Vehicle Description
By 1978, Firebird was one of the fastest, best-handling American
cars on the market, blowing off the woeful 302-powered Mustang II,
butting heads with the Camaro Z28 and even dicing with America's
sports car, the Corvette. The base Firebird engine was a new
231-cu.in. Buick V-6, but the Formula came standard with a Pontiac
301 V-8 (soon replaced by a Chevy 305) and offered a 49-state
Pontiac 350 or the alternate California/high-altitude Olds 350. For
1978, the Chevy 305 was joined by the Chevy 350, replacing the
Pontiac engine. According to expert John Witzke, the automatics
were overwhelmingly popular. In 1978, the 4,649 base L78 cars were
also all automatics. We don't have a breakdown for the number of
W72 Formulas with automatic for 1978, but a total of 21,384 W72
automatic Trans Ams and Formulas were built during the 1978 model
year, based on John's research. Even less for the Y60 Skybirds.
Trans Ams came with standard wheel-arch flares and front and rear
spoilers, but you could only get the rear version on Formula. Also
Formulas had a special twin duct hood. The Formula package did put
the spoiler on the trunk (it had been optional on earlier model
Formulas) and got you a console inside, along with a couple of
convenience features like a remote left sport mirror and exterior
graphics. If you wanted a little more attention, the W50 Formula
Appearance Package brought aggressive striping and callouts. This
solid Van Nuys California built 1978 Firebird started life out as a
rare Y60 Esprit Skybird and comes with the original build sheet,
warranty paper, and envelope that came from the original dealer.
The original 305 chevy engine has been replaced with an 010 350
engine and an aluminum intake and 4 bbl carb and chrome valve
covers to give it more horsepower. It has an automatic turbo 350
transmission, and open 2;41 10 bolt rear end for highway cruising.
Dual exhaust with Flowmaster style mufflers sound great coming out
of the quad chrome tips. Newer beautiful white paint with lower
black and blue accents, formula hood and rear spoiler with striping
accent the exterior looks. Newer YJ8 Cast aluminum 15 inch wheels
give it that 70's look. Tires are like new Cooper Cobra p23570r15
RWL radials. The car has power steering, power front disc brakes,
tilt steering column, formula steering wheel, cruise(non-working)
and factory air conditioning. The interior is Sky Blue vinyl
buckets with a console. Pioneer CD radio with rear speakers.
Engine-turned metal dash with 100 mph speedo shows 90xxx miles (
actual?). This is a very rare car in beautiful shape and ready for
cruising and shows.
