have no way to check them independently. We haven't found a source we can stand behind to put in its place yet. A price for this car elsewhere that looks suspiciously exact may be quoting that same J.D. Power figure rather than confirming it — several sites we checked turned out to be doing exactly that, without saying so.

Engines

EngineFactory ratingAvailabilityBuilt
36D · 250 six, 1-bbl1 250 cu in · 1-barrel 105 hp @ 3,800, 185 lb-ft @ 1,200 (SAE net (as compiled)) standard, Firebird Not yet sourced
36E · 350 V-8, 4-bbl1 350 cu in · 4-barrel 175 hp @ 4,000, 280 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE net (as compiled)) standard Formula; optional Firebird and Esprit Not yet sourced
36S (L78) · 400 V-8, 4-bbl1 400 cu in · 4-barrel 185 hp @ 3,600, 310 lb-ft @ 1,600 (SAE net (as compiled)) standard Trans Am; optional Formula 26,4171 Reported
36W (L75) · 455 HO1 455 cu in · 4-barrel 200 hp @ 3,500, 330 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE net (as compiled)) optional, Trans Am (mid-year) 8571 Reported

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

CodeOptionPriceInstalled
C09RPO Cordova vinyl top1 — 8,5771,1 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) V-8 Engine1 — 75,7491 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) 6 Cylinder Engine1 — 8,3141 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Transmission-Automatic1 — 70,9411 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Transmission-4Speed1 — 10,7751 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Transmission-3 Speed1 — 2,3471 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Power Brakes1 — 79,4401 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Front Wheel Disc Brakes1 — 84,0631 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Limited Slip Differential1 — 31,4401 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Power Steering1 — 84,0631 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Power Windows1 — 15,1241 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Air Conditioning1 — 54,3781 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Adjustable Steering Column1 — 25,0981 Reported
equipment category (whole Firebird line) Radial Tires1 — 76,7501 Reported
L22RPO/UPC 250 ci 1BBL 6 Cylinder (sales code 36D)1 — Not yet sourced
L30RPO/UPC 350 ci 2BBL V-8 (sales code 36M)1 $130 Not yet sourced
L76RPO/UPC 350 ci 4bbl V-8 (sales code 36E)1 $180 Not yet sourced
L78RPO/UPC 400 ci V-8 4BBL (sales code 36S)1 $56 Not yet sourced
L75RPO/UPC 455 ci V-8 4BBL (sales code 36W)1 $150 Not yet sourced
G80RPO/UPC Safe T Track differential (sales code 381)1 $49 Not yet sourced
M38RPO/UPC M-38 Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission (sales code 37L), with Base, Esprit1 $219 Not yet sourced
M15RPO/UPC 3 Speed Manual Transmission, Floor Mounted Shifter. (sales code 37B)1 — Not yet sourced
M20RPO/UPC 4 Speed Manual Transmission (sales code 37E), Base and Esprit1 $219 Not yet sourced
M21RPO/UPC Close Ratio 4 Speed Manual Transmission (sales code 37F)1 — Not yet sourced
N98RPO/UPC Rally II Wheels with Trim Rings (sales code 474), Base or Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $91 Not yet sourced
N98RPO/UPC Rally II Wheels with Trim Rings (sales code 474), Base or Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $78.80 Not yet sourced
N98RPO/UPC Rally II Wheels with Trim Rings (sales code 474), Esprit without Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $61 Not yet sourced
