Second-generation Firebirds have developed a strong following in recent years, and original examples are getting harder to find. This 1980 Pontiac Firebird Esprit, now listed on craigslist, is presented as a one-owner survivor with just 68,000 original miles and a clean title. Thanks for the tip, Rocco!
Under the hood sits the 3.8-liter V6 paired with an automatic transmission. While it’s not a V8 Trans Am, the seller describes it as delivering solid performance and confident highway manners, noting it easily reaches 80-plus mph. For many enthusiasts, the Esprit models represent a more refined side of the Firebird lineup, offering classic styling with everyday drivability.
The seller emphasizes that this car is all original and retains its original paint from new. It’s described as being in nice condition, complete with unique decals that reflect its period identity. The mileage, 68,000 original miles, is highlighted as a major selling point, along with the claim that the engine is original as well.
Inside, this Firebird features bucket seats and working power windows, with both sides reportedly functioning properly. The seller even points out that smaller details like the windshield wipers and cigarette lighter are in excellent working order. For buyers who appreciate original, unmodified cars, those little touches can make a difference.
The listing positions this Esprit as a “true jewel” and a “blast from the past,” suggesting it has been preserved rather than restored. With one-owner history and relatively low mileage for a 1980 model, it’s being offered as a clean, straightforward classic rather than a project.
As always, potential buyers will want to verify condition and details in person, but based on the description, this Firebird appears to be a well-kept example of a late second-gen F-body. Clean title, cash only, and no trades, this one seems aimed at someone ready to step into classic Pontiac ownership without a lot of extra negotiation.
The real question is: would you keep this 68K-mile Esprit as a preserved original, or start adding your own touches to this piece of 1980s Pontiac history?
That hog nose ruins what would otherwise be an attractive car. I wonder if the stylists were on crack when they designed that snout?
James Garner agreed – he stayed with the 1978 Firebird for this reason through the end of the Rockford Files in 1980.
I read that somewhere too..Also, one of James’ set cars went on auction and brought a pretty fair price.
@Terrry – Here’s one of the Rockford Firebirds that was used on the show featured on Jay Leno’s Garage:
https://youtu.be/UzodibRsNu0
I remember reading they wanted to make the headlites hidden.
It’s clean but it needs all the power it can get with the upside down air cleaner lid and chrome tail pipe.
They were horribly strangled with EPA garbage too.
6,8K seems to be a good price for this one- even with the sluggy V6
James Garner drove new Firebird Esprits for the ‘74-‘79 seasons of Rockford Files. However, for the 1980 season, he made them use ‘79s, because he hated the front end treatment on the ‘80 models.
The 1979, and 1980 Firebirds had the same frontend. So the 1977, and 1978’s are the more attractive Firebirds that you’re referring to.
looks clean except for the cracked dash. the buzzing 1/2 dozen kills it though. talk about slow then if you turn on the a/c it really slows down.
At least this is reasonably priced. I have seen a lot of high prices for run of the mill 70s-80s cars lately with same type of miles (some featured here of course). I bet $5k brings this home.
If I bought this car i would leave it the way it is. Sometimes it is nice to see a car just the way it left the factory no matter what engine is under the hood. It looks like a nice weekend driver.
Already gone. Great deals disappear fast!