For most of its early years, there were four levels of the Pontiac Firebird that you could order. It began with the base Firebird, followed by the Esprit with a higher level of trim, then the Formula which introduced some muscle to the pony car, and finally the Trans Am which was all about performance and style. The seller’s 1979 Formula is one of nearly 25,000 sold that year or about 12% of overall Firebird production (the Trans Am was more than half thanks to Smokey and the Bandit). It’s mostly original and in nice shape though a new paint job would be nice. Located in Merrick New York, this ‘Bird is available here on craigslist for $11,500.

The Formula was for Firebird buyers who wanted more zoom but didn’t want the glitz and glamour of the Trans Am. Engines choices in ’79 began with a 301 cubic inch V8 with a 2 or 4-barrel carburetor rated at either 135 or 150 horsepower (one of these is in the seller’s car). You could also get a 305 V8 from Chevy, a 403 from Oldsmobile, and a Pontiac 400 for part of the run. Most Formulas departed the assembly line with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission.

This Pontiac appears to be a survivor-quality car (the quality part is because some of the paint isn’t original, and some of what’s left has a little blight accumulated over 45 years). The odometer reads 66,000 miles and the tidy condition of the interior suggests that’s a right-on number. From the sheet metal to the drivetrain, we’re told that no modifications have been made, and the car has never been in an accident. Everything seems to work, including the Pontiac’s AM/FM radio.

The seller says even the trunk floor is original, but it looks new and sports shiny black paint (perhaps they came that way back then, but I thought GM went in for grey trunks. Even with the imperfect paint, you should be able to start making the rounds at Cars & Coffee, skipping a new finish for now. Considering the car’s overall condition, the seller’s asking price seems fair in today’s market.