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4 Speed: 1978 Pontiac Firebird Formula

Lynn Anderson sung “I never promised you a rose garden” in 1970 which came to mind when I saw the description of this car and then saw its condition. This 4 speed Martinique Blue 1978 Pontiac Formula sounds great on paper but in reality it is a project in need of a buyer with deep pockets. We appreciate Larry D for bringing it to our attention. The car is listed for sale here on eBay and is currently bid to $2,500. The car has not met its reserve and there are 4 days left in the auction. Located in Rockmart, Georgia, the Pontiac Formula is a true 4 speed car that has been sitting for a long time.

The original engine is long gone and has been replaced by a Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 engine that was reportedly taken from a 1973 Z28. The story is that the car was owned by a gentleman who let his son drive it and promptly swiped a guard rail. The car has sat under a shed since 1992. The seller states that he has been trying to buy it since 1993. The car was recently started and has a rebuilt Rochester Quadrajet 4 barrel carburetor but it is not roadworthy and will need to be towed or transported to its new home.

The custom interior is trashed with ripped seats and a cracked dash. It looks like it will need a complete restoration but the seller says the floor pans are in good shape. The odometer shows 56,000 miles but the car shows that was road hard and put up wet. The car needs a new windshield and it has some surface rust in addition to the repair work needed to the front passenger fender and door.

The Pontiac Formula was introduced in 1970 and has always been the little brother of the Trans Am. However, a buyer could always order the same engine and performance options on the Formula as the Trans Am. This car sits on rusted aftermarket wheels and worn out tires. Hopefully this one is salvageable and can be returned to its former glory.

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    This one’s going to need a lot of love, and depending on how high the reserve is will determine whether it sells or not. It has a lot of rust perforation. I wonder if the “Aeroback” 442 in the background is available?

    Like 5
    • Avatar Rick

      That 442 is what prompted me to open this link and see who else was more impressed with that car than the “headliner act.”

      Like 3
  2. Avatar Steve R

    The high bid seems about right, assuming the transmission is a Super T-10 and not a Saginaw. That car is beat to death and the sellers description has more than a few holes, he probably should have taken the money and run.

    Steve R

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Dave

    It is trashed hard haha. a nice car to slowly restore, and It should go for short money

    Like 0
  4. Avatar CCFisher

    Forget this dirty, dented mess. I want the 442!

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Kenneth Carney

    Looks like the car Jerry Reed drove in the movie Hot Stuff with Dom DeLoise
    and Suzanne Pleshette. Great movie!
    As for this car, it’s not worth much IMHO.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Bill Hunter

    No longer available.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar NovaTom

    Sooo …. been trying to buy it since ’93 just to flip it?

    Like 5
  8. Avatar W72WW3

    Looks like a Mom andUncle Dad car…wait!!do I hear banjos in the distance???

    Like 4
  9. Avatar Scott

    The seller should be grateful that someone has bid $2500 on this car, and cancel the reserve. As for the bidder, I believe it was P.T. Barnum who first coined the phrase, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

    Like 2

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