The 1969 Pontiac Trans Am was an upgrade to the '69 Firebird: the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package. It was introduced in March of 1969 and cost an additional $725. It was ordered on just 697 Firebird coupes and eight convertibles. The Trans Am name came from the popular Trans American racing series, though the car never actually competed in Trans American racing. The 1969 Pontiac Trans Am base engine was the Firebird 400 HO, 335-bhp* 400-cid V-8 with standard Ram Air induction. It came to be called the Ram Air III. All Trans Ams were Polar White with blue racing stripes, tail panel, and decals. The Trans Am's exclusive hood had functional air inlets that could be closed by the driver. Fiberglass fender scoops covered holes designed to vent the engine bay. An airfoil spanned the rear deck. The interior was standard Firebird. An optional rally cluster included a 160-mph speedometer and an 8000-rpm tach; buyers also could order an $85 hood-mounted rev counter.

*Brake Horsepower: A measurement of horsepower (hp) delivered at the engine crankshaft. A prony brake or an engine dynamometer is used to determine brake horsepower.