Now, the car belongs to Pat McKinney, the one who put it back on the road despite all the setbacks he and the car have been through over the past years.
How did it get into his possession? He told his story on Jay Leno's Garge.
He used to own one of the cars used on the set in the 1980s, but he sold it without considering its value would only be growing over the years.
Years later, Pat felt nostalgic. He was still dreaming of having one again. He found one in terrible condition on eBay.
It wasn't even sitting straight. His wife asked him if that was really what he wanted. She wasn't a fan of the series or of the leading actor. Everything on it was worn out, he recalls.
The mechanics were in pieces, and the interior was disintegrating. The seller knew what he had.
He had owned it for just about a year, but the previous owner had kept it for about 20 years. He daily-drove it, but was not really keen on maintenance.
Pat started working on it in an attempt to restore it to its former glory. He had just got his hands on one of the three Firebirds used that season.
And work started with stripping down to its shell and finished 15 years later. That is how long Pat McKinney needed to restore it.
The gold paint covering the body was not one offered by Pontiac in the Firebird lineup. It was specifically painted like this for the TV series.
James Garner reportedly chose the color. He saw this shade on a 1962 Cadillac and wanted it on the Pontiac.
Every year, he and his stuntman would sit down and choose cars, subsequently modifying them if necessary.
The only upgrade they did on this Pontiac was to install Koni shocks that were able to withstand the whole sound equipment that the car needed to carry on the set.
The car is powered by a 403-cubic-inch Oldsmobile V8, which makes 185 horsepower. A three-speed automatic sends power to the ground through the rear wheels.
Deluxe interior, power steering, power brakes, manual windows, a custom-cushion steering wheel, and AM/FM radio were on the menu.
Everything was stock. However, the Firebird that Pat owns was used as a sound car, which meant it was wired for capturing sound during takes.
James Garner had switches on board that he used to turn on the camera and start recording. The recorder was in the trunk.
Pat has never taken it to a car show, but he is planning to do it. He has six Firebirds. Three of them are Rockford-original cars. He also owns the actual cookie jar from the series, which James Garner used to keep his Oreos.
Pat has only driven the 1977 Pontiac Firebird for 25 miles. He has recently completed the restoration. Jay Leno says it drives well, acts like a daily driver, and makes you want to fight crimes. However, with 185 horsepower, those thieves might outpace you.
