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21k Original Miles: 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula

This 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula proves that you don’t have to spend a million dollars to get your hands on a low-mileage classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It will cost you a whole lot less than that, and it offers the potential for some pretty respectable performance for a car that has clocked a quarter-century on our roads. Located in Meridian, Idaho, you will find the Firebird listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You can drive this one away by handing the owner a mere $11,500.

The Firebird is finished in Bright Silver, and the paint has held up well over the last quarter-century. Silver paint can tend to become oxidized and patchy if the car isn’t treated with respect, but this is a classic that has avoided that fate. It still holds a good shine, with no signs of any problems or issues. The panels are straight, and all of the plastic and trim is free from cracks or other potential problems. The smoked glass panels for the T-Top are in good order, as is the remaining glass. The alloy wheels show no evidence of curb strike or staining, while the only non-original component is the radio antenna. This was replaced after the original one was snapped in a car wash. As the owner says, “Oops!”

The ’95 Firebird showed that manufacturers had clawed back a lot of the performance ground that had been lost during The Malaise Era. The Formula is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 that should be pumping out 275hp. This V8 is backed by a 6-speed manual transmission, while the car comes equipped with power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Point this classic at the ¼ mile, and the journey should be over in 14.3 seconds. Couple that power with advanced aerodynamics, and this Pontiac should eventually run out of breath at 158mph. Those figures could never be considered to be shabby. Another aspect of these advances that proved interesting was fuel consumption. A 1980 Firebird would struggle to produce 150hp and achieve a fuel consumption figure of 15mpg. This car has far more power at its disposal and should easily top 20mpg. Those differences are quite profound and graphically demonstrate how technological advances can dramatically impact vehicle performance. The Pontiac has a genuine 21,000 miles showing on the clock and still rolls on its original tires. The owner says that it runs and drives perfectly, and the V8 sounds sweet burbling through its dual exhaust.

The seller is this Firebird’s second owner, and it seems that both parties have treated the car with respect. There is a small seam separation on the outer edge of the driver’s seatback, but that is about the only flaw to be found inside this classic. A competent upholsterer should be able to fix this, and I would be inclined to tackle it before it can deteriorate further. The charcoal leather on the seats looks supple and inviting, while the remaining trim, dash, and carpet are all in excellent condition. Besides dual airbags for safety, this is an interior that comes equipped with plenty of creature comforts. As well as air conditioning, there are power windows, power seats, power locks, power mirrors, cruise, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium CD stereo with controls on the wheel.

This 1995 Firebird proves two things. The first is that American manufacturers had rediscovered their mojo when it came to the question of extracting respectable performance from a V8 engine. The second is that it is possible to park a classic high-performance car in your driveway without spending a fortune. This is a car that needs little, and the asking price is very affordable. The proposition becomes more attractive when the vehicle in question is a low-mileage and unmolested survivor that has been treated with complete respect. That sums up this Pontiac and makes it a car that is worthy of a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve R

    Very nice car at a reasonable price, both buyer and seller will do well.

    Steve R

    Like 9
  2. Avatar Jcs

    Nice job Adam.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Skorzeny

    I think this one is the deal of the week here. Low miles and a manual, plus great price. And how fast do you want to go? You have a lot of options for more HP. Sure it’s not from the 60’s or 70’s but I know I would have fun with it.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Ralph

    Nice car and great write up Adam. Although not a fan of these, it certainly will make a new owner happy. Be sure to keep an eye on the T-top gaskets. As a Pontiac tech in the 1980’s I earned most of my income adjusting and resealing the factory T-tops on these. The cars would literally leak brand new as they came off the car transporter. The saddest part for me was that once you were able to stop the water leaks, all it took was a couple of times going over a driveway entrance, or rough pavement to loosen the tops up again, and the leaks returned. Structural integrity was a “concept” then, not a reality. Always felt sorry for those who ended up buying the T-top models. A no win proposition.

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Ike Onick

    Seems as if you would have a tough time finding a better $11,500 car.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar JCA Member

    I like the clean, base model sleeper look on this car. Usually these look like something out of a Transformers movie with all the ground effects and multiple scoops and stickers. But this one could easily be mistaken for the 6 banger/auto model that you usually find. Perfect

    Like 8
  7. Avatar MoragaPulsar

    I love pop-up headlights, but these look particularly menacing for a errant night-time pedestrian.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      Yep, especially the ones dressed mostly in black and staring at their cell phones. I would consider sharpening the tips.

      Like 1
  8. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Yeah, not a good idea to take these through automatic washes.

    I tried doing that to my ’99 Z/28 and the attendant stopped me and told me that the tires are too wide and the car is too low = damage almost guaranteed.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Miguel

    Do you guys really think this is a good price? there are a lot of these cars out there for lower prices, but probably not a manual.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      Then we agree it’s a good price? We don’t need no stinking automatics.

      Like 1
  10. Avatar David Wood Jr

    I had one almost just like this new. Mine was black. I beat on that car with no mercy for a few years and it never once failed me. I mean I was 19 and this was my first new car. Hit the local strip when it still had the dealers gas in the tank. Consistent 13.8 car…..great memories.

    Like 0

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