There are countless reasons why a classic might hit the market, but the saddest is undoubtedly when its devoted owner passes away. That is the story behind this 1974 Pontiac Firebird, a car featuring an upgraded V8 under the hood. Don’t be fooled by its seemingly tired paint, because the seller states that it is rock-solid and ripe for refurbishment. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting the Firebird listed here on Craigslist in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The seller has listed this classic on behalf of the deceased owner’s mother, and handing over $8,000 could allow you to take this Pontiac home.
When we examine the mechanical upgrades and the hood fitted to this Firebird, it appears that the owner was attempting to create a Formula 400 Tribute. This is an interesting approach because the rarer Trans Am would have, on the face of it, been a more obvious choice. It is worth noting that there are plenty of Trans Am Tributes kicking around, and a Formula 400 would stand out. The best place to start with this Firebird is its paint, which appears to be an amateur effort that leaves a lot to be desired. However, with the panels fairly straight and the seller describing this Pontiac as solid, it seems stripping away the paint and minor steel massaging is all that stands between this car and stunning presentation. The Firebird retains most of its trim that looks respectable, and there are no visible glass issues.
The first owner trimmed this Firebird in White vinyl, a decision I have always considered brave. If you are unsure what I mean, it is worth scrolling through the listing images to ascertain the deterioration and yellowing. The pad is also cracked, the radio is missing, and the compressor for the factory air conditioning is AWOL. Therefore, a complete retrim would be the only option, leaving the buyer with decisions to make. Following the faithful approach would produce stunning results, although pale trim doesn’t appeal to everyone. The new owner could throw caution to the wind with a different shade of vinyl or could opt for cloth to achieve a more luxurious feel.
The seller indicates that this Firebird rolled off the line equipped with a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. The impact of emission regulations was apparent when the first owner took delivery, with the 350 producing 170hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. A ¼-mile ET of 17 seconds won’t set pulses racing, but this classic could eventually top 120mph…just. Those facts are largely irrelevant because the 350 has made way for a 400 of 1977 vintage. Its specifications are unclear beyond the confirmed upgrade of the Edelbrock carburetor. This motor generated 185hp and 320 ft/lbs when fitted to a ’77 Trans Am. The improved breathing may have unleashed a few additional ponies, placing a low-16-second ET within its grasp. The seller indicates that this car recently received a new fuel tank and sender unit, but the buyer faces a long list of relatively minor tasks to ensure it is in excellent mechanical health. The first will be to replace the tires because they are out of round. The remaining items can be tackled at the new owner’s leisure because this classic runs and drives well.
It is hard not to feel a lump in your throat when confronted with a car like this 1974 Pontiac Firebird. It needs a lot of work to present at its best, but the changes made provide insight into its former owner’s goals and vision. Addressing the issues mentioned in the listing would be an excellent and affordable starting point, allowing someone to enjoy the improved performance of its V8 engine while they contemplate their build strategy. This project deserves finishing, but are you up for the challenge?
I’ve never liked those hoods. Passenger door looks way out of line. But I’m not going to buy it anyway. It does look to be worth 8K though. I would inspect it thoroughly before buying.
The Formula hoods were real ram air hood and also were light, they were made of fiberglass. Not that many of them were around so they are highly sought after.
I paid a tidy sum for an authentic one yesterday
Actually, the Formula twin scoop hood was heavier than the steel Trans Am hood. The choice to make it out of fiberglass was not for the light weight, but for the fact that they had to use fiberglass to mold the scoops on the hood. In ’76 they went to a metal hood and the scoops were integrated into the hood. The Formula hood was originally meant to go on the Trans Am, but with the other muscle car manufacturers offering a ‘shaker’ hood on their cars, GM management dictated that the Trans Am got the shaker hood. It remained functional until 1973 when they were blocked off from the factory.
When the Formula was introduced, the hood scoops were functional. However, as years passed, the functionality became optional with the openings blocked off. ’74 was the last year functional scoops were offered as an option, WU3, and of the 14,519 Formulas built that year, only 1,478 came with the special air cleaner with the rubber boots attached to the hood.
The ’74 is a unique year. Last year for the small rear window; first year for the urethane bumpers; last year for non-catalytic exhaust; only year for the seatbelt interlock ignition. Many one year only parts. I just finished restoring my ’74, Buccaneer Red w/ factory Ram Air, so I know what a pain it can be for find the correct parts. Love it still.
The hoods were about 20 lbs heavier than a steel hood… they were thick!
Love the early factory formula hoods!!!!
Robert Bush, it’s odd that you could get ram air with the formula hood in ’73-74, but not with the shaker, except on the ’74 gto – which was standard on the latter! Ironically, all ’73-74 sd-455s had sealed shakers – even on the formula, which was the only formula that got the shaker hood.
Luckily, the ’73-76 shaker can easily be opened up & IMO, it’s better it be open ALL the time to reduce or eliminate ping with partial throttle going up steep hills on low octane gas.
I like Formula hood better than T/A, IMHO..
My least favorite 70s Pontiac steering wheel. Here’s the sleeper starter once you ditch the hood.
I’m Basically a mooPAR guy but I have a fondness for these,I had the privilege of driving a couple Biggie block transAMs and formula 400s , at the body shop I worked in during highschool and shortly after,And respect them immensely,also a friend bought a 74 formula 400 for 800 bux that was traded in at of all places a Volvo dealership by a young man who was looking for a more family “Friendly” car sadly,it had Wipped out cam and we put in a Racer Brown 3/4 grind as that was the only cam he’d run, and it REALLY ran WELL after. the cam didn’t pull enough vacuum to allow the Turbo 400 trans to properly shift but the “Internal” governor overcame that eventually.It also wouldn’t generate enough vacuum to effectively support the power brake booster and you REALLY had to stand on the brake pedal!!!!!We changed the vacuum modulator on trans and cured that problem however.The 4 speed cars of this era were truly unsung heroes and would kick SERIOUS ass especially on the highway,To the next buyer..have a blast with this cool car and seriously consider a 4 or Five gear conversion
This car is at least priced better than the 1968 fastback green mustang!!