Firebird 2015 AD

Lore & Background

The plot follows Red, a middle-aged Burner who drives a 1980 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am, and his son Cameron, who is not a car enthusiast. Another Burner plans to chauffeur a senator to a conference to legalize civilian motor vehicles, but is killed by a DVC squad led by McVain. Red takes Cameron for a ride to spark his interest, and they meet Indy, another Burner. After a race is interrupted by a DVC ambush, Cameron and Jill are assaulted by DVC members, leading to a rescue raid.

Reader's Guide

Firebird 2015 AD is notable as a Canadian entry in the post-apocalyptic and car-chase film genre of the early 1980s. Its premise of gasoline hoarding and civilian vehicle bans reflects contemporary fuel concerns, though the film's own dialogue contradicts the initial implication of a shortage. Retrospective reviews have been largely negative: Claude Gaillard called it 'limp and brainless,' and TV Guide gave it one of four stars, noting a 'lack of intelligence and the filmmakers' lack of technical know-how.' The film's legacy is primarily as a cult curiosity for car enthusiasts and fans of low-budget dystopian cinema.

Did You Know?

• The film was first released at Calgary's Brentwood Corral 3 Drive-In on September 18, 1981.
• The character McVain is played by Darren McGavin, while Doug McClure plays the lead role of Red.
• The film's plot includes a senator who intends to make civilian use of motor vehicles legal again.
• A reviewer in TV Guide stated the film was only for car lovers.