The last of the first great muscle cars?

"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg) 04/12/2016 at 19:45 • Filed to: None

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One by one, America’s roaring V8 muscle cars were killed off by catalytic converters and the oil crisis. Arguably the last of the era was this, Pontiac’s slightly insane and undeniably badass Firebird Trans Am with a honking great 455ci V8 (or 7.5L for those of a younger age). If one must rage against the dying of the light, this patriotic middle finger to all who critique it is definitely the way to go. Though I can’t find exact power numbers, the figures seem to range between 340-400HP, which in 1973 was decidedly enough.

What a cool car.

Bourbon&JellyBeans > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/12/2016 at 19:50

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Wow, 400 gross hp, right?

lone_liberal > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/12/2016 at 19:56

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It was indeed the last of the breed, though Pontiac fought the good fight and kept the 455 until ‘76, though with less power. C&D has a review archived and they say 310 net hp. They also mention that the new fangled radial tires don’t have the ultimate grip of the old bias plys. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/pontia…

jimz > Bourbon&JellyBeans 04/12/2016 at 19:57

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no, because the switch to using net HP ratings came in for 1972. The SD 455 had about 290 SAE net horsepower.

and honestly, considering how absolutely miserable everything else was in the ‘70s, that was pretty good. even as late as ‘77-’78 the Trans Am could be had with 200 net horsepower.

Birddog > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/12/2016 at 20:23

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Awesome cars.

I have no doubt that these were running well into the 350-375 horsepower range at the crank.

Plugging the numbers into a couple of “ET” calcs shows a minimum of 330 hp at the rear wheels.

LongbowMkII > jimz 04/12/2016 at 20:53

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Then came the fuel crisis... It’s honestly astounding how much went wrong for making power in the early 70's. At least in the short term, it's a good thing we aren't burning lead anymore.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Bourbon&JellyBeans 04/12/2016 at 21:24

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I have no idea.

Chewbakkah > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/12/2016 at 21:41

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Yeah the “great ones.” I sure wish I could get that much power in a car off a dealer lot today.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chewbakkah 04/12/2016 at 21:56

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It’s certainly possible, but not cheap for a new one.