Pontiac Sunbird

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Pontiac
Pontiac Sunbird Coupé (1978)
Pontiac Sunbird Coupé (1978)
Sunbird
Production period: 1975-1980
Class : Middle class
Body versions : Sedan , station wagon , coupe , Combi Coupé , Cabriolet
Engines:
Gasoline engines : 2.3-5.0 liters
(52-99 kW)
Length: 4516 mm
Width: 1661 mm
Height: 1265 mm
Wheelbase : 2465 mm
Empty weight : 1179-1220 kg
Previous model Pontiac Astre
successor Pontiac J2000

The Pontiac Sunbird refers to two different car models built by the US automobile manufacturer Pontiac .

On the one hand it was a variant of the Chevrolet Monza produced from 1975 to 1980 , on the other hand it was the name used for the Pontiac J2000 from model year 1985 onwards .

Sunbird (1975-1980)

The first Sunbird was a parallel model to the Chevrolet Monza, from which it only differed in details, and the Buick Skyhawk and the Oldsmobile Starfire were identical. All models mentioned were based on the General Motors H platform .

History by model year

  • 1976

In autumn 1975, the Sunbird appeared as a sister model of the Chevrolet Monza, but only as a two-door notchback coupé, while the Monza was initially only available as a three-door hatchback coupé. In addition, the front and rear of the Sunbird are designed differently. The drive was taken over by a 2.3-liter aluminum four-cylinder from the Chevrolet Vega or a 3.8-liter V6 from Buick (output 71-85 or 106 hp) for an extra charge.

  • 1977

The in-house 2.5-liter four-cylinder (91 hp, with block and head made of cast iron, hence called Iron Duke ) replaced the Chevrolet aluminum four-cylinder. In addition to the notchback, a three-door hatchback variant called the Sunbird Sports Hatch came into the range . All models received a modified grille.

  • 1978

Again, slight retouching on the radiator grille marked the new model year. The Sports Hatch was now also available with sportier Formula equipment with aluminum rims and matt black elements on the body. The station wagon version of the discontinued Pontiac Astre (parallel model to the Chevrolet Vega) continued to be produced as the Sunbird Safari Wagon . The basic four-cylinder had only 86 hp.

  • 1979

The radiator grille was given horizontal (instead of vertical) chrome trim. On request there was a five-liter V8 with 135 hp.

  • 1980

The Safari station wagon was omitted, the grille was given a grid pattern for the last year. The V8 was no longer available. End of production in summer 1980.

Quantities

  • 1976: 52.031
  • 1977: 55.398
  • 1978: 86.789
  • 1979: 97.770
  • 1980: 187.979

Total: 479,967 copies

Pontiac Sunbird (1987)

successor

In spring 1981 the successor was presented with the Pontiac J2000 .

In autumn 1984, however, the vehicle was renamed Sunbird again. This was produced until the summer of 1994.

Web links

Commons : Pontiac Sunbird  - collection of images, videos and audio files

swell

  • James M. Flammang / Ron Kowalke: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 , Krause Publications, Iola 1999. ISBN 0-87341-755-0