When it comes to enthusiasts of the Pontiac Firebird, the third and fourth-generation models don’t always get the same amount of fanfare as the first and second-generation cars. But it seems like when Pontiac got things right, things were really right, proven again in 1991 when they introduced the Firehawk package, one of the crown jewels of the later era Firebirds. Even though the writing was on the wall for the Firebird by the early 2000s, Pontiac continued to offer this limited edition package all the way up to the very end, taking only a one-year hiatus in 1998. Though the Firehawk was a pretty potent package for the times, some owners just can’t leave well enough alone, which brings us to the car being offered for sale here. If you’ve been looking for a rare F-Body example with even more pizazz than it started with, this 2001 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk might just be the right car for you. Located in Webster, New York, it can be seen here on eBay with a current bid of $10,000. There’s no reserve, so the high bidder will be driving this bad bird home.
Pontiac joined forces with SLP (Street Legal Performance) in Quebec, which took a few Firebirds after they rolled off the assembly line and gave them the Firehawk package. This included a facelift, a different hood and air intake system, suspension and engine tweaks, plus some other goodies to ensure that the buyer got a great driving experience. In its next to final year, 540 Firehawks were produced in 2001, with the example here being car number 227. Unfortunately, 2002 was the end of the road for both the Firebird and Firehawk.
General Motors introduced the 5.7 liter LS1 engine for its F-Body cars in 1998, with the 2001 Firehawk producing 335 horses when it left the SLP facility. The seller of this Firehawk says it has been modified with several performance improvements, including a Futral Motorsports heads and cam package, an LS6 intake manifold, ported throttle body, Racetronix fuel pump, 1 3/4 inch tube headers, along with a Level 3 4L60E transmission and a Vigilante 3200 converter. The car is said to be a turn-key, get in and go modern muscle car.
The owner says that his Firehawk is very clean and detailed, with a nice interior that just recently received a new OEM replacement carpet. The seats are in good shape, although the leather has begun to harden in some areas but has no rips, cracks, or tears. The dash is in excellent shape with minimal UV exposure, but the door panels both have some cracking. The seller believes the paint is original, and it just went through a professional paint correction including a small area repaired on the hood nostril, which is said to be hardly noticeable. What are your thoughts on this 2001 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk?
Just like the Fox body Mustang’s that are red hot now-
We are already seeing Last Gen Firebird WS6’s and Firehawks bring in massive interest and values
They were beat up, molested and trashed when new. Pristine examples are becoming hard to find
Already Firebird prices are 20-30% higher than exact Camaro SS models
Forever a classic. 325 HP V8, manual transmission, RWD. Tons of aftermarket accessories and modifications
Bone stock versions always fetch the top dollars; Original and unrestored no matter what car it is
I wanted one of these when they were new. The dealer wouldn’t even talk to me about ordering one. I probably din’t look like I cold come up with the $$ to but it.. I would prefer stock and a stick, but this appears to be a nice one..
Rare and nice car. I think this would be considered a Trans Am Firehawk. They were pretty expensive when new, I think around around $35k. Definitely more than a Cobra but not as much as a Vette. I’ll guess this will sell in the $20-$24k range…let’s see
There is no such thing as a Trans Am Firehawk. Trans Am is a totally separate trim level for the Firebird. Pontiac wanted a THIRD high performance trim option beyond the Firebird Formula and Firebird Trans Am. The SLP Firehawk is that third option.
That’s not really true. Firehawks were Formulas or Trans Ams that were modified by SLP. The conversion was done on both. Much like the 96 Camaro SS was technically a “z28 SS,” a Z28 with the SS package added by SLP.
Not correct FireAxeGXP. You could only order the Firehawk on top of either a Trans Am or a Formula in 2001. So they are all either Trans Am Firehawks or Formula Firehawks.
One advantage to these plastic fantastic firechickens and chevies is that there can’t be any exterior surface corrosion. The disadvantage? The plastic may hide significant rot underneath, just like corvettes. A personal inspection prior to bidding would be smart.
One Pontiac designer to another…
“Hey Jim, didja hear the Pontiac Firebird is being discontinued in 2002?”
“Yeah Fred, let’s make the last Firebird as ugly as we can. That’ll show ’em!”
Steve’s Father to his Mother
Did you really get pregnant again? Let’s make this the ugliest baby ever! That’ ll teach the milkman!
thought they had great looking body….tough to work on V/8 cause its half under the dash……
Did anyone read the list of modifications on the ebay ad?
I am a great car fan and have owned many, The latter Trans Am, Firehawk series are nicer in appearance than the C-5 though they share many of the familiar curves in design. The wing on the coupe looks great and the lower profile hood of the Firehawk is a nice in between the Firebird’s flat hood and the WS-6 bulbous hood. I bought a 35th 2002 Camaro SS 6 speed convertible but I had wanted a T/A and sold it. It was just so shapeless compared to the T/A. Still my favourite car today.
Wow, if someone was looking for an affordable weekend 1/8 or 1/4-mile warrior, this would be it! Solid Pontiac with the right upgrades and relatively low miles. Sweet! $15,600 with 2 days to go.
SOLD for $21,000.
My father was the original purchaser and builder of this car back in 2001… It was purchased in Henderson, NV. He owned it until 06-07. It sure has been stripped down over the years. Kind of unfortunate to see. Looks like the entire msd ignition, 2 stage nitrous, strut tower brace and more has all been removed… Cool to see its still around though.
Yeah could u imagine getting this back to dad? He loved that car so much. But unfortunately had to give it up.