There are some cars that look good even though they need a lot of work. This 1970 Pontiac Formula 400 is one of them, as long as you don’t look too close! This is a project car even though the seller states that it runs and drives fine. The Formula 400 is located in Stafford Springs, Connecticut and is listed for auction here on eBay. After 49 bids, the car has reached a price of $8,000. There are three days remaining in the listing.
The car has been sitting for a while and looks like it was just rolled out of a barn. While not modified, most of the original interior parts are worn or covered in seat covers. Pontiac introduced the second generation of the Firebird in 1970. Actually, it was a mid year introduction. The Firebird was completely redesigned and Pontiac offered four models including the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula, and Trans Am. The Formula had two sub-models designated by the engine size – Formula 350 and Formula 400. Starting in 1971, Pontiac added the Formula 455 which could be ordered with the Y code 455 or the HO 455.
The 1970 Pontiac Formula could be optioned with the lower performance L78 4 barrel 400 cubic inch V8 engine that was rated at 330 hp or the slightly more potent L74 Ram Air III 400 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 345 horsepower. While this car is said to run and drive, it looks like it will need restoration to make it safe to drive on the road. The car has an abundance of surface rust on many of the components and body parts.
The body doesn’t look too bad but it will need a new vinyl roof and paint. The bottom of the car is probably rust too based on the condition of the exhaust. The seller states that the trunk pan will need to be replaced but the frame is solid. There is rust and rot around the front and rear windows. I like the car without a rear spoiler. What about you?
Back in the day, the big 3 (and maybe others) released their new car models on a set date in the fall. Dealers were under strict orders to keep the cars hidden until the official date. I remember that certain completely new models, like the ’70 Firebird were kept locked away in a separate building, or under car-covers. Dealers all made a big event out of the release, and “preferred customers” got invited to a “preview”, the night before. Back then, this was a big deal. My godfather owned a couple GM stores then, and my father was the corporate lawyer, and had partial ownership, so my parents always got invited to the previews. I was a car-crazy youngster, and I remember waiting up past bedtime for my parents to come home and tell me about the new models. They would bring me brochures on my favourite models, which I would study for weeks. BTW, the brochures back then were genuine pieces of art themselves. There were no photos used, they were actual artists renderings of the cars ,options, and features.
I remember the ’70 Firebirds particularly, as I was then 13 years old, and my parents brought me to my first preview. I had to wear a suit, and felt really special. The ’70 Firebirds were my favourite car that year. The Trans-Am was nice, but I really loved the Formula 400 , Ram Air model. I was fascinated by the functional hood scoops, and clean lines, as compared to the T/A.
To this day, whenever I see a Formula 400, I am taken back to that day.
If the one listed here was local to me, I would consider taking it on.
You’d see a lot more 2nd gens – at least at car shows – but it’s too bad these f-bodies ’70-81 were fair weather only, with body steel prepped not much better than that on a Vega. & poorly designed rear quarter panels designed to trap water.
To the new owner – please do NOT install a new vinyl roof after the old one is pulled off! lol
Chevy guys will like the front passenger wheel.
I luv the scoops on the formula hood.
This with a 455/4speed would be a car I would want to build.