This car may have 130,000 miles but it is said to be a great driver. Tony Primo found this 1980 Pontiac Firebird Formula listed for sale here on Craigslist in New Jersey. The seller is asking $10,000 and it not interested in any low ballers. One of my friends in high school had a silver Formula like this but it was not a T-Top car. What is odd about this car is not that it is powered by a Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 engine which was an option in 1980. The odd thing is that it has a maroon W50 lower body paint and a blue interior.
The 1980 Pontiac Formula offered buyers the choice of two Pontiac 301 cubic inch V8 engines, both with a 4-barrel carburetor. The standard L37 engine produced 140 horsepower, while the optional W72 engine delivered 155 horsepower. The L37 featured a 2:41:1 rear gear ratio, and the W72 had a 3:08:1 ratio. Additionally, buyers could choose a turbocharged 301 engine (LU8) with 210 horsepower or a Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 engine (LG4). Both optional engines were only available with an automatic transmission. The Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 engine was rated at 150 horsepower similar to the Pontiac 301 cubic inch V8 engine.
The blue interior is a little dusty but looks nice even though it does not match the interior. The Formula has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, power locks and an aftermarket stereo. The buyer of this car originally checked the box for T-Tops and the deluxe interior which came with upgraded seats and door panels. The exterior paint looks dull and the car would pop if the exterior was painted white or blue.
Of the 107,340 Firebirds built in 1980, 9,356 were optioned as Formulas. This car is riding on factory 15×8 aluminum snowflake wheels and aftermarket tires. The paint looks shinier in this picture. This is probably a nice driver. I have seen other Formulas with conflicting graphics so maybe this is all original.
Drop in a 350 and cruise
Thanks BJ for the write ✍️ up. Good information on powertrains and gears.
Keen eye as always by Primo 👍🤝
Not that it matters much on this well worn driver quality car, but those are C&C aftermarket T-tops. $10k is a fair price.
I think that’s a Pontiac engine, not a small block Chevy. Look at the placement of the breathers, they are in the center F to R, the location of the smog pump and alternator aren’t right either, then you can see a protrusion at the very front of the cylinder head that matches the profile of a Pontiac. Just because a seller says it has a 305 doesn’t mean it is. I worked at a place that sold a lot of performance parts, which generally had a more knowledgeable customer base than a generic parts store, people misidentified what they had so often we had a binder with pictures of different engines, carburetor, distributors, transmissions, rear ends and other components to verify the customer was working on what they thought they were.
I also do a lot of buying and selling at swapmeets, the level of knowledge you often encounter is shockingly low. But often leads to good deals when a seller didn’t identify what they have.
Steve
I have been working on my Durango lately Iwent to a chain type parts store I put the wheel cylinder on the counter I was shocked when the young guy behind the counter looks at it and says What is it I had to explain what it was
T-Bars usually mean cowl shake and leaks. Fun when new, miserable over time. I would have spent the money saved by not ordering the foolish roof, and put it into a better engine, and maybe a 4 speed.
A lot of regular mans cars up for sale right now. Are they trying to get out now when the getting’s good (rats leaving a rapidly sinking ship), or have they been stung already and need the cash now? You will see no drop in Ferrari or Porsche prices, just cars like these. Just ponder that boys and girls, and repeatedly, ask yourself, why?
Having read the last 3 posts by Jerry, BF has a new Debbie Downer.
Keeping your head in the sand is always the way to go. Try opening your eyes and taking a look around. The shy is not just falling, it is going to crush us.
I agree, Pontiac power. Location of alternator, shape of the valve covers. 301? 350?
Does anyone see a Chevy motor?
Pontiac 301….boat anchor