Pontiac produced 4 models of the second generation Firebird – the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am. This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 is painted in a gorgeous early 1970’s Lucerne Blue but was originally Code 11 Cameo White. It is listed for sale here on Ebay with 24 days remaining. The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer. The car is in fair condition with some rust showing in the rear quarter panels and trunk area.
The second generation Formula was designated as a Formula 350, Formula 400 or Formula 455 depending on the engine it was built with up until 1974. In 1975, only the Formula 350 or Formula 400 were produced. This car came from the factory with a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, so it is designated as a Formula 400. The L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine was the highest performing engine available in the Formula and the standard engine in the Trans Am. In 1974, a buyer could order the Y Code 455 or Super Duty 455 engine in the Formula. The L78 400 engine was rated at 185 horsepower and was the base engine in the Trans Am from 1974-1978.
The interior of the car is optioned with the custom trim group which came with upgraded seats and door panels. This Formula 400 appears to also be optioned with the Rally Gauge package, air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering, rear defrost, power locks and an AM/FM radio. The interior looks stock and the dash is not cracked which happens on just about all older Firebirds. The seller does a good job of describing the pluses and a few minuses of the car.
This car would be a great driver and looks clean without the rear spoiler. The car rides on factory 15×7 Rally II wheels. The car appears to be missing the plastic trim piece between the grill and bumper. I don’t know if they make this part and offer it in the aftermarket parts marketplace. Besides the problem noted with the rear axle, this car could be driven while being restored.
Never thought I’d say this. This car looks naked without a rear spoiler.
I like the simple and pure appearance. Blue and white look fresh. Lots of options for the discriminating buyer. Would be a nice find and a great price of history.
Nice car, but for the rust.
How does the trunk floor rust without other problems? (i understand convertibles leaking into the trunk, and cars with vinyl roofs, but this? do these rear windows leak?)
Yes they do. Water accumulates at the base of the rear window, under the trim due to condensation, if parked outside, so does dirt/dust. It never dries and eventually rusts through, the water then gets trapped under the trunks rubberized mat causing the trunk to rust, it’s like creating a sauna when parked in the sun. Even in California, this is one of a handful of places that typically rust, all are associated with debris of some sort that then causes rust when you repeatedly add moisture.
Steve R
Hey this one looks interesting, and affordable. For sure a closer pre-inspection is required, but this might be a great candidate to just fix a few things, drive and restore as you go, during the off-season.
Seems in good restorable shape, hopefully someone will give it the love it deserves
So the problem with the rear engine mentioned towards the end of the article was not mentioned prior, so I wonder what the issue is? Also the HP rating of the 400 Pontiac is Not 185 in 1970, that’s the least w compression low emissions HP rating of the 74.
This is what the eBay description provided by the seller reports:
“Engine runs good but would benefit from a tune-up and carb rebuild…..also right rear axle bearing needs to be replaced….”
Hope that helps! 😊