N98RPO/UPC Rally II Wheels with Trim Rings (sales code 474), Esprit with Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $48.80 Not yet sourced
P02RPO/UPC Custom Finned Wheel Covers (sales code 472), Base, Formula1 $54 Not yet sourced
P02RPO/UPC Custom Finned Wheel Covers (sales code 472), Esprit1 $24 Not yet sourced
P01RPO/UPC Deluxe Wheel Covers (sales code 476), Base, Formula1 $30 Not yet sourced
P05RPO/UPC Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Base and Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $127 Not yet sourced
P05RPO/UPC Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Base and Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $107.60 Not yet sourced
P05RPO/UPC Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Esprit without Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $61 Not yet sourced
P05RPO/UPC Honeycomb Wheels (sales code 478), Esprit with Space Saver Spare Tire (684)1 $48.80 Not yet sourced
P06RPO/UPC Wheel Trim Rings (sales code 471)1 $30 Not yet sourced
QBURPO/UPC FR78X15 Blackwall Steel Belted Radial Tires (sales code 39A)1 — Not yet sourced
QBPRPO/UPC FR78x15 White Letter Steel Belted Radial Tires (sales code 39L), Base, Esprit, and Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $43 Not yet sourced
QBPRPO/UPC FR78x15 White Letter Steel Belted Radial Tires (sales code 39L), Base, Esprit, and Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $34.40 Not yet sourced
QBWRPO/UPC FR78x15 Whitewall Steel Belted Radial Tires (sales code 39W), Firebird, Esprit and Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $33 Not yet sourced
QBWRPO/UPC FR78x15 Whitewall Steel Belted Radial Tires (sales code 39W), Firebird, Esprit and Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $26.40 Not yet sourced
QFLRPO/UPC F78-14 Blackwall Fiberglass Tires (sales code 39Z), Firebird and Esprit without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $-106 Not yet sourced
QFLRPO/UPC F78-14 Blackwall Fiberglass Tires (sales code 39Z), Firebird and Esprit with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $-86.80 Not yet sourced
QFMRPO/UPC Tires, F78 X 14 Whitewall Fiberglass Tires (sales code 39Y), Firebird and Esprit without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $-73 Not yet sourced
QFMRPO/UPC Tires, F78 X 14 Whitewall Fiberglass Tires (sales code 39Y), Firebird and Esprit with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $-60.40 Not yet sourced
QBXRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial (sales code 39B), Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $40 Not yet sourced
QBXRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial (sales code 39B), Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $32 Not yet sourced
QCYRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial with white lettering (sales code 39M), Formula without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $85 Not yet sourced
QCYRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial with white lettering (sales code 39M), Formula with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $68 Not yet sourced
QCYRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial with white lettering (sales code 39M), Trans Am without Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $45 Not yet sourced
QCYRPO/UPC GR70-15 Steel Belted Radial with white lettering (sales code 39M), Trans Am with Space Saver Spare Tire (684/N65)1 $36 Not yet sourced
U63RPO/UPC AM Radio (sales code 401)1 $69 Not yet sourced
