Vehicle Description
1971 might have been the last great year for muscle cars, and
Pontiac didn't let their fans down. You don't need a Trans Am to
have fun, either, as this beautiful 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula
350 so ably demonstrates. With a nice restoration, lots of options,
and a big dose of horsepower, it remains the best-handling muscle
car of the era.
Cardinal Red is a traditional Pontiac color and few cars wear it as
well as this Formula. Combined with the aggressive ram air hood,
ducktail spoiler, and a distinct lack of graphics, you can see the
single-minded performance approach that the Formula represents.
Neatly restored a few years ago, it still looks great, which is
purely the result of lots of time and lots of money being spent on
the final product. The Endura nose cone with traditional Pontiac
split grille makes this car easy to recognize at a glance and the
addition of a white vinyl top gives it a sleek '70s look that plays
very well today. A few bright trim pieces look great and dress the
car up and it proudly wears 'Formula 350' emblems on its front
fenders, the only identifiers on the entire car.
The black and white interior is largely original and in great
condition overall. The white front seat covers are surely new,
since they're just too bright and perfect to be 45 years old, but
the rest looks age-appropriate. The black carpets, dash, and
console prevent it from being too sterile in there and it all
remains in above-average condition. The original 3-spoke steering
wheel is wrapped with black leather, so it's fatter and easier to
grab than stock, and a center console puts the shifter right where
you want it. Factory gauges show clear markings in a woodgrained
panel (the engine-turned stuff was still reserved for the Trans Am)
and there's a newer JVC AM/FM/CD stereo in the center. Other
desirable options include factory A/C and power windows, a nice
combination that makes this Formula easy to live with.
Firebird-logo floor mats help keep it looking tidy and as you can
see, the trunk is especially clean.
Who needs a big block to have fun in a Pontiac? This Formula uses
350 cubic inches to make its horsepower, and fortified with an
Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley carburetor, and long-tube
headers, it's a very strong runner. Chrome dress-up pieces, a
recent alternator, and bright turquoise engine enamel make the
engine bay look well-tended, and as you can see, the A/C system has
had some recent work, including an R134a refrigerant upgrade. The
transmission is a quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic feeding a
sturdy 10-bolt rear end, which also looks to have been recently
serviced. A recent dual exhaust system gives the Pontiac V8 a
unique engine note that's distinct from its Chevy cousins, and
obviously the floors are in excellent shape. Handsome Rally II
wheels with trim rings and fat 225/60/15 BFGoodrich radials retain
that cool Pontiac performance look.
A very strong runner with great cosmetics and a few nice options
make this Formula a winner. Even better is the insanely affordable
price, making this a sure bet for Pontiac fans. Call today!
