In the early 1970s, General Motors' design chief Bill Mitchell embarked on an ambitious project to blend American muscle with Italian elegance. The result was the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Pegasus Concept, a singular fusion of Pontiac's bold styling and Ferrari's engineering prowess.
A Vision Realized: The Birth of the Pegasus
Chevrolet stylist Jerry Palmer drew a concept in 1970 that combined the aggressive stance of a Camaro with the smooth lines of a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. This was the start of the trip. Mitchell was so taken with the idea that he made it a reality under the Pontiac brand.
Ferrari's V12: The Heart of the Pegasus
The Pegasus had a 4.4-liter V12 engine from the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona that Enzo Ferrari gave it. This engine, known for its small size and high power, was very different from Pontiac's usual big V8s. To get the most out of it, the engine was paired with a Ferrari 5-speed manual gearbox and a GM Posi-Traction rear axle. These features gave the Pegasus both power and precision on the road.
Image Source: General Motors
Design: Italian Styling Meets American Engineering
The Pegasus had an awesome exterior, totally inspired by Ferrari's style but still keeping that classic Pontiac vibe. The front end sported a grille and fender vents that reminded me of Ferrari designs, and the body was decked out with Borrani wire wheels and Ferrari exhaust tips. The wraparound back glass and boattail rear end highlight its classy vibe, making it a treat for car lovers.
Inside, the cabin was just as magnificent. Ferrari supplied the instrument panel and gauges, and leather covered the inside, including the dashboard and unique headrestless seats. This attention to detail guaranteed that the Pegasus was a high-performance machine and a comfortable driving experience.
Performance and Legacy
Despite its solid axle and leaf spring rear suspension, the Pegasus was surprisingly nimble, owing to its lightweight design and powerful Ferrari V12. It weighed 3,834 pounds and had a 4.10:1 differential and Corvette disc brakes, which provided a good blend of speed and stopping ability. Bill Mitchell frequently used the Pegasus as his personal vehicle, driving it to events and track demonstrations and proudly opening the hood to reveal the Ferrari engine underneath.
The Pegasus has undergone various changes throughout the years, including an update in 2012 that replaced the gold pinstripes with a deep crimson finish. Despite its rarity, the Pegasus is a treasured part of automotive history, housed at the GM Heritage Collection and inspiring awe among vehicle lovers and designers alike.
