Prices, Specifications & 360° Interactive
Pontiac Firebird Formula - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive
Pontiac Firebird Formula - 360° Interactive
Pontiac Firebird Formula - Key Specifications
Pontiac Firebird Formula Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Coupe |
| Production Years | 1970–1981 (Notable 2nd Gen) |
| Engine | 5.7L (350 cu in) V8 or 6.6L (400 cu in) V8 |
| Power Output | 250–300 hp depending on year and spec |
| Torque | 488 Nm (360 lb-ft) approx. (6.6L V8) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual or 3-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Approximately 6.5–7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210–225 km/h (130–140 mph) |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | Approximately 15–18 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions | Not officially rated (pre-modern standards) |
| Length | 4,876 mm |
| Width | 1,857 mm |
| Height | 1,288 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,650 kg approx. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Suspension | Independent with Coil Springs and Anti-Roll Bar |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Leaf Springs |
| Brakes | Front Discs, Rear Drums |
| Wheels | 15" Alloy or Rally II Wheels (varies by trim) |
| Tires | Varied; Commonly F60-15 or similar performance tires |
| Chassis | Body-on-Frame with Reinforced Steel |
| Interior Features |
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| Exterior Features |
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| Driver Assistance & Safety |
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Some Interesting Facts
Performance Without the Excess
The Formula trim was known for offering high-performance V8 engines without the flashy bodywork of the Firebird Trans Am, making it a favorite among sleeper car fans.Introduced in 1970
The Formula name debuted in 1970 as part of the second-generation Firebird lineup, intended to bridge the gap between the base model and the Trans Am.Iconic Twin-Scoop Hood
Most Formula models featured a distinctive twin-scoop hood, which became a signature styling cue and set it apart visually from the base Firebird.Powerful Engine Options
Depending on the year, the Formula was available with a variety of V8 engines — from the 400 and 455 cubic inch big blocks in the ‘70s to the 305 and 350 V8s in later models.Offered in Every Generation
The Formula trim was offered in all four generations of the Firebird (1970–2002), maintaining its place as the “performance-light” alternative to the Trans Am.Lighter and Cheaper Than the Trans Am
Because it didn’t include the aerodynamic body kits or luxury options of the Trans Am, the Formula was often lighter and less expensive, appealing to drivers focused on straight-line speed.WS6 Performance Package Available
From the late 1970s onward, buyers could equip the Formula with the WS6 performance package, which included upgraded suspension, wider wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes.Fourth Gen LS1 Power
The 1998–2002 Formula came equipped with the 5.7L LS1 V8, the same engine used in the C5 Corvette and Trans Am, making it a serious performance bargain of its time.Subtle Styling for the Sleeper Effect
Unlike the aggressive Trans Am, the Formula’s cleaner lines and minimal badging gave it a stealthy appearance, perfect for enthusiasts who preferred performance over flash.A Cult Classic Among Muscle Car Fans
Thanks to its blend of raw performance, understated looks, and value, the Firebird Formula has become a cult favorite and a respected choice among classic muscle car enthusiasts.
Pontiac Firebird Formula - Price
The Pontiac Firebird Formula is the sleeper muscle car of the Firebird lineup, offering V8 power with a subtler style than the Trans Am. With its lightweight body, aggressive stance, and optional Ram Air engines, it’s a pure American muscle icon, competing with the Chevy Camaro Z28 and Ford Mustang Boss 302.
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
(Note: Values vary widely based on engine, originality, and EU import status.)
Standard Formulas (Non-Ram Air, Small-Block V8s)
Driver-Quality (Restored/Modified): €25,000 – €40,000
(Note: Many have engine swaps—verify if numbers-matching.)Well-Restored (Numbers-Matching): €45,000 – €65,000
(Ideal for: Collectors who want an authentic 1970s muscle car.)Concours-Level (Original Paint/Docs): €70,000 – €100,000+
(Critical: Must have original drivetrain, rare colors, and provenance.)
High-Performance Models (Ram Air, 455 HO, etc.)
Ram Air III (1970–1971): €60,000 – €90,000
(Why special: 335 HP, factory performance package.)Ram Air IV (1970–1971, Ultra-Rare): €120,000 – €200,000+
(Production: Only ~500 made—verify with PHS docs.)
2. Key Factors Affecting Value
✅ Provenance is King
Original Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation: +20–30%.
Celebrity/racing history? Must be verified (e.g., ex-Smokey Yunick car).
✅ Options That Add Value
Ram Air Induction: +€15k–30k (depending on engine).
M21/M22 4-Speed Manual: +€10k–15k (vs. automatic).
Original Lucerne Blue/Queens Gold Paint: +€5k–10k.
✅ Mileage? Almost Irrelevant (But Condition Matters)
Survivor cars (under 50k original miles): €80k+.
Restomodded? €40k–70k, but purists avoid them.
⚠️ Critical Watch-Outs
Fake Ram Air cars (check VIN and PHS docs).
Rust in frame rails, floor pans, and trunk (costly to repair).
"Clone" Formulas masquerading as Trans Ams.
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Official Channels
Classic Car Dealers: Classic Park (DE), Hexagon Classics (UK).
Auction Houses: RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams (occasional listings).
Private Sales & Clubs
Mobile.de, Classic Trader (filter for "US Import").
Pontiac Clubs: Firebird Trans Am Club Europe.
Pro Tip: US imports often need TÜV adjustments—budget €3k–5k for compliance.
4. Market Trends
📈 Appreciation/Depreciation
+5–10% yearly for Ram Air models (increasingly collectible).
Non-Ram Air cars stable (good entry-level muscle).
⚠️ Trap Warning
"Barn find" scams (many are just rusty project cars).
5. Must-Do Checks
🔧 Mechanical:
Check for engine codes (WS4 = Ram Air IV, XS = 455 HO).
Test manual transmission (grinding = costly rebuild).
Inspect subframe for rust (structural weakness).
📄 Paperwork:
Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) Report (proves authenticity).
US Title/EU Import Papers (avoid stolen cars).
Fun Fact: The 1971 Formula 455 HO could outrun a same-year Trans Am but cost less!
Who Buys This?
Muscle car purists (who find Trans Ams too flashy).
70s nostalgia fans (think: Smokey and the Bandit vibes).
Smart collectors (knowing Formulas are undervalued vs. T/As).
Restomod vs. Original?
Original: Better for investment (+10% yearly).
Restomod: More fun to drive (LS swaps common).
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