U69RPO/UPC AM/FM Radio (sales code 403)1 $135 Not yet sourced
U58RPO/UPC AM/FM Stereo Radio (sales code 405)1 $233 Not yet sourced
U80RPO/UPC Rear Seat Speaker (sales code 411)1 $19 Not yet sourced
U57RPO/UPC Stereo 8 Track Tape Player (sales code 412)1 $130 Not yet sourced
D34RPO/UPC Right Hand Visor Vanity Mirror (sales code 432)1 $3 Not yet sourced
AK1RPO/UPC Custom Seat belts and Soft Tone Warning (sales code 441)1 $19 Not yet sourced
N30RPO/UPC Custom Cushion Steering Wheel (sales code 461)1 $16 Not yet sourced
NK3RPO/UPC Formula Steering Wheel (sales code 464), Base Firebird1 $57 Not yet sourced
NK3RPO/UPC Formula Steering Wheel (sales code 464), Esprit and Formula (with Power Steering Only (501))1 $41 Not yet sourced
JL1RPO/UPC Pedal Trim Package (sales code 511)1 $5 Not yet sourced
UR1RPO/UPC Fuel Economy Vacuum Gauge (sales code 704)1 $22.50 Not yet sourced
U35RPO/UPC Electric Clock (sales code 711), With Rally Gauges or Speedo and Clock1 $16 Not yet sourced
W63RPO/UPC Rally Gauges and Clock (sales code 712)1 $46 Not yet sourced
WW8RPO/UPC Rally Cluster with Clock and Tachometer (sales code 714)1 $99 Not yet sourced
U18RPO/UPC Speedometer with Kilometers and Clock (sales code 804)1 $21 Not yet sourced
D55RPO/UPC Front Console (sales code 431)1 $68 Not yet sourced
D58RPO/UPC Rear Console (sales code 424)1 $41 Not yet sourced
N33RPO/UPC Tilt Steering Wheel (sales code 504)1 $49 Not yet sourced
B32RPO/UPC Front Floor Mats (sales code 622)1 $8 Not yet sourced
B33RPO/UPC Rear Floor Mats (sales code 624)1 $7 Not yet sourced
AQ1RPO/UPC Soft Ray Glass, all windows (sales code 571)1 $43 Not yet sourced
AQ2RPO/UPC Soft Ray Glass, Windshield Only (sales code 572)1 $34 Not yet sourced
C49RPO/UPC Electric Rear Window Defogger (sales code 592)1 $70 Not yet sourced
C50RPO/UPC Rear Window Defogger (sales code 594)1 $41 Not yet sourced
A31RPO/UPC Power Windows (sales code 551)1 $91 Not yet sourced
C60RPO/UPC Custom Air Conditioning (sales code 582)1 $435 Not yet sourced
T63RPO/UPC Headlamp Warning Buzzer (sales code 444)1 $6 Not yet sourced
BS1RPO/UPC Added Acoustical Insulation (sales code 584)1 $20 Not yet sourced
Y92RPO/UPC Lamp Group (sales code 654)1 $11.50 Not yet sourced
Y90RPO/UPC Custom Trim Group (sales code 32W)1 $81 Not yet sourced
AU3RPO/UPC Power Door Locks (sales code 554)1 $56 Not yet sourced
B85RPO/UPC Window Sill and Rear Hood Edge Moldings (sales code 484)1 $21 Not yet sourced
B80RPO/UPC Roof Drip Moldings (sales code 481)1 $15 Not yet sourced
B96RPO/UPC Wheel Lip Moldings (sales code 491)1 $16 Not yet sourced
B84RPO/UPC Body Side Moldings (sales code 494)1 $35 Not yet sourced
C24RPO/UPC Recessed Wipers (sales code 414)1 $18 Not yet sourced
D35RPO/UPC Dual Sport Mirrors (sales code 434)1 $27 Not yet sourced
B93RPO/UPC Door Edge Guards (sales code 492)1 $7 Not yet sourced
D80RPO/UPC Rear Air Spoiler (sales code 681)1 $45 Not yet sourced
WW7RPO/UPC Trans Am Hood Decal (sales code 512)1 $55 Not yet sourced
D98RPO/UPC Accent Stripes (sales code 638)1 $43 Not yet sourced
JL2RPO/UPC Power Front Disc Brakes (sales code 502)1 $55 Not yet sourced
UA1RPO/UPC Heavy Duty Battery (sales code 591)1 $11 Not yet sourced
K05RPO/UPC Engine Block Heater (sales code 601)1 $11 Not yet sourced
N65RPO/UPC Space-Saver Spare Tire (sales code 684)1 — Not yet sourced
K45RPO/UPC Heavy Duty Air Cleaner (sales code 602)1 $11 Not yet sourced
VJ9RPO/UPC California Emmissions Equipment and Test (sales code 541)1 $45 Not yet sourced

