Pontiac reached its peak production of the 2nd generation Firebird in 1979 with 211,453 units built. A buyer had a choice of the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula or Trans Am. While the Trans Am received most of the attention with 117,108 units built, the Formula was also an attractive option. Pontiac produced 24,850 Formulas in 1979. This example is a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula located near Manassas, Virginia outside of Washington DC. It is listed here on Craigslist for $12,500. We appreciate Mitchell G. for sending us the link to the listing. The ad has been posted for 20 days. The listing states that the car has 56,879 miles on the odometer.
The seller does not list what engine this car has and whether it is original. However, being a 56k mile car, it probably has the original Pontiac 301 cubic inch V8 engine. In 1979, the standard engine for the Formula was an L27 301 cubic inch V8 producing 140 horsepower with a two-barrel carburetor. An optional L37 301 cubic inch V8 utilized a four-barrel carburetor and generated 150 horsepower. For California models, a Chevrolet LG3 305 cubic inch V8 delivered 133 horsepower, while the LM1 350 cubic inch V8 offered 160 horsepower at high altitudes. Another option was the Oldsmobile L80 403 cubic inch V8, rated at 185 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, which was available only with an automatic transmission. The highest performance option was the L78 W72 400 cubic inch V8, paired exclusively with a Borg Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission, WS6 suspension, and dual turbo mufflers. This configuration is rare and was installed in 367 Formulas.
The tan interior contrasts well with the Code 19 Starlight Black exterior paint. This Formula has the 62R1 Oxen Vinyl Standard interior. The car does not have many options other than air conditioning. The seller states that the air conditioning is working and the automatic transmission shifts flawlessly. A peak under the hood reveals that the brake booster is new and possibly the master cylinder. most parts under the hood have surface rust except the new alternator and the air duct that feeds the air cleaner.
The black paint is faded on the hood, roof and trunk. The car rides on factory 15×7 aluminum snowflake wheels and aftermarket BF Goodrich Radial TAs. Once the power steering leak is fixed, this car could be a good driver but there are some cosmetic needs.
12.5 is a bit stiff but it’s a nice one. i’m amazed that the plastic holder for the seat belt is still there, after a few years they usually broke off or crumbled with the u.v. rays. engine bay need some sprucing up but ain’y that far gone. a nice week-end of work will cure that. I’m saying 301 with a two barrel seeing the forward fuel inlet. big gap between the a/c and alternator smog pump got torn off i guess. with a bit of haggling it should find a nice home soon
156,000 miles?
Yes, or tampered odometer. Otherwise no explanation for low mileage and digits extremely misaligned.
1979 had the 403 in the TA didn’t start the 301 in til 1980.
Other than the condition of some underhood pieces, the LF fender and the alignment of the odometer this is a very nice Firebird. Light on options but a desirable car then and now.
If only this bird had the 400ci,4-spd and WS6 then I would be all in. Then I would do all the modifications DKM did on their Macho T/A’s. Except no paint or stickers. Now that would be a nice driver. GLWTS
Referencing the 1979 Pontiac facts sheet shows the 301-4bbl V8 with a 4-speed or automatic in all states except California. Probably a step down to reach out to all shoppers of the Trans Am.