Vehicle Description
Pontiac was still a major player in the performance business when
this 1971 Pontiac Firebird was built, complete with a 350 cubic
inch V8, making it as much fun to drive as it is to look at. The
market is moving on these cars, and this high-visibility example
still attracts attention everywhere it goes.
Repainted a vivid shade of dark green that sure looks like
traditional Laurentian Green, this Firebird is exactly the opposite
of subtle. Forget all the jokes about flying chickens on the hood,
because those iconic graphics are popular for a reason: they make
this car look fast sitting still. We'd venture that was exactly the
reason the owner's elected to include the decal set during the
repaint. It was apparently a clean, honest car before the repaint,
too, and has ended up as an ultra-sharp reminder of what
performance was like in the '70s. Gaps are decent all around, and
Pontiac gave it a great look with a vinyl top, modestly aggressive
front bumper, and a ducktail spoiler out back, all of which remain
in good shape. The paint is not perfect, of course, but it's got an
awesome look that'll stand out among all the Trans Ams you see at
shows.
Bucket seats were the best way to travel in 1971, and the classic
color combination of dark on light ensures that this Poncho will
always be in demand by collectors. The seats are comfortable and
supportive thanks to firm foam underneath, and the seat covers
themselves are nice reproductions that show some slight wear since
the restoration. The center console houses the original shifter for
the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission as well as a handy storage
bin, and the gauges look quite good considering their age. The
original AM radio is gone, replaced by a modern head unit, but it
was installed neatly into the factory slot. The trunk is in decent
shape with a carpetted mat and has plenty of room for all the usual
car show accessories.
While a lot of engines were starting to taper down on horsepower in
the early 70s, Pontiac engineers were better than most at keeping
their top engines at the top of the horsepower charts, and the 350
cubic inch V8 in this Firebird is a certainly a good runner too.
Thanks to proper maintenance and minimal modifications, it runs
great, so it's ready to enjoy without worries. It wears Pontiac
Turquoise paint, finned valve covers, and 4-barrel under a compact
Holley air cleaner. Stock style manifolds feed a newer dual exhaust
system that probably adds a few horsepower, and definitely provides
a low rumble the neighbors can hear. The chassis is in great
condition with solid floors that show-off years spent in dry
conditions, and a set of reasonable gears in back make it an
effortless cruiser. Driving is considerably enhanced thanks to
power steering and front disc brakes bring the whole show to an
abrupt stop. Wheels are off-set chrome five-spokes with Pontiac
center caps, wrapped in 225/50/17 (front) and 255/45/18 (rear)
blackwall radials at all four corners.
Five years ago, we told you that this day was coming, and now it's
here. '70s Firebirds are red hot and climbing the market faster
than almost anything else. Don't wait another day, call us now!
