When GM top brass refused Pontiac’s request to build a sports car, they were told they could have the soon-to-be-released Camaro, or nothing. Adding several inches to the nose gave the Firebird a distinct Pontiac snout, add the optional hood mounted tach and fresh air scoops, plus a 400HO engine option, and Pontiac had a muscular baby brother to the GTO. The SD455 of 1973-4 - SD for Super Duty - was a $521 option on either the Formula 455 or Trans Am. Regarded as the last of the great muscle cars, the SD455 Firebird was able to pull sub 14 second 1/4 mile times right up there with the quickest of the ‘60s road rockets.