1967 Pontiac Firebird Named 2026 Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year
Owned by Keith Sasich since 1974, the vintage muscle car returns with 750 hp & custom craftsmanship to earn a Goodguys Top 12 of the Year honor…
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association announced Keith Sasich and his 1967 Pontiac Firebird as the winner of the 2026 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year award. The Muscle Machine of the Year title, one of Goodguys’ Top 12 of the Year awards presented by Surventis, was crowned during the Goodguys 33rd Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth on Oct. 3.
The Firebird, built by Dutchboys Hotrods, showcases classic muscle car spirit with a touch of contemporary style, copious horsepower and incredible build quality throughout, according to a press release. As part of the competition, Goodguys also makes each car complete a 100-mile reliability run, take laps on the autocross track and race down the drag strip.
Sasich has owned the Firebird since 1974, taking him through high school and college, so he has plenty of drag strip experience behind the wheel. “My fondest memories are racing all over Montana and Wyoming on the local tracks,” he said.
LT4 Power & Roadster Shop Chassis Upgrades
Today, however, the car has nearly double the power, complemented with sports car handling thanks to a supercharged 376ci GM LT4 V-8 producing 750 horsepower backed by a Bowler-built T56 Magnum 6-speed transmission. An all-new Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis provides a solid foundation for the Pontiac, delivering superior handling with a performance-bred IFS and a four-link rear suspension. Big Baer disc brakes work behind the custom EVOD 18×9.5-inch and 19×12-inch wheels inspired by the vintage Pontiac Rally II design.
Bodywork & Interior by Dutchboys & Sew Cal Rods
To create a modern version of the Firebird while respecting its classic design and feel, the craftsmen at Dutchboys refined the body lines, tucked in the bumpers and formed a custom front valance and rear spoiler before applying a custom Surventis color.
Sew Cal Rods was tasked with reimagining the interior and handled the leather stitching across the dash, seats and panels. While there’s a roll bar for protection, there’s also a thumping stereo, air conditioning and other amenities found on a modern-day muscle machine.
Final Top 12 of the Year Winners Announced Oct. 9
To round out its 2026 Top 12 of the Year presented by Surventis program, Goodguys will announce the final six winning vehicles on Friday, Oct. 9. These final award winners will include the 2026 Snap-on Muscle Car of the Year, Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year, LMC Truck of the Year (Early), Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late), Scott’s Hotrods ‘N Customs Custom of the Year and Roadster Shop 4×4 of the Year.
