I’ve long been of the opinion that everybody should own a Firebird at least once in their lives; it’s a rolling embodiment of “cool.” As an extension of this concept, it’s hard to go wrong with a second-generation Firebird, especially a sporty Formula. The 1975 model, shown here, benefited from some new upgrades, including standard HEI, radial tires, and a new wraparound rear window that certainly created a stir upon its introduction (although I prefer the earlier backlite myself). This example is being offered on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio, with no reserve and a current high bid of $14,200. It’s advertised as garage-kept, rust-free, well-maintained example of a car that many of us would be happy to own.
The Formula was offered with two engines in 1975, a 175-horsepower 350 four-barrel or a 185-horsepower 400 four-barrel. The fender emblems should make it clear which engine this one has, but they have been replaced with standard “Firebird” badges somewhere along the way, and the seller does not give us any idea in the advertisement. I zoomed in on the cylinder head in this image, and it’s a “6X”; because of this, I’d guess it’s a 400, although some 1975 350s apparently used these cylinder heads as well (although based on my research, it’s more likely that a 350 would have 5C heads…perhaps Pontiac experts can give us their opinions in the comments). In reality, both engines will be similar in acceleration, but let’s be honest, we want it to be the 400. Either way, it’s backed by a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350, the only automatic available starting in 1975 due to the new catalytic converter, which took up quite a bit of undercar space.
The Formula’s interior is in amazing condition, but aside from optional (and working) air conditioning, this car seems to be lightly optioned; it does not have the rally gauge package or clock. It’s tough to see in this picture, but the new owner may have to deal with the fuel gauge/sender; it’s pegged well past full. As the owner of a ’74 model, I know that that isn’t how it’s supposed to work.
In case you were wondering, it’s easy to spot an air-conditioned Firebird, not only by the center vents in the dashboard, but also because there are no “air” knobs or inlets on the kick panels.
The Formula has a set of Rally II wheels, which look great on almost any Pontiac; Firebirds in this era used bright trim rings.
The paint appears to be “Honduras Maroon,” which is a nice shade on this beefy Firebird. The seller doesn’t include any undercarriage pictures, but they do mention that it is “just as impressive as the rest of the car.” Aside from the unpainted “filler panel” under the grille (commonly cracked on 1974-75 models and readily available as a reproduction), there’s little to criticize regarding the exterior. While a 1975 Firebird is not the most valuable example of the nameplate, any Formula will bring a solid price, especially when it’s a nice one. So far, so good for the seller; it will be interesting to see the final bid.
Same eBay seller has another Formula for sale, a ’74 with what appears to be the 400 engine with factory RAM AIR intake, AC, but no power windows.
This seller seems to find very nice cars and doesn’t gouge on pricing. True No Reserve EBay auctions are almost unheard of these days.
At least on these types of cars.
Very nice Pontiac here with the 400 auto and air. Nice weekend cruiser here with no aftermarket add ons and the price seems right.
It’s going to be relatively pokey, since in ’75 “unleaded only” was required and these engines would have been detuned. The malaise era was upon us! Still, I like these cars up until when they got the square head-lighted snout. If I had this car I’d pull that EPA lump and install a pre-’71 400 V8, to return the muscle it was meant to have.
Sharp-looking car. Splitter exhaust tips weren’t used back in 75, but they do look good if you aren’t a purist about it looking original.
Bruce Johnson 🎤
Very clean and neat I have always had a great love for the Formulas they stand out and have a find out if you want look about them nice car
I actually prefer the Formula over the Trans Am. Not as busy looking. I bought an 89 Formula Firebird brand new that I wish I still had (of course).
Nice looking and understated Firebird. Clearly owned and appreciated for years. Good equipment for transport rather than the stoplight derby. Aftermarket radio seems to be the only change from stock. Hope the preservation continues.
good looking bird. looks to be a base model. shame it doesn’t have the tach & gauges
Looks like a very nice Firebird. Enough talk about “malaise era” already, and no there is no proper “Malaise Era” btw, as even many writers here seem to think there was. This is a driver’s car that was clearly appreciated by its owners and that should continue. If you want more oomph, the 400 can accommodate very easily. Nothing wrong with a few mods here or there if that is your priority. If not, that is OK too. Drive and enjoy. Not every car needs to be a factory screamer to be worthwhile – rant out.
No complaints from me, Jason. My ’74 Esprit has a stock 350 two-barrel.
1975 Formula Firebird…My first car when I turned 16 in the early 80’s. Sick car to drive in High School for sure! Sold it then bought another one 25 years later. Still have it. Showroom quality. Love these cars!
I have always been drawn towards the 1st & 2nd gen Firebirds over the Camaro’s. Their body lines just seem to blend much nicer, even when they have the front and rear spoilers, and the dual snorkel ram air hood really looks good. Just put the tach in the gauge cluster instead of on the hood. I drifted more towards the 3rd gen Camaro because of that long front end with the raising and lowering head lights they put on the Firebirds. I like it and think the price is reasonable.
To each one’s own. I find almost no Firebirds cool. Didn’t then, don’t now-
The car looks nice… but, if it wasn’t for the hood, the rear spoiler, and the ad stating ‘real Formula’ you wouldn’t think it was a Formula. No Formula steering wheel, no tach or gauges, no Formula graphics, no PHS documentation, no VIN, and car pulled early from auction prior to sale for some reason.
More likely a ‘near formula’, but a nice clean Firebird dressed up with a Formula hood and spoiler at the time it was repainted, exhaust tip splitters added and an engine swap.
The Formula model did not give you the gauge pkg or Formula steering wheel. Both were options. The dash is correct including the wood grain.
Good point Nelson, it may have been a low spec formula, do not know if it was a Formula 350 or 400 since the ‘Formula 350’ or ‘Formula 400’ emblems are not present. Cannot imagine why someone would remove those emblems and replace with ‘Firebird.’ Maybe the front end got hit, or maybe there was rust in both front fenders and the front clip replaced.
No reserve, but you can pull the car from auction prior to end if unsatisfied, or even just not follow through with the sale after the end… eBay.
The Formula Steering wheel added so much to the car in my mind. I would look to upgrade.
Had a 75 Esprit when it was about 2 years old. Really liked and enjoyed it. I put big n little Rocket Stage 1’s on it back then. I really liked that look.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Jan 9 at 4:28 PM because the item is no longer available.”
Hey there, it disappeared because I bought it at an agreed price. It’s nice – just like the ad stated – not a show car but a quality driver. Definitely plan to keep it original looking (it is a U-code Formula), although I may add additional Formula items such as upgraded steering wheel, decal stripe, etc, and rebadge it with the missing Formula 350 emblems. I am ordering the PHS docs for it now and hoping it may have originally had some of these options. I’ve had some first gen Firebirds, but this is my first 2nd gen – can anyone point me to the best 2nd gen Firebird website or forum? Thank you!
Congratulations, Winston!
I’ve had pretty good luck with the Performance Years forum:
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/
Nice to get to the bottom of the 350/400 debate!