Vehicle Description
1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula
A beloved symbol of 1970s car culture. An icon of disco era design.
A redneck's red-letter regalia. It's gaudy. Garish. Tacky. Even
vulgar. And we love it. This is the story of Pontiac's Screaming
Chicken, the largest and most recognizable decal in automotive
history. Lost to time is the name of the man that first referred to
the graphic as a "Screaming Chicken". The nickname came quickly. By
the late 1970s, even Car and Driver was using the label. No doubt
derogatory, over time the epithet has become one of endearment,
although the brand's hardest purists still hate it. That bunch
landed on "hood bird" four decades ago and refused to budge. Others
go with "Rising Phoenix" or simply "Firebird." The ignorant usually
refer to the massive flaming fowl as an Eagle or a Hawk.
For consignment, something only seen once here at our temple of
classic hallways, an 80's Firebird Formula. Yes, we hear and see
the Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am's of yore and our share of
1990's models, but this mid 80's design was "Da Bomb" in this
writer's opinion. Restored to factory specifications by our
consignor with a slew of new parts, this flip up headlight bird is
sporting a mere 3,000 miles on the restoration, so don't let the
reading on the odometer scare ya. Read on now that I've got your
interest.
Exterior
Bathed in repray of the factory correct black, I'm melting like a
hot tire in the staging lane when I view this unique, hidden
headlight version of the Formula. Body matching neoprene for the
front bumper and clean body matching flare-less rockers as we move
to the rear of this beauty. Here we see a greenhouse glass rear
deck, and a spoiler on the trunk lid top. On our way back I had to
stop at the offset reverse scooped hood and smoked glass removable
T tops, which have like new seals and is a nifty option to have. On
the rear, the horizontal flush mount strip of lighting and Formula
decal badging sits just above the rear neoprene body matching
bumper. Now showing, the correct multi-spoke 16-inch wheels wrapped
in all season rubber radials. I think it's that long snout and hood
combo I'm in love with.
Interior
Like new light gray velour broadcloth seats in high back bucket
form flank a dark gray center console. This gently rises to the
dash where we see a black front dash with plenty of round inset
gauges. This is all fronted by an original steering wheel. Within
the console is the shift lever, handbrake, power mirror controls
and window toggles. An AM/FM/Cassette radio is neatly installed
from the factory. In back more light and dark gray velour
broadcloth in the form of a split seat, (by the hump), and split
back rear bench setup. New gray carpeting is all around and is well
protected by heavy duty rubber mats. New door panels use the shades
of gray along with some molded black plastic for the door pulls and
actuator panel. There is plenty of room to throw your stuff in the
fully opening rear greenhouse space, also covered in clean gray
carpeting. Up top is a new headliner that splits the factory smoked
removable roof panels.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the correct 5.0 Liter V8. It is fed the precise
amount of air and fossils via a tuned port injection set up with
newfuel injectors, a new fuel pump and new fuel lines. Bolted to
the back is a T5 5-speed manual transmission with a new clutch and
throw out bearing. On the back a 10-bolt 3.08 rear axle is on.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust is noted in the usual steel structures, but new
floor pans and rockers are rust free and have a wearing off finish
of undercoat. In front we note independent coil spring suspension,
and on back torque arms with coil springs. Completely new power
disc braking is on all 4 corners, and a single exhaust with a
Magnaflow muffler and dual outlets is now installed.
Drive-Ability
I'm ready to go on the prowl with this menacing bird as I slip
inside bound for the test track. Here it did well, with nice
acceleration, good handling and bias free panic stopping. All
functions were working as they should and it was an overall good
test drive which left me with a smile on my face...( Some I just
say sheesh, but not this one!).
Now showing, fully restored with a 305ci V8/EFI, Magnaflow exhaust,
and a new broadcloth interior this sinister black Formula version
of the Firebird is an eye catcher and a performer.
1G2FS21F0KL263694
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
FS-Firebird
2-2 Door Hatchback
1-Manual Belts
F-5.0 Liter EFI V8
0-Check Digit
K-1989
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
263694-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.