Many enthusiasts prefer classics with a feature that helps them to stand out in the crowd. This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 ticks that box, courtesy of the dealer-installed T-top. This feature didn’t become a production option until 1976, making me wonder whether the owner at that point decided to add one when they discovered they were available. This classic presents nicely, features a healthy V8 under the hood, and is ready to find a new home. Located in Amityville, New York, the seller has listed the Firebird here on Craigslist with an asking price of $24,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this beauty for us.
While the Second Generation Firebird’s styling evolved during its production life, Pontiac introduced one of the most profound changes for the 1975 model year. It enlarged the back window so that it wrapped around onto the B-pillars. This gave the car a “lighter” appearance and improved rearward visibility. The first owner ordered our feature Firebird Formula 350 in Stellar Blue, with the seller stating that the paint is original. It doesn’t hold a mirror shine, but more of a warm glow that gives the car an appealing “survivor” look. The panels are straight, while the garage-kept history since Day One has allowed this classic to remain rust-free. It is unclear when the T-top arrived on the scene, but the lack of interior water damage suggests there are no seal issues. The trim and glass are in good order, and the Rally II wheels are excellent.
The first owner teamed this Firebird’s 350ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission for respectable performance. Since this is a Formula, variable-ratio power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. The engine produces 175hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque, with those figures almost identical to those quoted by Pontiac in 1972 when emission changes made themselves genuinely felt. However, compliance with safety regulations pushed the Formula’s curb weight up by over 150 lbs in the intervening years, negatively impacting acceleration figures. The news for potential buyers is positive, although the seller doesn’t mention whether they hold verifying evidence for their claim that this Firebird has a genuine 68,000 miles on its odometer. However, it runs and drives well, and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
This Firebird would have been a striking car in its prime, with the first owner teaming the exterior paint shade with an interior trimmed in White and Blue. The White vinyl has avoided most of the marks and “yellowing” seen on this trim type, although there is a seam separation on the passenger seat. It would be worth consulting an upholsterer because repair might be preferable to replacement. The door trims have been cut to accommodate speakers, and there is a hole in the dash where the radio should be. None of the problems are insurmountable, nor are they urgent. The dash is in good order, as are the pad, carpet, and faux woodgrain. It isn’t loaded with equipment from the factory options list, but the buyer will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning and tilt wheel.
This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 is a tidy survivor, but its T-top helps it to stand out from the crowd. Does it add anything to the car’s potential value? I don’t believe that it does, and it may even devalue it in the eyes of purists. That brings us to the selling price, which is fascinating in itself. Hagerty suggests it is too high, but NADA and recent successful sales results indicate that it is realistic. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on that question and one other. The Firebird has been on the market for around two days, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
If someone can snag for 24k seems well bought 🤷♂️
Sure does look like Fisher T Tops to me.
The paint looks really thin on the trunk and top of the rear quarter panels, it also looks like there is some rust through just behind the drivers rear wheel. It’s nice, but for $24,000 this would have to be my dream car, otherwise I’d keep looking for a better example or one with either a 400 or 4spd in similar shape.
Steve R
A friend had a ’79 Trans Am with the t-tops from American Sunroof Company (or American Specialty Cars by another name). He pointed out that he preferred the look as it went all the way across the roof instead of the factory separated roof. Not sure if I agreed with him then, but I do now. This is a nice looking car and the t-tops are definitely more elegant than the others.
These are C&C t-tops, not American Sunroof. ASC’s didn’t meet in the center of the roof. Also, highly unlikely that the dealer installed them. There were lots of trim shops doing aftermarket t-tops back in the day. These definitely add no value.
My buddy had a new 78 Z28 with Hurst Hatch. Wide center bar
Gasser.. I’ve actually had all types. Hurst is smallest glass, widest center bar. American t-tops have slightly larger glass, thus a smaller center bar. Fisher is the largest of the “rounded” glass t-tops with a narrow center bar. C&C t-tops actually meet in the middle with only a rubber strip separating the glass tops. C&C tops are “squared” on the corners. Those actually look better on the late 70s and early 80s Cutlass, Regal, GP & MC. Even though t-tops weren’t available pre-76 on F-bodies, the car in this ad would look more true to the era with the Hurst or ASC tops, both which were widely installed aftermarket around the country in late 70s.
I agree. I always thought the stainless trim stood out like a sore thumb, they don’t blend in say like factory GM glass did.
I’m tempted to be a wise acher and lob out the usual complaints we hear on this site but this is just too nice of a car.
Two quick comments: It IS overpriced, and the T-Tops will/do leak, guaranteed. I had the dealer install C & C T-Tops in a new ’77 Monte Carlo, and while it looked pretty cool and attracted a lot of attention, I had to have the carpets replaced in ’79 because of water damage. The shop that did the repairs said that they had never seen after-market T-Tops that did not leak eventually.
Its a very nice looking car. I think the T Tops detract from it because they were not factory. Just my opinion. Maybe he priced it like he did so he could come down some if some one made him an offer on it. I do wish him the best to trying to sell it.
I had a 78 Rally Sport Camaro with C&C T Tops and I added a lot of HP to my Camaro and LOTS of flex in the car even with welded in sub frame connectors and the T Tops only made this much worse, based on my experience tops like this hurt the more than help. I’d these are C & C tops parts are getting to be almost a dream!
@NelsonC
I’m not always negative. 🤣
I’d like it at 18,500