The Rockford Files Firebird Story.
Over the years many older people like myself remember the T.V. Show that aired from 1974 to 1980 with one of the greatest actors of all time James Garner not to mention he was one of my all time favorite actors and well he was also a fellow Oakland Raiders Fan ( Now las Vegas Raiders) .
And as a huge Pontiac fan and Trans Am owner (Hense This Blog) there has been huge controversy concerning the car he used on the show. His Firebird Esprit..
Now what controversy you may ask? well let me tell you.. A lot of people either A think that it was a de baged Trans Am or that they were all Esprit’s and well not exactly
1974…. Yes the first year was a tried and true Firebird Esprit the actual “official” Pontiac color of the car was “copper mist”..
But from the years of 1975 to 1980 they gave the series a new car each year but.
Each coupe was rebadged as an Esprit with Rally II wheels and the twin hood scoop was removed. Underneath though, it had the power and performance of the Formula engine (Esprits came with a 350ci V8 as standard, Formulas had a 400ci V8) motor, drivetrain, springs, shocks, rear anti-roll bar, and dual exhaust. Each model also received an identical gold color, commonly referred to as Sierra Gold, Copper Mist, Rockford Gold, simply gold. However, I do believe one year they made a good and one was the wrong shade but no one noticed.
Garner really didn’t like the Firebird with the new restyled front end beginning in 1979, and future models ceased to exist on the program. Instead, producers bought additional ’78 models to carry the show through to 1980.
About The Show…
Actor James Garner portrays Jim Rockford, a former convict who was found guilty for a crime he did not commit and pardoned six years into his sentence. Based out of Los Angeles, California as a private investigator, he is joined by Noah Beery Jr. as his father, a retired truck driver known as Joseph Rocky Rockford. The famous gold Pontiac Firebird Rockford drove was also featured in every episode.
I hope this clears everything up…
Not only am I the founder of The JRX Foundation I am also the host of JRX Reviews. I love driving my Trans Am everywhere even state to state when we are helping people. Well weather permitting, She puts a lot of smiles on people’s faces and I love seeing that. This site does contain affiliate links at no extra cost to the customer we get a commission and that goes to keep the doors open and the people fed at our charity.