Paint

CodeColorBuilt
11 Cameo White1 Not yet sourced
13 Sterling Silver1 Not yet sourced
15 Greystone1 Not yet sourced
24 Arctic Blue1 Not yet sourced
26 Bimini Blue1 Not yet sourced
29 Stellar Blue1 Not yet sourced
44 Lakemist Green1 Not yet sourced
49 Alpine Green1 Not yet sourced
50 Carmel Beige1 Not yet sourced
51 Sunstorm Yellow1 Not yet sourced
55 Sandstone1 Not yet sourced
58 Ginger Brown1 Not yet sourced
63 Copper Mist1 Not yet sourced
64 Persimmon1 Not yet sourced
74 Honduras Maroon1 Not yet sourced
75 Buccaneer Red1 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

CodeTrimBuilt
91V1 White Seat, Black (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
96V1 White Seat, Saddle (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11V1 White with Black Appointments (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11V1/346 White with Blue Appointments (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11V1/347 White with Burgundy Appointments (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
19V1/347 Black with Burgundy Appointments (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11V1/347 White with Saddle Appointments (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
19V1 Black (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
63V1 Saddle (Standard Interior)1 Not yet sourced
91W1 Black with White Seats (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
92W1 Blue with White Seats (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
97W1 Burgundy with White Seats (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
96W1 Saddle with White Seats (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11W1 White with Black Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11W1/346 White with Blue Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11W1/347 White with Burgundy Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
11W1/343 White with Saddle Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
73W1/349 Burgundy with Black Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
19W1/347 Black with Burgundy Appointments (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
19W1 Black (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
63W1 Saddle (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
26W1 Blue (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced
73W1 Burgundy (Custom Interior)1 Not yet sourced

Identification

Read a 1975 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 1975

  • AMC AMX No AMX was sold in the United States for 1975. The Javelin ended after 1974, and the badge returned on the 1977 Hornet.
  • AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX Catalytic converters arrived, and steel-belted radials became standard with the X package.
  • Buick Riviera Stage One dropped; the GS handling package continued on 3,101 of 17,306 cars.
  • Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The endpoint: the Gran Sport survived only as a Century coupe trim package with the 231 V-6 or 350 V-8; no 455 was offered.
  • Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The Laguna Type S-3 got its aerodynamic nose; 7,788 were built, and the 454 was listed at 215 net hp.
  • Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova A 262 V8 appears for one year in the source engine table; Nova LN (RPO Z11) luxury option. Enthusiast-compiled production: 272,982 cars; Super Sport 9,067.
  • Chevrolet El Camino SS Colonnade-era El Camino; Chevrolet's 1975 data pages define the RPO Z15 SS option for the El Camino Classic. Team Chevelle's production totals give 33,620 El Caminos built, 3,521 of them with SS equipment.
  • Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The Dart 360 Sport continued into 1975 at $4,014, but Flory prints its production as not available.
  • Ford Maverick Grabber The Grabber's last year: 8,473 by Classic Industries count, about 8,500 per Consumer Guide.
  • Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 6,114 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
  • Ford Thunderbird Sixth-generation personal-luxury Thunderbird; the record holds the production total and the luxury-group option prices only.
  • Ford Torino The last Gran Torino Sport year: 5,126 were built as Torino production fell to 195,110, with a 351 standard and automatic transmission on every car.
  • Mercury Cougar Outside the muscle focus: 62,987 Cougars for 1975 per Wikipedia's table.
  • Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The Hurst/Olds introduced Hurst Hatches T-tops on the Cutlass Supreme coupe; 2,535 were built, 1,293 white and 1,242 black.
  • Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 Duster volume fell by more than half in 1975 and the Duster 360, now automatic-only in the brochure, to 1,421 cars, priced at $3,979.
  • Plymouth Road Runner The Road Runner moved to the Fury host for one year.
  • Pontiac Grand Am The last of the Colonnade Grand Ams: catalytic converter, a $4,887 start, and 10,679 built.
  • Pontiac Grand Prix The LJ joins the line; the 455 is down to 200 hp net.
  • Pontiac Tempest and LeMans Catalytic converters, standard radial tires and Radial Tuned Suspension arrive, the 455 leaves the LeMans, and the GT option becomes an automatic-only V8 package.