Vehicle Description
1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula
"The Formula and coupe exist for purists who want a completely
distilled driving experience. Their form is unmistakable, their
hardware is present and accounted for. And that's all you need to
know." But the sales brochure from '89 then goes into great detail
about the features of the Formula. 1989 would be a banner year for
the Firebird line as it was crowned by the Indy pace car version of
the Trans Am, up until then, the fastest Firebird ever
produced.
For consignment, a 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula with a title
verified 18,999 actual miles, an astounding 3 owner time capsule
that will come to you with original paperwork right down to the
original salesman's card. It's been converted to R134a air
conditioning, but beyond that, it's just as it left the showroom
floor.
Exterior
Formulas were available in two tones and this one arrived with
Silver Blue Metallic over Silver, separated by a red accent line
that fully encircles the car and underscores Formula decals on the
door, in true Firebird fashion, unapologetically large. Black
bumper guards reside on the wedge's front and pop up headlights
live on a smooth hood that wears an offset power bulge, compliments
of previous Trans Ams, and 5.0 Liter F.I. is spelled out there. The
one piece wing first hugs the rear window before flattening out
over the hatch lid above tri-colored tail lights that meet at a
black center panel with a small screaming eagle image. 16-inch
wheels are in impeccable condition and wrapped in 245/50R16 tires
with an early 2021 date code. The paint is excellent on the car
with two small imperfections that include a spot of rough texture
on the rocker panel and a chip near the door gap.
Interior
Angular panels and mixed materials make up the door panels which
are neat and functional and not overwrought with controls or hard
plastic. Inside, cloth gray buckets seats look as new as you would
expect on the sub 20k mile car, and these show no wear, especially
the 2+2 seating in back which is also very nice. The gray theme
continues with the steering wheel that leads to a black plastic
gauge cluster with four major gauges, orange needles and a
Tron-like background to each. Gray buttons adorn the center stack's
AM/FM/Cassette radio and the levers on the A/C panel and to the
right, we find the leatherette storage pouch in front of the
navigator in the guest seat. More grid design exists on plastic
panels including on the button pad in the center console, just
behind the t-handle shifter in remarkably fine condition. Low pile
gray carpet covers the floor, protected by mats, and that's also
what covers the cargo area that holds the T-top covers.
Drivetrain
Time has caused some discoloration of particular components of the
engine but overall, we're looking at a near showroom condition bay,
housing a 305ci V8 rated at 170 horsepower and fuel injected. A
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission leads to a 10 bolt rear with
2.73 gears, a combination that found its way into millions of GM
vehicles of this era. Power brakes bring the car to a stop with
front discs and rear drums.
Undercarriage
Once again, time does its business by turning some components
including the driveshaft and axle, reddish with surface rust on an
otherwise spotless underside. A single exhaust runs back to a large
muffler that sends out dual tailpipes. Suspension consists of coil
springs in front and a torque arm with coil springs in back. Hefty
front and rear sway bars keep this F-body grounded around
turns.
Drive-Ability
Ergonomically speaking, the F-body provides a comfortable cabin
with a reclined seating position and shifter in exactly the right
place. The injected V8 is a quick starter, and we baby this Formula
onto the test loop for a short run so we don't rack up any more
miles than necessary. It's not the fastest of the Firebird line,
but its handling is on par with the best and with equal tires on
all four wheels, tracks straight as an arrow as it cuts through the
air with its streamlined body. As expected, all functional items on
the car worked as they should. 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.
This nicely optioned time capsule might be one of the cleanest '89
Formulas in the country. All Firebirds were produced at the Van
Nuys plant, including the 16,670 Formulas. Each of the three owners
of this car had the same thing in mind; keep the miles low and the
car as pristine as possible and each accomplished that goal. What
you choose to do with it is up to you but the first decision you
have to make is when you're going to call the mall. How about as
soon as you're done reading this?
1G2FS21E8KL201242
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
FS-Firebird
2-2 Door Hatchback
1-Manual Belts
E-5.0 Liter EFI V8
8-Check Digit
K-1989
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
210242-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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