Pontiac
Firebird Trans Am Ram Air IV (1969)

Why it matters

The Ram Air IV was the only engine option on the 1969 Trans Am, the first year of Pontiac's performance and appearance package for the Firebird. Only 55 Trans Ams were built with it that year, so the combination is far rarer than the standard Ram Air III car.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Pontiac announced the Trans Am in March 1969 as a performance and trim option for the Firebird, named after the Trans American racing series. Its standard engine was the 400-cubic-inch Ram Air III with 335 hp, and the Ram Air IV, with the same displacement, was the sole alternative. In total 697 Trans Ams were built in 1969.

Pontiac claimed 345 hp for the Ram Air IV in the Trans Am, though Hagerty says the figure was probably understated. Of the 55 cars, 46 had a four-speed manual.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The Trans Am option (WS4) added fender trim that mimics heat extractors, a decklid wing, a front spoiler, a dual-scoop ram air hood and Cameo Ivory paint with Tyrol Blue stripes and tail panel (Supercars.net describes Polar White with blue stripes). The Ram Air IV engine has improved intake ports, an aluminium four-barrel intake manifold, round exhaust ports like the Ram Air II heads and a 1.65:1 rocker arm ratio (1.5:1 on the Ram Air III). Standard equipment includes a limited-slip differential, heavy-duty suspension with a 1-inch sway bar, and front disc brakes.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Is this rare Ram Air IV four-speed the finest of first-gen Firebirds? Level B Hagerty Media

   • Just fifty-five Trans Ams were produced with Ram Air IV power in 1969
   • 400-cubic-inch Ram Air III V-8 ... Ram Air IV V-8, with an identical displacement
   • The only engine option was an upgrade to the Ram Air IV V-8, with an
   • improved intake ports matched to a four-barrel aluminum intake manifold
   • Pontiac claimed ... 345 hp in the Trans Am
   • heavy-duty suspension with a 1-inch diameter sway bar
   • and front disc brakes

   Accessed 2026-11-12