Street Legal Performance (SLP) exists because of a drag racer’s tinkering. In the 1960s, Ed Hamburger was constantly finding ways to wring another fraction of a horsepower from his equipment. He was soon selling specially built oil pans to the likes of Darrell Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt. As an offshoot of that venture, he built engines, created race parts, and hot rodded American cars. It was this portion of his business that formed SLP. In the 1990s Hamburger approached Pontiac about making a performance version of the Firebird, arguing that it might help renew interest in American sports cars. The new Firehawk was offered beginning in 1992, upgrading the base Formula car with a ZF six-speed, Brembo brakes, and an aluminum driveshaft, among other amenities. By 1995, the cars had a composite hood, special alloy wheels, and a functioning cold air intake; a performance exhaust package was optional. Production was limited to a few hundred per year. This 1995 Firehawk is available for $12,000 or best offer here on eBay, and it’s located in Findlay, Ohio.

The engine is GM’s ubiquitous 5.7 liter LT1 V8, good for about 315 hp and a swift 5.3-second 0-60 time (MotorTrend’s numbers, not the factory’s). Top speed hovers around 160 mph. SLP provided a stiffer suspension as part of its package, helping to keep the Firehawk on the ground – in fact, early cars had a reputation for brutish handling. Unfortunately, this example has a four-speed automatic gearbox; the first owner paid $775 for the privilege! The car is said to “drive amazing”.

The odometer reads just under 80,000 miles, but the interior remains in decent condition with no rips, tears, fading, or scratches apparent. The door seals look soft, still, and the rear seats appear unused. Leather upholstery was offered at extra cost, but the original owner here opted for basic velour cloth. He did check the box for a five-way adjustable driver seat, and an option group that dished out power windows, mirrors and door locks. Nice!

The seller is the second owner – financial circumstances are forcing this sale – so the original window sticker, SLP documentation, and the two original keys are still with the car. Brand new, this Firehawk cost about $31k. Today’s asking prices seem to hug the mid-$20k area, but not many cars are finding new homes at those prices. This spiffy, race-or-road ’95 was bid to just $9000 at Mecum’s June sale – kinda wish I’d been in the room that day. As an addendum, SLP is still around after being purchased by Roush Performance in 2013, selling parts for Corvettes, Camaros, Firebirds, even GM trucks and sedans.