Get up close and personal with the 1980 Pontiac Firebirds—Esprit, Formula, and Trans-Am—in this nicely done factory-to-dealer marketing film.

In truth, there were four Firebird models in the 1980 Pontiac lineup, but only three were included in the film we feature here. Maybe the plain-vanilla base Coupe wasn’t considered glamorous enough for this story line. No, here the spotlights are on the flamboyant Trans-Am, the purposeful Formula, and the luxury-flavored Esprit. It’s worth noting this Esprit is equipped with the rare Yellow Bird (W73) appearance package, which featured distinctive two-toned paint, special graphics, and color-coordinated wheels.

Few will be surprised to hear that the Trans-Am was by far the most popular Firebird in 1980. More than 50,000 were sold, accounting for nearly half the Pontiac F-body’s volume that year. We bet the Smokey and the Bandit movie franchise, a pop culture phenomenon starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and a black Trans-Am, had a lot to do with that.

The most powerful engine available in ’80 was a turbocharged Pontiac 4.9-liter V8 rated at 210 hp and offered in both the Trans-Am and Formula, but only with an automatic transmission and a 3.08:1 axle ratio. Acceleration was merely respectable, but the road handling was praiseworthy. Added attractions included wild graphics (giant vinyl hood chicken, check) and a nicely appointed cabin and instrument panel, which are on full display in the video below.