This 1978 Pontiac Firebird Formula Hurst Hatch T-Top time capsule has been stored in a climate-controlled space and driven very rarely. It has currently reached $8,333 with 14 bids, and the reserve has not yet been met. A VIN is recorded in the listing, and the car is said to have a clean title. One of the unique characteristics is that the car only has 5,750 original miles. You can view more here on eBay.
Powering this low mile Firebird is a 305 cubic-inch V8 engine that is connected to an automatic transmission. The listing notes that the car does have air conditioning along with rear window defogging. While it might not be comforting to know, the listing also states that the belts and hoses on the car are all original. Even though it was stored in a climate-controlled area, it still might be wise to replace them.
Inside, the car supposedly smells like a new car. The seats are cloth, it has a vinyl headliner, and the carpets and dashboard are all in stunning condition. Something important noted is that the weather stripping is sealing properly. Leaking is something that the Hurst T-Tops struggled with since they were more of an aftermarket feature. GM started using Fisher for T-tops beginning in 1978, so this must have been one of the last Hurst.
The information in the listing and the photos provided seem to indicate that the tires are original and they advise not driving on them. Hopefully, they put on the other tires indicated before they did a dyno pull. It is a unique bunch of photos provided and it has the car in contrary conditions to what is suggested. Either way, it is a pretty cool car and depending on the price, it could be very worthwhile.
Nice ride!!
1 ebay pic shows a faded or stained hood, another does not. Odd.
Grand prix type luxury steering wheel seems out of place here.
Odd they would offer a 305 in a heavy 2nd gen FORMULA – i bet it would have been driven a LOT more if it had a 400.
Visually, i bet these tires LOOK better than many 8 yr old modern cracking all over the place tires.
I note that the results of the dyno pull are curiously missing.
The dyno is for the smog inspection. Part of the test includes running on the dyno at 2,500 rpm to simulate highway speeds. Measurements are taken at idle and at cruise speed.
Ah, ok, thanks. That’s probably for the best in this case.
Atleast there are high performance parts for the 305 chevy
Atleast there are high performance parts for the 305 chevy💪not much for 301 Pontiac💩
Nobody builds a 301, unless they want a custom anchor for their cabin cruiser, lol
Toss the chevy engine and put a Pontiac 400 in it
You would need mods. According to automobile catalog, this car would take 12.6 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour. The slowest vehicle Motor Trend tested last year, the Ford EcoSport, took 11.2 seconds.
Can you imagine getting your clock cleaned in something like this by that goofy looking little Indian-made turd? So despite the fact that this is so original, I think you would have to make some modifications, for pride’s sake.
Wow, another lo mileage Firebird and the week isn’t through yet. There must have been a lot of this going on in the mid to late 70s when gas prices shot up. That, or insurance rates went up just as the net horsepower ratings and real muscle accessories went down and out. Lets all say it again…low mileage, extremely low mileage…without updating the rubber parts and consumable things is just asking for trouble if you plan on driving these cars any great distance. Funny about the hood too. Guess it buffed out!
That’s a pretty car. A few hop up goodies on that 305, and you’re good to go.
Reading the description I can tell the seller received a stellar Cali education…
Lol yeah the ad probably reads the way he speaks. No big deal, you get the point of what he is trying to say.
Someone suggested pulling the 305 & dropping in a Pontiac 400. If you got the money for the transmission, motor mounts, all of the little trinkets that would need replacing, by all means then that is the way to go.
I would want to drive it asap & not be embarrassed by the (lacking) power of the 305. I think I would go with a crate 350 & dress it down with bits & pieces from this 305 so it would appear all stock. I just don’t think I would like getting blown away in a stop light war by a Hyundai lol.
The red body with black accents & interior scream “street warrior”. The 305 screams “neutered” lol.
If I had the money, I would buy it & enjoy it. They just don’t make them like this any more.
Everything looks correct, but is that over spray in the trunk photo? Didn’t the Formula had the turned aluminum dash like the TA?
Nope, only TAs had the machine turned dash.
Actually the Formula did have the turned aluminum dash but not until 1979.
Wow, interesting to know RH. I had a 77 TA and knew practically everything about them, then the 79s came out with the ugly front nose, and I lost interest in them.
nope wood grain on most formulas
One of the fast ones from My childhood/early teens. It’s any wonder why I was so taken by the cars built a decade before, that actually could get out of their own way and sound good doing it. Not raggin on this pretender, just amazed anyone would be interested in driving such a piece of……ummhmmm
most formulas came with the Esprit steering wheel, i had a 1977 Formula with the same steering wheel, it was due to so many trans ams being sold that being said they ran out of formula steering wheels. the 301 mated with the 350 turbo hydramatic was pretty fast, i never had any problems at all. the 350/350 same as camaro na!!the 400 would be awesome but heavier on fuel, ide like to find this 1978 red but with white interior..