This 1971 Pontiac Formula is bid to $4,550 with 3 days remaining in the auction. The car is being sold at no reserve and is listed here on eBay. There have only been 2 bids on this car. The 1971 Firebird, Esprit and Formula are easily identifiable from 1970, 1972 and 1973 models because, while they have the same front end, Pontiac added a fake grill behind each front tire. This car is said to be a numbers matching example but it is clearly a project. This Formula is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin.
The interior has seen better days. The faux wood grain dash bezel is still in place as is the base steering wheel. It is interesting to note that Pontiac called its three spoke performance steering wheel the Formula wheel. It was standard on the Trans Am but optional on the Formula and GTO. The odometer reading on this car states 85,266 miles. The car looks like it had a vinyl top at some point.
Pontiac produced the Firebird Formula in three models based on the cubic inch of the engine: the Formula 350, Formula 400 and Formula 455. The 350 cubic inch V8 engine was the low performer and produced around 200 gross horsepower. A buyer could select a 400 cubic inch engine which was designated as the L78 motor which is what is in this car. It was factory rated at 225 horsepower and was a popular option. If the buyer wanted the optional 455 cubic inch engine, they had their choice of the L75 455 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 325 gross horsepower or the LS5 HO 455 engine rated at 335 gross horsepower. HO 455 Formulas are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The seller states that he has the Pontiac Historical Services documentation for this Formula 400. The engine, automatic transmission and rear end are original to the car. The engine is not running but is said to turn freely and needs to be rebuilt along with the brake system and fuel delivery system. There is quite a bit of rust on the car and some of the panels are rotted away. The seller has the extra parts for the body work and is willing to sell them at an extra cost.
71 Formula 400 with A/C? Yep, she is salvageable.
Nice to see the safer factory steel pipe connected to the carb with no makeshift rubber hoses in sight.
This car has later model less shiny brushed trim rings.
Were NON power disc brakes of this vintage an issue for female drivers?
My male friend back in the day picked(& bought) a 4 wheel manual drum brake pinto over(instead of) one with manual front disc brakes – he said pedal effort was too high with the latter.
I’ve flung the power booster off every power-brake car I’ve owned since 1992, using the right master cylinder and corresponding OE parts. None of my girlfriends nor my ex-wife ever complained; one gal actually said the firmer pedal gave her more confidence that the brakes were working correctly after the booster vanished from my ’84 Fifth Avenue.