For Sale: 1971 Pontiac Firebird in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula

"Along with our basic Firebird, the luxurious Esprit, and our ultimate, the Trans Am, we developed three new Formula Firebirds for 1971. So you can get exactly the kind of car you want for exactly the kind of roads you drive. Above everything else, the Formula Firebirds are road cars. The big difference among them is simply one of engine output." From the 1971 sale brochure.

For consignment, a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula showing 75,063 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. This numbers matching example has been owned by our consignor since 1973 and played an important part in the first of many dates, countless car shows, and as the centerpiece of the owner's man cave. We're honored to bring you this storied Formula in search of a new steward.

Exterior
Two stage Anniversary Gold covers this bird with shimmering reflective properties. But let's get right to the field mark that makes this bird a Formula; the unmistakable twin nostrils emerging from the hood with smooth, rounded edges and surging forward as if to grab power from the air. It is, today, as iconic as the T/A's shaker hood and by some, more desirable. There's a spoiler out back surrounding the light panel where simple but recognizable tail lights reside, the configuration of which was so good, it would last another three years at Pontiac. From the side, fender vents add some muscularity and 15-inch polished American Racing Torque Thrust wheels carry staggered size tires that create a slight rake, and have a mid 2021 date code. The rocker panel trim trains your eyes to the straight, polished exhaust pipes on each side, all to create a nicely balanced design. Imperfections are limited to some chips throughout, a crack in the corner piece of the spoiler, minor inclusions, a paint crack by the door handle, flex cracks on the hood, and some paint runs.

Interior
You know its period authentic when a gold exterior meets a brown interior, here in Dark Saddle that begins on the vinyl door panels that are handsome and smart and clean. Pleated vinyl bucket seats present in excellent condition with some typical compression of the driver's seat and the rear 2+2 looks essentially unused. The original steering wheel shows a touch of patina and fronts a dashboard adorned with a woodgrain faceplate, gapping the connection between sport and luxury. Simple gauges ahead, an A/C panel to the right, and an AM radio under the formed saddle plastic of the dash, all looking fantastic. The familiar Firebird shifter is in the center console and this sporty interior design would remain mostly unchanged through 1981. The trunk is clean and rust free, the gold loop carpet is excellent, and the headliner suffers from a long seam tear.

Drivetrain
You're looking at the numbers matching 350ci L30 V8 in the pampered poncho, putting out 250 horsepower and fueled through a 2-barrel carburetor. It's backed by its numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission routing power to the 10 bolt rear axle and 2.73 gears. The car is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.

Undercarriage
Driver quality under here with a bit of surface rust, dampness on the rear differential, and some residual oil on the pan. There are spots of rust encapsulation on the rear frame rails where patchwork repairs are noted. The dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers on its way to a polished departure. Power disc brakes and coil springs are supplied up front while power drums and leaf springs are found in back.

Drive-Ability
The original engine eagerly fires up and the car gladly goes into gear and off we go around the test loop to run this F-body through the paces. Power is good, handling is great, and braking is on point. There's nothing this car doesn't do well, high praise for a relic of 1971 but not surprising for one of long term ownership. We do note the clock and radio do not work, but hardly a deal breaker in our book. All other functions operate as intended. 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.

Part of one family since 1973, this garage kept Formula presents in excellent, original condition and of course, with its numbers matching drivetrain. Gold is a precious metal and this Firebird is a rare gem.

226871N116734

2-Pontiac
26-Firebird Formula V8
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
1-1971
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
116734-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 71 22387-1971 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY NOR719859-Sequential Unit Number
TR 203-Dark Saddle Vinyl Buckets
PNT 53F-Quezal Gold, Sandalwood Top
02D-4th Week February
W66-Formula Package

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. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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