The seller’s ad says “Don’t let your dream slip buy (sic) you!” Well, the only dream that may slip by is the seller’s dream of getting $6,000 for this 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350. This project car is listed here on eBay with five days remaining in the auction. The car is currently bid to $1,703 based on 20 bids and the advertisement has a Buy It Now Price of $6,000. The Formula 350 is located in San Martin, California and is a roller with no engine under the hood.
Starting in 1970 with the introduction of the second generation Firebird, Pontiac offered the Formula model for the first time. This car was one level below the Trans Am but could be equipped with the Trans Am suspension and engine. This car was not equipped from the factory with any of the three engines offered in the Trans Am in 1974. A buyer could choose from the Formula 350, Formula 400 and Formula 455. The engine designation determined what model and badges the car was produced with. This car was a Formula 350 and came with the base engine available in the Formula model.
The interior is filthy but is all there. The dash is cracked and while this car was ordered with air conditioning, it was not equipped with the gauge package. The dash is cracked but the car still retains the base steering wheel. The 350 cubic inch V8 engine that this car formerly had under the hood was backed by a Turbo 400 automatic transmission which has been replaced with a Turbo 350 transmission. The car was apparently yellow with a black interior when new.
This project car is going to need a lot of work. Despite being in California, the car has rust in one of the quarter panels and possibly in the fenders. The car is missing the trunk lid and the front cowl under the front bumper. The fiberglass replacement for the front cowl is available but it doesn’t fit well. While I like an optimist, I think this car might sell for $2,000, if the seller will let it go.
“350 cubic inch V8 engine” Wow, it’s GOTTA be worth the money…oh wait, the engine is missing? Never mind.
Engine is missing. That’s why they’re only asking $6k. :)
I can’t justify 6k for a roller .. hell no. .for 6k it better have all the goodies.
I don’t know the book value but I think you’re correct in saying $6K sounds somewhat optimistic.
Their reserve is likely well over $2,000. Based on the sellers BIN, someone would be better off hunting down a nicer 70-73 Firebird and adding a Formula hood.
The Trans Am and Formula did not have the same suspension. Though both were upgraded above the base suspension, at a minimum, the Trans Am used bigger sway bars front and rear than the Formula.
Steve R
Would be a candidate for a better looking ’70-3 fiberglass nose – if such noses had the headlite supports built in(they don’t), like is shown above on the ’74 factory piece w/o headlites installed.
The aggravation of a heavy & always cracking orig ’70-73 endura nose just may not be worth the trouble & expense.
You could get a SD-455 in the Formula that year :)
Needs plenty-o-work. Hard sell at that BIN with no engine. Seller has a harsh reality in front of them but atleast it is a Formula and parts are plentiful. This one is savable but you would have to love the 74-76 model. There are many better options out there for similar price.
Dream slip away, looks like a nightmare on bad tires, I’m a Pontiac man, this car is worth 2 grand
Gives new(er) meaning to the phrase “roached out PROJECT.” Take a look at that interior with the added patina of snail trails, mold and stains. Yuk. Love what’s left of the painted finish though. If original. Good luck to whomever ends up with this heap.