General Motors’ fourth-generation F-body platform, with its LT4 and later LS1 engine package and stylish, modern looks, was a strong competitor to Ford’s ionic Mustang during its run from 1993 to 2002. Slumping sales following the 1998 refresh ended the Firebird’s run forever, while it sent the Camaro nameplate into an eight-year hibernation. But during that period, the popular muscle cars from the General gave the sport of drag racing two impressive racecar bodies, which followed up the Chevrolet Beretta, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and the third-gen Firebird in the Pro Stock and Pro Modified doorslammer ranks for the 1993 season.

While the two racecar bodies were virtually identical save for their front fascia and tail lights, the Firebird, and particularly the post-1998 Trans Am with its Ram-Air hood lines and air scoop, gave the Firebird a more aesthetically aggressive front end. The whole car, though, looked like an aerodynamic masterpiece (Warren Johnson has stated otherwise in years past, but we’re purely talking vanity here) with a low-slung, wedge-like appearance that culminates in a pointy, long, low front fascia. The aforementioned hood lines certainly help draw attention to that pointed nose.

Pro Stock teams took creative liberties in transforming the road version of the Trans Am into a pure racing machine, shaping the windshield and roofline into a svelte bubble that flowed perfectly with the low-to-the-ground position of the decklid, quarter panels, and the long nose. The final product was a car that looked like it was going 200 mph sitting still. And at 200 mph, it really looked good.

Many of these old Pro Stock and Competition Eliminator cars are still roaming the country being used in various capacities, but it’s a damned shame there aren’t more of them still being built, because they make one fine looking racecar! And if it is indeed the final Firebird — and the death of the Pontiac brand in 2010 would seemingly cement that — then it went out on a high note, at least in racing terms.

Are they the best-looking racecar of all time, however? Sound off and let’s hear your comments!