Terry Bradshaw Once Traded a ’79 Pontiac Firebird For a Horse
New episode of ‘Jay Leno’s Garage’ sees the gridiron great recalling his Pontiac Firebird Trans Am; and the two pals settle scores on the track. Sort of.
In a new episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” a few things really stand out. First and foremost is the featured car: The legendary 1979 Pontiac Firebird. And, secondly; learning that Leno’s guest and good pal Terry Bradshaw once owned a 10th Anniversary Firebird Trans Am. And he traded it for a horse.
Wait…what?!
Leno and Bradshaw meet up at a 1950’s diner replete with carhops in skates. The two have been good friends for years, which is apparent in their easy, fun, and occasionally silly banter. But Leno chose the 1979 Pontiac Firebird for a good reason. When Bradshaw was quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he broke records winning four Super Bowls. After he was named named M.V.P. at the 1979 game, he was gifted a 10th Anniversary Pontiac Firebird.
Clearly it made an impression. Leno takes him outside, saying that the car they’ll be driving has a personal connection to Bradshaw. Then he reveals the car in all its muscular glory.
“A Chevrolet Camaro!” Bradshaw says. (Sad trombone noise)
After a little nudging, it all comes back to Bradshaw.
The 1979 10th Anniversary Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am was an especially striking limited edition in silver. Under the hood was the last year of Pontiac’s 400 CID V8. With over 220 horses of power and a body built for biz’ness, it is a major machine.
Bradshaw kept it for about a year or so.
“Ended up trading it for a horse,” Bradshaw says, ever so casually. You’ve got to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Apparently Bradshaw doesn’t quite anticipate the jaw-dropping reaction that enthusiasts have at this gem.
“You traded it … for a horse,” Leno confirms. “Seems like you’re going backwards.”
Once on the road, it is just so satisfying seeing this Firebird stretch its legs and go. As the two chat cars, football, and toupees–Leno has to ask.
“You’re a competitive guy, didn’t you ever want to race in a car?” he asks
“No.” Bradshaw, a man of many words, is clear.
But racing is on the agenda. Sadly, not in the Pontiac Trans-Am; but rather, in Go-Karts and later on the Top Eliminator Dragster “dragstrip.”
It’s a fun watch, and a delicious experience to be up close with a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am; a car that embodies a remarkable era for muscle and performance. And know that if we had a cherry 1979 Firebird Trans-Am, we wouldn’t trade it for a talking unicorn.
Photos: CNBC; General Motors
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