When a seller lists a classic and states it is a former trophy winner, many would expect to confront a car that sparkles like the crown King Charles III wore during his recent Coronation. They wouldn’t expect a sad and sorry sight like this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit Skybird. Life has been cruel to it since its show triumphs, and it has significant rust that may be beyond repair. However, if you are up for a challenge or are searching for a parts car, it could be the one for you. The Skybird is listed here on eBay in Apopka, Florida. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $2,550, with time remaining on the auction.
Pontiac unveiled the Skybird at the Chicago Auto Show in 1976. It was an era dramatically different from today, with the company making no secret that its target demographic was female buyers. It originally called the car “Bluebird” but came up against copyright infringement issues that prompted a name change to Skybird. The package brought Lombard Blue paint, color-matched aluminum wheels, and a unique graphics and decals set. This Skybird’s original owner purchased the car for his wife as a wedding present, pushing out the boat by adding a Hurst T-Top. It would have created a stir in 1977 and continued to do so into the 1980s. The seller found a “Best in Class” show trophy in the trunk from 1984, suggesting it led a sheltered life. The original owner parked the car in a barn in 1988, throwing over a cover for protection. That proved a fatal error because it trapped moisture that wrought havoc. The rust in its panels is the tip of a pretty nasty iceberg because the underside is said to be completely rotted. The Skybird rolls and steers for trailer loading, but if you hooked it up behind a tow truck, you’d need to paint it yellow once it bent like a banana! Steel to address the problems is available, but the potential value of this classic, once fully restored, wouldn’t justify the expense unless the winning bidder is passionate about owning a Skybird at any cost. However, as a donor, it is loaded with factory options that the new owner could transfer to another build.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but we know the original owner ordered it equipped with a 350ci V8, a TH-350 automatic transmission, and a Posi rear end. The Skybird was a considerably “softer” package than the range-topping Trans Am, but this car still would have utilized its 170hp to dispatch the ¼-mile in 18 seconds on its way to 124mph. If the news has been dismal so far, it is about to get worse. The car last saw active service in 1988, and there may be a clue why it was parked hidden under the hood. The seller says its engine runs but has one “spun” rod bearing. Potential buyers seriously considering a restoration must factor an engine rebuild into their budget. That goal is sounding less achievable by the minute.
This Skybird was a pretty spectacular wedding present, with its original owner going the extra yard to create something special for his new wife. The Skybird was based on the Esprit model, bringing comfort and luxury to the table. However, he splashed the cash on the optional cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a tilt Formula wheel, an AM/FM radio, and an 8-track player. These items remain in situ, and they, along with other trim pieces, could be transferred to another Firebird project. The dash, pad, and console are excellent, with the woodgrain gauge fascia showing no evidence of fading or lifting. The seats look surprisingly good, but considering the damp storage environment, I wonder whether they smell as good as they look. Somehow, I doubt it.
This 1977 Pontiac Skybird is probably beyond salvation due to its significant rust issues, but it could be an excellent parts car. It should also serve as a lesson to us all. When placing any vehicle into long-term storage, doing so correctly is vitally important. The approach of the original owner of this classic was far from it, transforming a show-winning stunner into a rusting hulk. If it ever sees active service again, I would be shocked. I think its fate rests as a donor, allowing someone to transform another Firebird into a Skybird clone. Do you agree?
This was a one time show car??????
I have been parking/storing my cars on styrofoam for decades , i have actually worked on cars in winter shelters and the styrofoam was warm and it stops moisture , doesn’t cost much either
How exactly do you do this? Thin house sheathing or thicker insulation panels? Just wondering how you keep if from being crushed by the tires unless you just shove a rigid 4×8 board underneath the car between the wheels.
Poppy: I’ve used this stuff under an above ground pool in NH and it holds the heat in pretty well. I had the same concern that the water weight would crush it, but I emptied the pool after a year and it was completely intact.
I’ve also used it on my basement walls for insulation and it does a pretty good job of that as well.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-FOAMULAR-NGX-Insulating-Sheathing-0-5-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-SE-R-3-XPS-Rigid-Foam-Board-Insulation-13NGX/315193939
That’s a great idea about the Styrofoam, sometimes a cover that doesn’t breathe is actually worse for moisture, it can’t escape and rots the car faster
Wow, if this is the trophy winning car after 46 years, I wonder what the wife looks like today!
Maybe she looks like Britney Spears, who used to have one of these.
I’ll bet the original owner picked that trophy up at a yard sale. Best of Show for a 7 year old chick car? Sure..
I’d give it the award for “The worst color that Pontiac ever put on a Firebird”
It was the height of the disco era. Many guys had leisure suits the same color as this car!
Sorry to admit that my wedding tux and Best man tux were this color. And yes, Wonderful Tonight was the dance.
I did!
My HS graduation pictures show me in a powder blue leisure suit – those were the days!
Not pictured: the platform shoes!
The closet also held a peach colored polyester beauty!
Sad that a former pristine car has resulted into a rust bucket only good for parts. Its a shame but thats how it goes when people dont know how to store a car properly. Hopefully the winning bidder has a firebird of this vintage and these parts will restore a Firebird to its glory!
Hey stop making fun of my suit—it will be back some day, along with the sherbet orange!
I would bet there’s a Bee Gees tape under those seats somewhere??
Was there a rat rod class in ’84?
Personally, I like the color. Pretty interesting package. What can I say, I guess I’m in touch with my inner disco queen.
She looks too far gone, though.
Did the owners pet Triceratops win its class at the local Dino show next to the car show?????
The Trophy is from the “Paul Lynde-Liberace North Hollywood Concours de Elegance” It won for “Best Paint and Bodywork”
“Best in Class”?
Man I’m glad I missed that show.Maybe it
was the only car in it’s class.
Even though the seller states that it needs a full rebody, they do their best to protray it as a car that should be rescued.
I’m not so sure that any of these special color ‘Birds are worth enough to spend the money that this one will take. If it needed some interior work and paint only, then maybe.
These looked good. The yellowbirds didn’t have quite as much panache, and the redbirds just looked like a regular red esprit.
Thought this should have had an engine turned instrument cluster insert instead of the wood grain??
This particular example, not much left here but hopes and dreams.
Former trophy winner…..now currently a rustbucket.save what parts you can and scrap it.i’ve owned two trans ams,a 76 400 auto and a 78 se 400 auto.when they’re this rusty outside you can count on being 10× the rust in total.being a t-top car didn’t help matters any.R-U-S-T a four letter word..#@$%&!!!!
Well i see after a month nothing has changed..it’s still a total rustbucket.worth only it’s sum total of usable parts,i guess the rust is free no extra charge?