Vehicle Description
1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula
"The Formula was a street machine from the start, designed that
way, and the enthusiasts knew it. When the Camaro dropped its top
of the line Z28 model, Pontiac Firebirds continued to gain a large
support base and to be produced. The second generation Formula
continued in production through all model years, (1970 to 1981). A
small but loyal following quickly grew up around the Formula
namesake, elevating the model to cult status among enthusiasts and
performance advocates." Thxgoingfaster.com
For consignment, a 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula showing 81,631
miles which are not actual. This was the Trans Am's little brother,
and 10,166 Formulas were produced in 1973 with either a 350, 400,
or 455 powerplant. Here's one presenting in original like
condition, right down to an 8-track player and numbers matching
transmission!
Exterior
The Endura nose starts off the color palette, which is paint code
75 75, Buccaneer Red, and that nose is quickly upstaged by the twin
nostril intake on the hood, a feature that likely was the catalyst
for many Formula purchases, and continues to be. These scoops rise
from hood and taper back to eventually blend with the flat plane of
hood and louvered cowl. The F-body profile was so good, it lasted
from 1970 through 1981 on the Firebird, characterized by the long
nose, short rear overhang, long doors, and sloping rear window
often terminating a deck lid that becomes a rear spoiler. A pair of
sport mirrors are body colored and straight polished exhaust tips
are reserved for the Formula model. A screaming eagle denoted
performance, so they put one the back of the wing and on the
quarter panels, while 15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels add to the
sportiness without the over the top panache of the honeycombs.
Paint and metalwork are quite good here with imperfections noted as
bubbling low on the panels, road spray that might be paint under
the rocker trim, notable paint pops and inclusions in the finish,
and the gaps of the hood are slightly off.
Interior
Swing open the long doors and find black vinyl door panels with
decorative stitched borders and storage pockets in very good shape,
followed by tall bucket black vinyl seats looking nice, with the
driver's seat showing some compression. Out back, sporty 2+2
seating is in good shape with molded side walls that contain the
requisite ashtrays, (or gum wrapper receptacles as we knew them).
The familiar Firebird performance steering wheel is up front,
leading not to a spun aluminum dashboard, but a woodgrain covered
panel in this, the more "civilized" sports car. It houses just the
speedometer, the fuel gauge, and idiot lights "in the round". The
stock AM/FM radio is in place along with an 8-track player just
under the ashtray. The center console houses the shifter and the
cover, the plastic indicator plate, and the shifter itself are in
excellent condition, as is the black loop carpet and GM rubber mats
on the floor. A perforated vinyl headliner is fully intact, and the
trunk is nicely covered with a gray mat.
Drivetrain
The 350ci V8 presents cleanly under the hood unencumbered by extra
components. It's fueled by a newer 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor
and sent into motion by the numbers matching TH350 3-speed
automatic transmission which sends power to the 10 bolt axle out
back. Power brakes include discs up front and drums in the rear.
Headers begin the exhalation process.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and surface rust underneath with some residual oil
showing on the cross member, but otherwise a debris free bottom.
Dual exhaust reaches FlowMaster mufflers before finding an exit via
tapered polished tips. Suspension consists of coil springs up front
and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
There's a reason Jim Rockford chose gold for his car, because red
would have "outed" him at each stakeout. It's bright, racy and
eye-catching. The slippery vinyl seats provide plenty of support,
although Pontiac would continue to refine the definition of "sport
seat" in years to come. Meanwhile, typical F-body posture here and
in a word, cool. The 350 roars to life and into DRIVE we go for a
quick spin on the loop where the car has good power, tracking
straight on its four 215/70R15 tires, (with an early 2022 date
code), and handling as well as you'd expect. All functions in the
no frills interior and superb exterior, work 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 is it! Almost the exact car Lester in the film American Beauty
buys to spite his wife, (his was a red 1970 Formula). As he relaxes
in the living room playing with a remote control car, she comes in
mad and asks about the car. He says, "It's a 1970 Firebird, the car
I've always wanted and now I have it. I rule!". Every car guy took
note of that scene and now you can play it out for real, with a
husband or wife who is hopefully as thrilled as you are to finally
have it. Don't let this one get away. Carpe diem!
2U87N3N132807
2-1972
U-Firebird Formula
87-2 Door Coupe
N-350ci 2bbl V8
3-1973
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
132807-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 73 2FS87-1973 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY N131942-Norwood Body #
TR 246 A51-Black Custom Vinyl Buckets
PNT 75 75-Buccaneer Red
04C-3rd Week April
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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