The Pontiac Firebird is a shoo-in for the official car of the 1970s: The Rockford Files and Smokey and the Bandit sealed the deal, but even without their influence, the Firebird was a winner. It’s refreshing to see one that plainly turns the car’s macho image on its ear, such as this 1977 Esprit Sky Bird.
The second-generation Camaro and Firebird were somewhat unlikely candidates for ’70s fame, being comparatively large and inefficient sporty cars during a time when small fuel-sippers were gaining traction. It might be because their styling had fantastic staying power, and Pontiac especially was able to keep the car fresh throughout its run. Many prefer the square-headlight 1977-1978 models such as this Esprit.
The Esprit itself was a slightly fancier base Firebird, and typically sold fairly well. By 1977, however, the Trans Am was the volume seller. Pontiac therefore introduced the Sky Bird package to add a little something extra to the Esprit line. Painted in a color called Lombard Blue and originally wearing a complementary darker blue accent below the lower body line, the Sky Bird was the antithesis of the burly Trans Am.
Every special edition car in the 1970s had a special decal or stripe package, and the Sky Bird was no exception. In no other decade but the ’70s could a car come with a bird motif this cheesy (and awesome).
The Sky Bird also got a special blue interior to go with its special paint. Supposedly, Sky Birds came with the Formula steering wheel as standard, although this one appears to sport a standard Esprit wheel.
All Sky Birds had a woodgrained dashboard, as well. This one could use a new carpet, which may be a little tough to find in this color.
This particular Sky Bird is being advertised as a rust-free daily driver with complete maintenance records available with the sale, and the seller is proud to say that it has the optional Pontiac 350, because a Pontiac deserves Pontiac power. It’s not perfect, but it’s a turn-key car, ready to drive.
If you are a fan of ’70s cars in any way, it’s hard to beat a Firebird. As the owner of a ’74 Esprit of my own (powered by a Pontiac 350), my experience says that Pontiac got a lot right with this generation pony car. It looks good, handles with authority, can keep up with traffic, and is relatively affordable. This one has rarity on its side and is currently for sale on Craigslist for $14,500. Thanks again to Tony Primo for the tip!
“The Pontiac Firebird is a shoe-in…”
Uh, shoo-in, not shoe-in.
Thank you for the correction.
This stupid blue makes any car look cheap,years ago when this car was new every one I seen had a woman driving it!
Camino the robin 🐦 egg blue is best served on a 3/4 or 1 ton Ford 4wd Pickup.
Also my favorite VW Rabbit color, Miami Blue.
Too much blue for me too. I’m glad Pontiac was wise enough not to do a pink edition..the “Flamingo-Bird”.
Nothing beats the look of single exhaust than to put a bigger pipe on it !
Always liked that color, remember when than came out, in a field of boring black, white and silver ones, cool car, but the condition is left to be desired.
2 responses 2 creeps.
These were marketed towards women. Britney Spears drove one with Ellen DeGeneres riding shot gun.
This car blue me away. There’s so much blue it looks cheap.
What in the name of all that is holy is the apparent fascination with mid-seventies Firebirds? These things, (including the Trans Am’s) were complete dogs, and had the typical GM poor quality problems common during this era. In my humble opinion, there is not one redeeming quality about this car. You would be better off investing this kind of money in a ’48 Dodge fertilizer truck. At least then you might get some poor soul to buy it for its “antique value”.
Tell us how you really feel Charles. Lol
There was also a version called the Redbird, all red, I had a 78T/A 6.6 SE, and I only saw women driving the Skybird and Redbird
If I’m not mistaken, a yellow one, too.
Yes sir, fittingly called the Yellowbird. They may not be fast but they were rare and are an interesting take on the Firebird.
Fun Fact: Firebirds on Rockford Files sported “Esprit” on the outside, but were Trans Ams on the inside. RIP OK Guy.
You mean Formulas.
The color is cool and unique to the car but just too much of it. The interior however is stock blue. Easy to replicate which is the next task after you fix the exhaust tip.
Kids now days don’t get it, sad….
Surprised the seats & carpet are grey.