Vehicle Description
1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula
For Pontiac, offering a "low key" alternative to the extravagant,
high performance Trans Am was always part of the plan. When
producers of the Rockford Files proposed Jim drive a Trans Am,
James Garner was said to have nixed the idea and put the low dollar
detective in a base Esprit Firebird. However, as the legend goes,
it was a higher performance Formula dressed like a Firebird to give
Jim Rockford some on screen cred and performance without the
outlandish visual of a screaming eagle or twin hood scoop.
For consignment, a 1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula, showing 145,889
miles which are not actual. This is the mid level Firebird of the
era with the heart of a Trans Am but the unassuming body more
closely resembling the base model. Here's an opportunity to get
into an LT1 equipped F-body that's got plenty of fire breathing
life left.
Exterior
You can't go wrong with GM's Bright Red as the coverage and if
you're going to own a sporty car, it might as well be arrest me
red! It does get your attention, just before the classic wedge
shape of the Firebird does, its spear like nose extends back to a
rising hood, a rounded cockpit, and a high, horizontal tail over
Pontiac's characteristic tail lights with black hexagon netting
connected by a black bar. Other styling cues that support Pontiac's
"we build excitement" idiom include faux intakes in the hood which
are at the end of rear facing scoops built into the sheet metal, a
forward leaning C-pillar that provides a jet fighter-like profile,
sport mirrors with aero slots carved out, and dual tailpipes which
harken back to the days of true dual exhaust. 16-inch 5 spoke
wheels add some sporty shoes, and are wrapped in Firestone
Firehawks with a late 2021 date code. Overall, the paint is good
with imperfections including chin scrapes, some touches up chips
and scratches, a ding down low, some scaling in the paint, some
oxidized areas, and some flex cracks in the flexible bumper
cover.
Interior
Cloth inserts on the charcoal doors add some variety to the texture
and design which are clean and ergonomic and straightforward. Gray
cloth seats are up front in the only configuration ever installed
in an F-body bucket. The driver's seat shows some compression and a
touch of wear while the other three, (including the 2+2 in back),
are in great shape. A sporty steering wheel presents to the driver
and this one has a bit of patina, lined with large thumb control
buttons on each side of the airbag center. Beyond the tilt column
is the simple gauge cluster behind plexiglass, providing basic
information in clear and easy to read dials. The center stack has
GM's period radio with large, gray buttons over a climate panel
that is also as simple as it gets. We note a sizable crack in the
dash pad in front of the passenger. A T-shaped shifter resides in
the center console which rises to an armrest and storage
compartment, continuing a covering of textured plastic, all
surrounded by gray carpet in nice condition.
Drivetrain
Under the hood sits the driver quality 5.7 liter LT1 V8, fuel
injected and tied to a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission that
transfers power to the rear wheels on an axle with a 10 bolt rear
and 2.73 gears. As a performance oriented car, our Formula is
equipped with power disc brakes on all four corners.
Undercarriage
Plenty of usage patina and some surface rust, but overall, not bad
for a 30 year old car. We take note of some drips on the
transmission pan and some residual oil on the flywheel cover and
subframe. The single exhaust from the cat leads back to a stainless
steel muffler that expels two tailpipes which end in cavernous
polished tips. Coil springs suspension is up front and coil springs
with a torque arm are out back.
Drive-Ability
We always welcome the reclining seating position of the F-body
where you don't sit on the seat as much as you sit in the seat,
instantly becoming part of the car as opposed to a bystander with a
steering wheel, and that's always been the appeal. Meanwhile, the
350 started right up, let out a pleasant exhaust note, and put us
on our way around the loop where ride and functions are monitored.
There's decent acceleration here and of course, great handling.
With long, sloping glass front and rear, visibility is very good as
well and we're happy to report that all functions work as intended
and we fly this bird back to the nest. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
It's unlikely that any private investigator ever drove a red
Firebird Formula. Even if the Rockford Files lasted into the 90's,
Jim would have likely switched to something a bit more mundane.
This red bird would be a bit too conspicuous for a stakeout. But
it's just right as a hobby car, one you can enjoy without much
worry. Want to take power and handling to the next level? There's
plenty of aftermarket support and three decades of experience
behind it. The sky's the limit here. Fly high in this V8 powered
bird!
2G2FV22P0R2230557
2-Canada
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
F-Firebird
V-Formula
2-2 Door Hatchback
2-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P-350ci V8 LT1
0-Check Digit
R-1994
2-St Therese Assy Plant
230557-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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