With the Second Generation Firebird entering its final year of production in 1981, Pontiac marked time on any upgrades as it prepared for its successor’s introduction the following year. One item gone from the buyer’s Wish List was the 400ci V8, which last saw the light of day in 1979. This 1981 Firebird breaks the mold, with the seller slotting that iconic V8 and a four-speed manual transmission under its tidy skin. It has a few minor needs but nothing that should prove beyond the average enthusiast in a home workshop. The Firebird is listed here on Craigslist in Sandown, New Hampshire. Hand the seller $19,000, and you could drive this baby home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting it.
The history of this Firebird is unclear, but it makes a positive first impression. Its Autumn Maroon paint shines impressively, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. The gold stripes and decals are more subtle than you find on a Trans Am, adding a classy air to this classic. The matching honeycomb wheels further accentuate the impression, with the hood scoop instilling a sense of purpose. The paint looks virtually flawless, with the chip-prone nose showing no significant problems. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the decals are crisp. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t mention issues in their listing. Dust and water leaks should not be a concern following the recent installation of new door and trunk seals. There is no plastic deterioration, and the tinted glass looks excellent.
Classic cars from this era developed a reputation for deteriorating interior trim and plastic, but this Firebird isn’t bad. The condition is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle with no rips or tears on the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces. It is missing its ashtray and factory radio, but sourcing the correct parts online shouldn’t be challenging. Due to changes across other aspects of this Pontiac, the buyer might ignore originality to fit a more modern stereo. The interior features a tilt wheel, and while the seller has a replacement steering column, fitting it will fall to the new owner. I am unsure whether the car features air conditioning, but the buyer receives power windows as part of the package.
The seller supplies no engine photos, which is a shame considering what resides under the hood. The most potent option for Firebird buyers in 1981 was the 301ci V8 pumping out 150hp. This was teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission to produce a ¼-mile ET of 18.5 seconds, although Trans Am buyers could select the turbo V8 that slashed the time to 16.2 seconds. Many modern four-cylinder vehicles would have shown this Firebird a clean set of heels, and the seller didn’t want to suffer that humiliation. Therefore, this beauty now houses a 400ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The specifications are unknown, but it is safe to assume that the driver will have significantly more than 150hp at their disposal. The seller recently installed a new Holley carburetor, a new radiator, and five new tires from the good folk at BF Goodrich. They state the engine is strong, the transmission is smooth, the Firebird drives well, and there are no mechanical issues. That suggests it is a turnkey classic needing nothing but a new owner.
This 1981 Pontiac Firebird won’t appeal to purists, but it could prove hard to resist for anyone seeking a tidy driver with a dash of Tabasco. Its needs are minor, and addressing them would be satisfying. It should provide its new owner with years of classic motoring pleasure, which is the most crucial aspect of the ownership experience. It might not have the cachet of a Trans Am, but do you find yourself drawn to this frisky Firebird?
Into that for less than a used Civic? If I was in the market I would be on my way to get it. That is a really nice condition car that I would restomod and enjoy the heck out of it.
Another take some better pics.car and at least pop the hood and give more info about the trans ,engine and rear end… sheesh. From what I see it looks ok but who knows. Vague description too.Can’t really price it with info and pics given. Would be worth 19k if it’s really nice being a 4 speed. Nice color though imo.glwts.
Removing that boat anchor 301 is the only way I’d even think about an early ’80’s Trans Am. The seller did the next owner a huge favor.
Buddy had the turbo, thing about turbo gotta idle for a minute when you shutem down or the bearing gets fried his was so, every time it hit 85 it shut off!! My 79 400 auto ran rings round the turbo a 4 gear would be nuts fun as hell auto crazy nuff lol 305😟
Personally, I like the auto trans in my muscle car. Easy to drive, car has plenty of power. Mild to wild and back again, press and release of the throttle..
The wheels are plastic. The metal frame is internal. Although incorrect for this car, very cool wheels at the time.
So, like hubcaps?!?
The honeycomb rims aren’t plastic they’re metal with rubber coating on them. Way to much for a non Trans am car. Even though they are trying to make it look like one with the hood being a later model Trans am hood.
I never could get used to that ugly snout on these Firebirds ; the previous one was a beauty !
I like the fact theres no screaming chicken on the hood.getting rid of the 301 a very good decision.it was the about the worst motor ever made by pontiac,turbo or not.
Actually the Turbo 301 wasn’t a bad engine. It had more power than the Corvette and if you tweaked the waste gate it would do even better. With a 5 speed and the 3:23 rear it would have done much better
On another note, I did snap the crank on a 301……. that was due to the previous owner never changing the oil
Far from a matching numbers car,Pontiac 400s where last seen in 79 as Pontic had depleted its stock pile.They replaced all firebirds with Oldsmobile 301 or turbo.
Oldsmobile never made a 301. It was a Pontiac 301.
Don’t understand. Thought it was claimed the most potent was the 301ci at 150hp. Then it mentions a turbo V8 shaving over 2 seconds off the quarter mile. Wouldn’t then the turbo V8 be the most potent option?
Anyway nice looking car, engine photos would have been a bonus.
I had one with the 301. Without a doubt the biggest POS I ever owned, and it was only 5 years old at the time. Not just the motor but the interior, suspension and body fit and finish. I’m sure 37 years haven’t done it any favors.
with the exception of the going back to the dust it was born from steering column (oh, so, 70s and 80s GM), this is one nice bird. Totally custom made, but nice. The shaker hood was a no go for a base model, let alone those sexy blacked out taillamps. Regardless, so happy someone has kept it alive, the gold wheels are a nice finishing touch on this tribute firebird. Someone please give it a nice home and take care of it