PRA4SNW found an amazing 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula for sale here on Facebook Marketplace. The car is said to have 31,000 original miles and is located in Florence, Kentucky. The standout feature here is the Polaris Blue (Paint Code 35) finish. This color looks great and highlights the Formula’s unique fiberglass hood with its dual integrated scoops. Unlike the flashy graphics found on other models of the era, the Formula relied on its “twin-nostril” profile to signal its intent. The body on this example appears remarkably straight, retaining the factory-correct 1976-only front fascia before Pontiac moved to the quad-rectangular headlight look in ’77. The seller is asking $13,500 and the car has been listed for about 3 months.
Lifting that scooped hood reveals the dependable Pontiac 350-cubic-inch V8. While the 455 cid engine in the Trans Am gets the headlines, the Pontiac 350 cid engine was the workhorse of the lineup, offering ample low-end torque for a spirited cruise. This engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, making it a “turn-key” candidate for local shows and coastal drives. The engine bay remains largely stock except for the aftermarket air cleaner and valve covers.
Inside, the cabin is a time capsule of mid-70s Pontiac design. The tan vinyl high-back buckets contrast well with the the exterior , creating a monochromatic cockpit feel that was a hallmark of the era’s performance style. The dashboard features the classic driver-centric layout, and while many of these cars saw their interiors hacked up for aftermarket stereos, this one feels largely unmolested except for the aftermarket gauges in the console slot. It’s the kind of interior that tells you the car was likely a “Sunday driver” rather than a strip-thrashed bracket racer.
There is a specific kind of satisfaction in finding a mid-seventies F-body that hasn’t been dressed up as a movie car clone. It sits correctly on its original honeycomb wheels, looking every bit the balanced grand tourer it was designed to be. This 1976 Pontiac Formula is a refreshing departure from the norm. Many enthusiast love the clean look of the Formula with no rear spoiler which was an option in 1976. At an asking price of $13,500, it offers a reasonable point into the hobby for someone who values the Formula’s understated aesthetic.
Love the no spoiler lines on these Formulas B.J. Thanks for the feature.
This is a beautiful Firebird. The Pontiac 350 and most likely THM350 are bullet proof. And makes for a nice cruiser. Looking at this kind of makes me wonder……. What if James Garner went with this gorgeous shade of dark blue??? I know he didnt have a Formula like this one, but still you can picture it. The Honeycomb rims looks great too. I enjoyed your write up Bruce and PRA4SNW, great find too!!!
I had one , same color back in the 70s that 350 Pontiac v-8 couldn’t get out of it’s own way – gutless
The listing says “other than that little rust spot” but from what I can see the driver quarter panel is shot, and who knows what else is rotted behind that. I love the style, the A/C looks to be intact, but you’re looking at $20K in body work and paint to bring this back.
My Formula had a 350 Chevy engine and that’s what this one looks to have to me. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.
This is a Pontiac engine. The accessories are in the wrong spot for a Chevy, the shape of the exhaust ports is a dead giveaway. Another telltale sign is the location of the valve cover breather, small block Chevy’s located towards the ends, Pontiac are centered.
Steve R
It only has 31K miles, but somehow has rust? How could a car, driven so little i.e., carefully, have rust? Something doesn’t smell right.
MAYBE A FLOOD ,,, BUT WAS CAUGHT B4 IT GOT TO DEEP
I actually prefer the rear spoiler look.
Clean and uncluttered appearance. Will still get a lot of looks.
I believe this is a regular Firebird with aftermarket hood.
This is a very nice car and will be a future collectible, although not perfect these are great cars and simply just a more prestige car than the Camaro.The honeycomb wheels are rare, paint color is appealing seems to be in a good price range if the mileage can be proven but the vehicle should still be checked out thoroughly