Let’s face it, black paint on any second generation Pontiac Firebird improves its chances of a sale. This car is kind of an assemblage of parts both old and new. It is a 1981 Pontiac Firebird Formula with a 1977 Firebird nose, aftermarket wheels and 1970 GTO 455 cubic inch V8 engine. The car is listed here on eBay with 4 days remaining in the auction. It is being sold by a dealer and the bids have reached $5,600 and the reserve has not been met. The Pontiac Formula is located in Parkville, Maryland.
The interior of the car is used and about right for a driver condition second generation Firebird. Pontiac offered the Firebird in 4 models – the base Firebird, the Esprit, the Formula and the Trans Am. The Formula could be optioned with the performance suspensions and engines of the Trans Am but it was more subtle and not as flashy as the Trans Am. This car has the optional deluxe interior that came with improved seats and door panels. The interior is relatively new with a new headliner too. The gauges are said to be in working order except for the tachometer.
Under the hood, the original 301 cubic inch V8 engine (per the VIN) was replaced by a 1970 GTO 455 cubic inch V8 engine that reportedly produces 360 horsepower. The engine is backed by a GM Turbo 400 automatic transmission that has a shift kit installed. The car rides of 17 inch aftermarket wheels that resemble Rally II wheels that came in 14 inches and 15 inches from the factory. The wheels are wrapped in P255/50R/17 Hankook Ventus tires.
The Pontiac Formula looks sharp even though it may not be factory correct. The decals look aftermarket but it is a running, driving second generations Firebird. The suspension is said to be restored with new springs, shocks, bushings and ball joints. The power steering and brakes have also been replaced. The car originally had air conditioning from the factory but it was not reinstalled after the engine modifications.
I’m more of the typical keep it stock kind of guy. But I have to admit, whoever built this had their vision of their ultimate build in their mind. They found an 81 got a 77 front end clip, got a nicely built 455 out of a 70 Goat, and I honestly must say, the aftermarket Ralley II rims looks really good on this Firebird. I like it, a lot. And whats nice about it, he didnt make a fake 77 Trans Am with a screaming chicken on it, he kept it a Firebird with a Firebird hood from the looks of it. And lets face it, black Trans Ams are all over place for sale, but I think theyll find a buyer for this one pretty easy.
I’m reminded of that Johnny Cash song. This is a hodgepodge of many different years of Tin Indian. Not my cup of tea, but it’s creative.
I would have held out for either the 70-73 or 74 nose
With the 75 up rear window, that wouldn’t look right to me
Yes….this is flipping cool!
This Frankenstein of a Firebird seems to have been put together fairly well, I must admit. At least the seller is upfront about this car being a 1981 Firebird but I would’ve liked to see the proper graphics or emblems for a 1977 Formula to make this restomod look more authentic. And I agree with Driveinstile; I’m glad the restomodder in this case didn’t do another Trans Am Bandit clone.
This was a good build . Took a much less desirable 81 and turned it into a better looking and much better performer. Congrats!!
I think it’s fantastic. As long as the reserve is 10k or less. I’d be a buyer if lived closer to the dealer.
Good luck finding a driving , complete car under 10K
Seriously? Lol
This car is not hard to look at and that power train has got to be lots of fun. I like it as it sits.
The wiring under the dash could put the fire in this Firebird.
I bought a 81 T/A in 1989 with the 301,t-tops and 89,000 miles I was 18,I had it 6 months and got in a mild low speed head on,I parked it for 2 years and bought a 77 parts car and used 1 fender,windshield,core support and nose piece,I pulled the 301 and built a 355 sbc for it,400 trans,put a set of aluminum centerline wheels on it and a 355 posi,it was pushing 300 hp easily,mild cam,650 holley that car was for the time pretty respectable in the go fast dept,needless to say about a year later my son came along and I sold it….
Not sure what to make of this. I definitely like the ’77 nose but do not care for the Trans Am vents on the fenders. I do think the wheels look really good but do not care for the Formula lettering on the fenders and the rear. Love the fact they got rid of that anemic 301 and put the 455 in it although living in Texas and getting older I wish it had a working A/C. I would also try to get the 455 numbers off the top of the air breather lid-I think they look terrible. Overall though I think it would be a fun car to run around in as long as the price doesn’t climb too much higher.
Sadly, one of the 4 TA’s I owned was a 1980 with the 301 … asked a speed shop guy what I could do to get more out of it. He said “put a 400 in it”. Car was a sloth. This one, with that GOAT 455 would be a whole lot of fun. I like it.
Appears to have possible head gasket issue . However, an LS3 would make this ride the ultimate Formula !