When the second-generation Firebird appeared at Pontiac dealerships in 1970, customers were greeted with a broader range of submodels to choose from than before, including the more luxurious Esprit. Although the exterior details became more modern-looking as this era of the F-Body continued on, it was still more minimalist back in ’73, before the rear window grew and the front end gained an extra pair of headlights. While I appreciate just about every year of the seventies Firebirds, it’s usually the earlier examples that catch my attention the most, and this 1973 Firebird Formula here on eBay seems to have plenty of positives to offer potential buyers. This one’s in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the current bid of $5.655 shy of the reserve.
Though the seller doesn’t tell us much about the past ownership history, he does share that this one was purchased new in Oklahoma, and we can see in the photos that it’s wearing a Georgia plate that was current up until 2023, so it’s been at least somewhat operational up until not long ago. The age of the paint isn’t revealed either, but given the amount of patina and fading, I’d guess it’s been on there for quite some time. The lower sections of the rear quarters look like they could use a little work, but overall, the sheet metal appears to be in very nice, workable condition.
The owner confirms that the Firebird is an all-numbers-matching example, but doesn’t specify which engine is under the hood. Fortunately, he provided a copy of the window sticker, and we can conclude from the letter M in the VIN that this one’s equipped with a 350 2-barrel V8. The car is reported to run and drive very well, with the fuel system recently serviced, including a carburetor rebuild. This one’s also got the optional TH350 automatic transmission, but no word on whether or not it’s been gone through.
We only get to see a couple of interior photos, and while it’s not perfect, most of the components still look pretty good to be more than 50 years old now. Even though the Esprit is the more upscale model, things inside appear fairly basic overall, but those front buckets do look comfortable. This is one of those cars that’s probably not far from being a decent driver without too much attention, but it also seems ripe for a repaint and taking to a higher level immediately. What would you do with this 1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit?
I would fix minor things and drive it. There’s nothing too special about the car, to invest large amounts of cash. It’s at $5655 and reserve not met. I’d say he has set a reserve of $15-$20k, which leaves little room for resto work.
Hopefully the reserve is closer to $10,000, we might find out in just under 3 days.
Steve R
Clean it up and enjoy it. I am sure they built a bunch of these, but here this one is!
Whoa, the temptation is great with this one. Kicked around the idea of a more highway friendly car than the Jeep, Trans Ams are too pricey, but this, a poor mans Trans Am could sure make that trip out to L.A. a bit more fun. Dang, I’m too old to be making these kinds of decisions,,,it’s odd how the Firebird appeals to me, yet a Camaro does not.
I always thought the 2nd Gen Firebird line was a better looking car, but when I was a young man, I couldn’t afford the Pontiac because, they always commanded a higher price.
My wife’s first car was a 73 Firebird Formula 400 with the same paint and upholstery as this one, but gas mileage was not good and sold it for an RX-7. I have missed that car ever since, finally tracked it down through Ca DMV records and unfortunately it got junked.
Seems to be in good shape. Clean it up a little more with a 4 barrel set up and dual exhaust and drive it. Price seems ok.