Pontiac offered the second generation Firebird, in several configurations including a base model, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am. The Formula model was differentiated by its engine size and was offered as the Formula 350, Formula 400 and Formula 455 in years where all three engines were available.This 1971 Pontiac Formula 350 is located in Palmetto, Florida. It is listed here on eBay and bid to $10,100. There is a Buy It Now offering of $46,995. There are 2 days remaining in the auction.
The 1971 Pontiac Formula could be ordered with a 350 cubic inch V8, a 400 cubic inch V8, a Y code 455 cubic inch V8, or the 455 HO engine. Pontiac built 7,802 Formulas in 1971 out of a total production of 53,124 base Firebirds, Esprits, Formulas and Trans Ams. Many enthusiasts feel like the Formula model was designed to be an understated performance car. It could be optioned with all the power and performance of a Trans Am but did not have the flashy looks.The seller states that this car has its original 350 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 255 horsepower. This engine has been upgraded with an aluminum manifold, headers and Holley 4 barrel carburetor.
The black interior looks to be in great shape. The exterior of the car is painted in its original Canyon Copper Metallic paint. In 1971, Pontiac offered full front bucket seats with no headrest compared to the prior year which had low back bucket seats. Unless the 3 spoke “Formula” wheel was optioned, Formulas were equipped with the standard steering wheel. The performance steering wheel was standard in the Trans Am. I have always found odd that the Formula didn’t come with the 3 spoke “Formula” wheel and replacing the skinny standard steering wheel was one of the first things I did when I bought my 1973 Formula 455.
The seller has had the car documented by PHS (Pontiac Historical Services). In 1971, General Motors started publishing net horsepower ratings instead of gross horsepower ratings with the goal of making insurance premiums more affordable for muscle cars. Net horsepower is an engine power measurement that takes into account all accessories, while gross horsepower is just the engine power alone and is typically 20% higher. This was the last year in which gross horsepower ratings were published; from then on, only net horsepower ratings were available.
Nice.
Nice car, hard to see it bringing $46,995.
Steve R
Wow this is a very nice period correct Formula. It takes guys my age back to that time when we look through these pics. Prior to my dad purchasing his 75 Nova, my mom, little brother and I found a 72 Formula 400 on a used lot the exact same color as this minus the vinyl top. The dealer was a family friend and allowed Mom to take it home overnight so Dad could drive it after work. He walked around it and scratched his chin, lifted the hood and stared at that engine and grinned. We then piled in it and drove from Glasgow, Ky where we lived, to Cave City to eat at Long John Silvers (Yes kids that was a gourmet restaurant in 1976) The trip was about 20 miles total and the Formula used almost 1/4 tank of gas along the way. Dad parked it and said “take it back” and that was that! Oh well, we tried.
The ’70-’73 Firebirds are arguably among the best GT designs of their era. They compare favorably with the Ferraris and Maseratis of the day. They were a definite step up from the ‘committee designed’ F-bodies of ’67-’69. I have always had a soft spot for the T/As up through ’81 with their flamboyant appendages and outrageous graphics but the early cars were truly something special.
The featured car is in great condition. I never was a fan of BVTs on these cars as they ruined the fluidity of the C-pillar for me. But overall it’s great presentation and most likely fun to drive. And to be seen in.
Badass
47k?……and not a 400 or 455?……Nope.
All that you said & no stick either. Nope!
Careful, Palmetto was hit by both hurricanes
I had a 1971 Formula 350 with a 4 speed. It was a decent car and came from the factory with a 2 barrel carb. Bruce, you are incorrect on one point, the net horsepower ratings came into effect for the 1972 model year, not 1971. Often the figures for 1971 are lower than 1970 but this is due to a lowering of the compression ratio, not a change in test method. It was in 1972 that manufacturers went from SAE test 20 to SAE test 1 to obtain net or more realistic figures.
Love this Formula but $40k??? Another Firebird over priced. GLWAS.
Bruce Johnson I believe PHS stands for Pontiac Historical Society not services. The vinyl top ruins it on this car and others as well IMO.
The 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 is a road car with a 350 cubic inch (5.7 L) V8 engine that produces 255 horsepower. The value of a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 can vary based on its condition, mileage, options, and history, but a good condition car with average specs can be expected to cost around $16,500… I STILL SAY ITS WORTH TWICE THAT BASED ON CONDITION. 33,000.00… I SAY IT LOOKS PRISTINE…
Love the frontend and the twin scoops of the Formula hood. as others have said, lose the vinyl top plus give me a 455 4speed and I am sold. I would hate to see what he would ask for one like I want, lol
Not sure why the trunk lid needs a strut to help support it – with such low miles.