Transmissions consisted of three- and four-speed manuals and the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic slushbox, again depending on trim. Available as options depending on trim line where the 170 horsepower 350 cubic-inch V8, the 400 cubic-inch two- and four-barrel V8s good for 190 and 225 horsepower respectively, and the big L75 and LS2 455 cubic-inch motors, the latter in “Super-Duty” form with 290 horsepower. Trim lines included a base model, the Esprit, the Formula, and the range-topping Trans-Am.Īvailable engines for the 1974 model year began with a standard, lethargic, 100 horsepower, 250 cubic-inch inline-six. It rode on the General Motors F-body platform and was refreshed three times during its run. The 1974 Pontiac Firebird was part of the second generation of the car that was first introduced as a 1970 ½ model and continued until it was replaced for MY 1982. The car was practically a character in the show. Garner considered many vehicles but ultimately chose a Denver Gold 1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit for the first season. Knowing how important cars were to the actor, producers allowed Garner to pick his character’s ride.
That was my fun,” the actor said in an interview. “Car chases and car action were a big part of the series, and I did most of the driving myself. Garner accepted the role of Jim Rockford in large part because there would be considerable automotive action in the show. In the process, he became hooked on racing, leading to his competing at Sebring and Daytona, racing in no less than six Baja 1000s, and driving the pace car in three Indy 500s.
In the film, Garner would do much of his own driving at triple-digit speeds. In preparation for his starring role in John Frankenheimer’s legendary 1966 Formula 1 epic, Grand Prix, he was extensively trained by Bob Bondurant in the handling of racing machinery. James Garner was considered one of the best drivers in Hollywood. Here, he races a Formula 1 car through the streets of Monaco. Garner did all his driving stunts in Grand Prix.
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