This 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit is a roller which means it has no engine or transmission. It is listed for sale here on eBay with 5 days remaining in the auction. Pontiac produced 155,735 Firebirds in 1977 and 34,548 were the Esprit model. Pontiac offered the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models. This Firebird is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky even though the car is listed as a low mile Southern California car. It is currently bid to $3,050 and is listed at no reserve.
The car appears to be well optioned with a deluxe interior, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows, tilt steering, 8 track player and a Formula wheel. The odometer reads 27k miles and the interior appears to be in very good condition. The console is missing the console lid and transmission shifter plate but the dash appears to be uncracked. This would make a great canvas for a restomod or tribute car. I like the clean lines of the Firebird and would probably drop in a built 400 cubic inch V8 engine backed by a Tremec 5 speed transmission.
This was the first year for the new front end on the Firebird and it is quite striking. Some people don’t care for it but it continued on into 1978 and was a very successful styling. The base Firebird and Esprit had multiple engine options. The base engine was a Buick V6 but this could be upgraded to the new lighter 301 cubic inch V8 engine in 2 bbl or 4 bbl form. The 301 cubic inch V8 engine was the base engine in the Formula but was not available in the Trans Am until 1979. Pontiac could not keep up with production and introduced the Chevrolet 305 cubic inch V8 later in the production year. Two versions of the 350 cubic inch V8 (Pontiac and Oldsmobile) were also offered in the Esprit.
This Esprit is pained Code 19 black and wears Rally II wheels which are mostly likely 15×7 inches and black wall tires. The seller includes lots of great pictures of the underside of the car so you can see what great shape it is in. The VIN indicates that this car was originally equipped with a Pontiac 350 cubic inch V8 and 4 bbl carburetor based on the “R” in the 5th digit of the VIN. What would you do with this 1977 Pontiac Firebird Esprit to get it back on the road?
I think it’s an interesting model. My wife’s friend had a sky/baby blue Espirit with a V8 and T-tops. We all met up for dinner this one time and the friend had one or two drinks too many and asked me to drive her Espirit home. The friend was driven home by my wife in the Gran Torino.
I was impressed with the Espirit’s handling over the Torino’s or my own Cutlass. The Espirit had enough spirit to get away from a stoplight okay. The car was brand new and I’m glad to have gotten the chance to drive it a bit. It was as close as I’d get to a Trans Am or Z28 for decades. Every time I see a particular shade of blue I remember that Espirit and I get such a pang of remembrance. The Espirit certainly was a fitting car for a single young lady on her way up.
Was she a Librarian at Auburn circa 1980-1982?
No. She’d gotten in on the ground floor processing data. Made manager and became an actuary or something close to that. She’s doing well after recently starting retirement. Those were the days.
I’m willing to bet she was a good lookin chic to, seems all the hot ladies drove Espirits.
The interior is in beautiful condition. Overall the sheet metal looks solid. The second generation F body had interior that self destructed with too much time in the sun. The lower quarters and rocker panels started rusting from day one. That makes the condition of this one so unusual. What a perfect starting point for a fine daily driver!
Was that called blue bird edition? There was a yellow version also I think. Maybe I’m hallucinating, it’s been a few years.
Sky Bird. Had a decal a little behind each side window. I can picture the script.
It only needs new suspension and bushings , 4 wheel disc brakes , choice of injected engine and overdrive transmission, new wheels and tires and an interior redo
Its definitely a great start to a great car
I’d give her a good wash and wax too!
And about 25k. Lol
Don’t forget the center console cover!
Handsome model, no spoiler. I agree with BJ, hot 400 w 5spd stick.
Rockford would approve. 😎 👍
I’m thinking 455, new rubber and wash and wax. No body changes so she becomes a sleeper.
I would make it an old school hot rod/burnout machine. Hi-po crate motor , manual trans , traction bars keep front rims and deep dish center lines with wide tires in the back. Top it off with a Formula 400 hood.
I ordered a new 1977 white trans am after selling my 66 vette roadster 427 l bought before I left for Nam. Paid cash for it and keep both for 10 years.The Pontiac was a great road car but went through Ohio snow about as well as the vette. Then the kids came along. Loved those cars when I
was younger.75 now and all good memories. My Trans Am was white with red black and gray dragon on the hood. Very cool 😎
Super clean…
It’d be a great candidate for a Ford 5.0 Coyote swap.
Lots of fun at car shows guaranteed.