While it may not have the cachet of a Trans Am, this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit is a tidy survivor. It retains its original paint and has a genuine 28,000 miles showing on its odometer. There are a few minor flaws, but its presentation is good enough to allow potential buyers to select preservation over restoration. The seller has listed the Firebird here on eBay in Chester, New York. Bidding sits at $5,600, which is below the reserve.
Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range received a facelift for the 1977 model year. The most obvious change was at the front, with the car featuring a new grille and headlight treatment that provides a more aggressive appearance. This car’s first owner elected to order this Firebird as an Esprit in Cameo White with Black and Tri-Tone Blue accent stripes and Rally II wheels. The seller states that the paint is original, and close inspection reveals a few cosmetic flaws. None are severe, and the new owner could leave the exterior largely untouched. The most significant shortcoming is a dent in the passenger-side door. It could be a candidate for one of those paintless dent removal companies, although addressing the problem without compromising the car’s survivor status should be possible if it is beyond that point. The seller states that this beauty has been garage-kept throughout its life, helping it avoid the penetrating rust that sometimes plagues these classics. The underside shots reveal areas of mild surface corrosion, but none appear ready to cause the new owner nightmares. The glass and trim are in good order, as are the wheels.
The White and Blue theme set by this Firebird’s exterior continues when we cast our eyes over the interior. The presentation is surprisingly good for the car’s age. There are some isolated areas of yellowing, and a couple of minor physical imperfections. Otherwise, the vinyl and carpet are in good condition, as are the dash and pad. The seller indicates that the factory air conditioning only blows cool and may need recharging. The AM/FM radio works when it wants to, but locating a replacement on one of the usual online auction sites should be possible if it proves beyond repair.
We’ve reached the point where some readers will instantly dismiss this Firebird. Don’t go searching for a V8, because the first owner ordered this Esprit with the 3.8-liter V6 under the hood. They teamed that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, adding power-assisted steering and brakes for an effortless driving experience. Pontiac continued to position itself as the performance marque within the General Motors empire when this Firebird rolled off the line, but with only 105hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, this Firebird won’t be fast. There is scope to improve the situation, courtesy of an engine transplant, and that approach would be understandable. However, this numbers-matching beauty is in good health and has a claimed 28,000 genuine miles on the clock. The seller doesn’t mention the existence of verifying evidence, so the figure must be taken at face value. On the positive side, the buyer can enjoy this classic immediately while considering whether to compromise its survivor status with an engine upgrade.
This 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit is an attractive vehicle, and it appears to have no significant immediate needs. Its rust-free status is positive news, and its overall presentation is above average for a survivor of this vintage. The sticking point for some will be the motor, because it’s undeniable that a V8 would increase its desirability. Recent sales results suggest that it will probably struggle to top $10,000 when the hammer falls, even if the odometer reading is verifiable. However, if you are searching for an affordable turnkey classic with iconic looks, you could do far worse than this Firebird.
Fix the dent, change out the tires to blackwall or white letters and add a spoiler would make this Firebird perfect. Leave the rest the way it is for a perfect Sunday cruiser.
Love the white on white with blue accents. Too bad we can’t get colors like this anymore.
This was known back then as a “secretary sports car.” This is a class of vehicles that doesn’t exist anymore. And if you are under 45, you probably don’t even know what they are.
While this is cool , I definitely see this as having limited market appeal as the author observes. Unlike the muscle pony cars , there’s just really no market for this in 2025.
Yes, this is a really pretty car. See it as part of a his and hers family.
Car had tons of bids and went for over reserve so there is a market. This car is a stunner.
Really needs a V8.
no it just needs a turbo. can you say GNX… that dent is a crease , metal is to far stretched most likely will not come out . you would be better off trying a dent remover that’s been in the business 10 to 15 years. that would be a master dent remover…
I agree too put a period correct 350 or 400 in it and it will be a sleeper.
I have a feeling this car will do much better $$ than people might think. A very close cousin to the big dollar Trans Am.
It is still a great Firebird and the white on white is beautiful and period perfect.
While the engine is a throwaway in my book, there would be nothing wrong with leaving her exactly as it is and cruising with a big smile.
If that’s not enough: Take your pic of any modern injected GM drivetrain, just do a proper/install. Do it right and make it look factory, not some fast and furious butcher install………
I just made a bid on it and would love to own it. Does it have any of its original paperwork from the original owner?
The fastest production car for 1987 was the Buick GNX, a limited-edition model based on the Grand National. It could accelerate from \(0-60\) mph in under 5 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars on the market that year and faster than many rivals, including some Corvettes.
The best car to come out of the 1980’s the 1986/1987 Buick Grand National. A Corvette beater for sure.
Would enjoy reading the history of that one owner. Guessing it was a woman? Great find.
That would be a good guess, or a tennis playing dandy or something.
😂😆😂
Nice looking car. I have to admit I gasped when I saw that V6, but on second thought, it’s better left as is, unless someone wants to spend the money on a V8, and there goes the originality of the car. A unicorn, I think.
Beautiful Sunday driver. Haven’t we seen this recently. I seem to recall the nice condition and distinct lack of features.
I see a repainted car. There are multiple reasons for this. The simplest thing is the visible overspray in the wheel wells.
A.G.
Good catch. I didn’t notice that and it’s pretty obvious now that I looked at it again. As long as they stripped all the old paint off and prepped it right it should be OK. I have seen where when new paints go over old single stage paint cause spider cracks. Had that on a ‘77 Camaro Z/28 and that really sucked. Paint checking is not good.
Plus it looks like there’s a lot of overspray on the cowl screen and the firewall.
I really don’t understand the slavering over originality. If it was originally a V6 so what? How is that valuable? Buy it and do what you like, but if you keep it a six don’t expect some dividend when you eventually sell it. GM churned out V6’s in the millions so it’s not like it’s rare.
no wonder it’s got those low miles. v6
Wouldn’t spin the (one) tire on an oil slick.
This car looks good from 15-20 feet away, but get upclose and it’s scary. I see rust and driving mishaps all along the sides of this Firebird. I would have to see it in person and take a thin refrigerator magnet with me,you know the kind a realtor gives out. Either it’s poor quality pictures or there is something to hide. This car has had a tough 28k.
Would be helpful if the selling dealer took pictures using a paint meter and also added a good quality video. I never could understand why anyone, especially a dealer, would not add good quality photos and videos.
Correction, the seller did have a link to a video that he provided in the seller comments.
Here is the video link https://youtu.be/4wzj9BEh7DI
Looks like the doors have had new skins put on or repaired
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Oct 31 at 11:11 AM because the item is no longer available.”