1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

Description

This 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula is the kind of car that earns tremendous respect on the street. With red paint that screams performance and a potent 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood, it more than delivers on the promises made by its brutal look.

The Formula was a different animal from the Trans Am, and today its more subtle look is appreciated by hobbyists for its restraint. Most notably, the twin-snorkel hood gives it a definite horsepower vibe and without the excessive graphics and other add-ons of the Trans Am, the Formula looks pretty darned slick. Originally painted Ascot Silver, when this one was restored it got a coat of Buccaneer Red, the archetypal Pontiac performance color of the early '70s. Lots of time went into the sheetmetal and you can look pretty carefully but you probably won't find any traces of the original paint in any of the visible areas, suggesting that this was a very thorough job. It shows a few signs of use since it was completed, most notably up front where the low-hanging chin spoiler has a few bruises, but overall it has an intimidating look that totally works. Blacked-out grilles, the fender extensions ahead of the wheel wells, and, of course, a ducktail spoiler mean that it's undeniably Pontiac from any angle. The sucker just looks mean.

Classic black inside continues the no-nonsense performance attitude, with nicely reupholstered bucket seats, fresh carpets, and Pontiac design cues that stand out. The three-spoke steering wheel has a distinctive European flair and the engine-turned dash panel is a high-performance look that goes back to the earliest days of racing. Great-looking gauges monitor the vitals with big, easy-to-read round dials arrayed ahead of the driver. Aftermarket A/C has been cleverly added, using a combination of the original vents and an auxiliary setup under the dash, just ahead of the 4-speed shifter and center console. They also stuck an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in there, so sliding behind the wheel for a long road trip is a pleasure. In back, the trunk includes a space-saver spare and jack assembly, and is missing only a reproduction trunk mat, which is inexpensive and easy to find.

While this Formula 400 ostensibly should be running a 400, it now packs a 455 cubic inch V8 whose thundering sound and bottomless reserves of torque will erase any desire you have for originality. Upgraded with an Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold, the big engine breathes deeply and hurls the Formula around like it weighs 1000 pounds less than it does. Mickey Thompson valve covers have an old-school performance look and it wears correct Pontiac Turquoise paint for a modicum of authenticity. Pontiac's combination of performance and luxury was hard to beat, so this car includes niceties like power steering and power disc brakes, and it cruises easily with a muted burble from the custom dual exhaust system that terminates in Trans Am-style quad tips. The floors show off years of clean living and no major issues, and the stance is right, with just a bit of a rake. 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels with spinners are a period-correct look that's ideal on this big bruiser and it rolls on 245/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Big horsepower with a look to match, this Formula proves that the muscle car era didn't die in 1972 and Pontiac was at the forefront of the war to keep performance alive. Call today!