The fourth-generation for the F-Body represents so many things to GM gearheads. It was the time period that revolutionized the way the world saw the cars, thanks to the head turning semi-exotic style, ease of modification, and raw alpha-like characteristics. To celebrate one of the most pivotal times in GM performance, here are some of the most collectible and rare editions from the 4th-gen F-Body lineup.

1.) Anniversary Editions

25th Anniversary Trans Am

Only a year into the fourth-generation, Trans Am put its 25th candle on the cake for ’94. This limited edition celebrated the quarter century milestone in GM Bright White paint, and a Tyrol Blue center stripe. This color scheme was carried over into the interior, which was clad in embroidered head rests and door panels. It rolled on 16×8” aluminum five spoke wheels, finished in the same hue as the base body color. Badges and decals finish off the package, that was pretty much appearance in nature. The striking package is very reminiscent of the early ‘70s birds.

Powering the 25th Anniversary T/A was the designated LT1 used in all V8 F-Bodies from 93-97. No manual transmission hard tops were made for this edition.

30th Anniversary Trans Am

The 30th-Anniversary Trans Am appearance package showed up on certain 1999 Trans Ams. It carried the same engine, transmission, suspension, etc. as the standard model Trans Ams. Much like the 25th-Anniversary edition, the 30th was a stunning white car, this time with twin stripes. The distinct blue anodized five-spoke 17” wheels are thought of as the most popular feature on this model, and it’s easy to see why. The interior sports white leather seats and door trim, and special stitching and badging throughout.

35th Anniversary Camaro

For the final year, and 35th anniversary, only 42,098 Camaros were made. The limited edition 35th Anniversary package was avail on SS coupes and convertibles. They were all finished in a Bright Rally Red. Wide dual stripes faded into a checkered flag.

Special Mention: The final year also included a Collector’s Edition (CETA) that many mistake as an Anniversary model. In some regards, it is, but not as far as Pontiac is concerned. This gorgeous yellow and black model is a
highly sought after edition.

2.) Firebird Formula/Trans Am Firehawk

The Firehawk: it’s a name that makes any gear head perk up and listen. This special package represented the baddest production nameplate for the the Pontiac Formula/Trans Am. This is an extra-performance package available in the 4th gen from 1993-1997 and then again in 1999-2002. It was available on both Formulas and Trans Ams. SLP would pickup where Pontiac left off to make the Firehawk.

1993 models had a lightweight composite hood and functioning cold air package. It rode on 17×18-1/2” alloy wheels and P275/40ZR17 Firestone Firehawk tires. It had special Firehawk graphics and stainless exhaust tips.

The 1993 options carried over into 1994, and a performance exhaust package would boost power to 315HP/330 lbs-ft of torque. The new exhaust package was all stainless with a 3” intermediate pipe, freer flowing muffler, and two 2-1/2” left mounted tailpipes. An optional Level II Bilstein Sport Suspension package was available for an additional $1,599. Firehawk convertibles showed up in 1995, which was the most notable for the year change. The optional Bilstein package wasn’t available for the convertibles.

Note that the optional  Level II Bilstein Sport Suspension package included Bilstein B46-2071 46mm front shocks with special SLP valving, Eibach 300-450 lb/in front springs, Bilstein B46-1914 46mm rear shocks, Eibach 115-185 lb/in rear shocks, and stiffer rear lower control arm bushings.

Standard Firehawk features weren’t changed much for 1996. Available options included:

• Oil cooler package
• Performance lubricants package
• Bilstein Level II Sport Suspension package
• SLP Hurst short throw shifter and H shift knob
• Torsen limited slip differential
• American Racing chrome-plate aluminum wheels

In 1997, the addition of a hotter LT4 was available. Otherwise, the standard Firehawk was virtually unchanged. The first run of the Firehawk was largely carryover overall in standard features and available options. There was no reason to mess with the winning formula anyways.

Despite ongoing arguments over the six mysterious SLP modified Formula/Trans Ams running around out there, no official Firehawks were made in 1998. These six cited vehicles were purchased locally by dealers and converted in Troy for used in marketing and sales activities. None of these cars contain the WU6 RPO code and aren’t counted as Firehawks by SLP.

1999 would bring big changes for the Firehawk as it finally joined the newly made over, LS-clad F-Body lineup. The Firehawk would return with a gutsy power train and stunning looks. It included the fully forced-air induction system, cat-back, stainless steel exhaust, special hood with functional hood scoops (that actually mated to the air intake), 17” wheels, and 275/40Z Firestone Firehawk tires. Power was increased to 330HP and torque was unchanged at 345 lbs-ft. Several suspension packages were available to allow owners to determine performance and handling abilities throughout the final run.

For the 2001 Firehawk, it gained an anniversary edition and an LS6 intake — boosting horsepower to 335. Outside of the anniversary edition, trim and performance options didn’t change much from the two prior years.

The final run for the F-Body and Firehawk would come in 2002. Firehawks made before August 2001 (as 2002 models) got the same engine as the 2001. Those made after August 2001 got the high-flow induction system, boosting power to 345HP and 350 lbs-ft of torque. Otherwise, the rolling changes carried over to the last of the Firehawks.

Find a complete breakout of the Firehawk production numbers by body style, transmission, colors, etc. at Firehawk.com.

3.) 1994 Trans Am GT

This is a vastly misunderstood model in the Trans Am family. The Trans Am GT was package offered only in 1994, and Pontiac didn’t make it particularly easy to identify them. There were no special graphics, badges or changes. Externally speaking, the GT was the same as the standard Trans Am. However, if you manage to run across one these days with the factory three spoke “salad shooter” wheels, the standard Trans Am would have the same rear hatch as the V-6 Firebird/Formula.

A total of 6,357 Trans Am GTs were made in 1994. Compare that to the 3,852 base Trans Ams made in 1994, and you can conclude that the majority of T/As made in 1994 were GTs. The majority were made as automatics with only a little over 1,300 manuals produced. They were made as hard tops, t-tops, or convertibles.

Now down to the nitty gritty, what was a GT? Well first, it was an RPO code Y83. Secondly, it has a 155 mph speedometer and Z rated tires.

4.) 1993 Camaro Pace Car

The first year of the 4th generation Camaro was selected as the Indy Pace Car in 1993. It was the first car to get the honor four times. The cars were basically base Camaros with pace car graphics and a Corvette originated 4-speed automatic, as well as assorted safety features. Only 645 Z/28 Indy replicas were made, and 125 of those were used for parade duty at the speedway.

5.) Camaro 1SC

Also known as a “Stripper” Camaro, the 1SC Camaros are a surprising addition to the collectible/rare list. In the age of evolving technology, options, upgrades, power everything, etc. the 1SC Camaro didn’t need the frills. Basically, it’s a Camaro without power everything. Why does this matter? Because race car! Without power motors everywhere, you get a much lighter variant of the F-Body. Actual production figures are unknown to us as of now, only a small fraction were produced each year.

Need more of a 4th gen fix? Check out our guide to the 4th gen Firebird here. Stay tuned for our 4th gen Camaro guide.

Elizabeth Puckett

Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!