Pontiac’s Formula brought unique styling to the fourth-generation Firebird. Muscular and less flamboyant than the Trans Am, the Formula might pass for a V6 to novices, but the high-powered LS1 will surprise anyone testing that mistake. This one needs some body work, but sports a tidy leather interior, the aforementioned V8, and a six-speed manual transmission. No-leak T-tops, according to the seller, air conditioning, and more make this 2000 Firebird Formula in Clifton, New Jersey a tempting 2+2. Thanks to reader Mitchell G. for spotting this claimed 21,000 mile classic. Check out more pictures and pictures on this $12,000 buy here on Craigslist.
Luscious tan leather on deep bolstered seats invites a mellow knuckle-dragging cruise or serious two-lane corner carving. With two overdrives, sixth gear might get you 30 MPG on a level highway. If it’s not already eliminated, you’ll want to kill GM’s ridiculous skip shift that takes you from first to fourth unless you hammer it every time for a proper 1-2 shift.
Who knows what’s under that body filler, but credit the seller for showing it outright. I’d rather weld metal into a car than pay for an immaculate leather interior, so this wouldn’t bother me much.
The now-venerable 5.7 L (246 cid) LS1 took over from the small block LT1 starting in ’99, and sits rearward to help the F-body’s weight distribution. When my buddy Michael showed up to change the plugs on his ’97 Chevrolet Z28 I said, “Dude; half your engine is under the dashboard.” Though not standard on all 2000 Firebirds, the Formula came with ABS as seen here.
I’ve ridden back here and, to be honest, I’d rather not. In comparison, I’ve sat for hours in the back of my ’89 Mustang and, unless a speed bump sends my head into the roof, the Ford does just fine. Only children and tiny willing victims should be shoved into the back of a fourth-gen F-body. That said, you know you’re in a sports car when driving this Formula; their low-slung design and road-holding are a class above my LX 5.0. When it comes to classic cars, it’s hard to go wrong with a V8, stick-shift pony car. Can you picture yourself cruising in this LS-powered six-speed Formula?
*346 cid.
Nice one. If l bought it and that bodywork is smooth I’d paint it and hit the road.
Something feels off… the seat wear and lack of peeling on the steering wheel say 21k miles but that engine bay and paint fade shout 121k. I have a ’95 with about 100k and the outer bolsters on that driver’s seat wear quickly no matter how carefully you slide in and out.
I could be seen in this…but I would think the body work and paint should knock the price down a just a little….
Inspect closely