Here’s a nice surprise, a second-generation Pontiac Firebird that isn’t black and “Eastbound and Down”, it’s not a Trans Am and there’s no sign of a screaming Chicken anywhere in sight. Nope, this ‘Bird is a first-year, second-gen example wearing a more upscale “Esprit” trim level and it’s mostly unmodified. And after many years of the same ownership, it’s now looking for a new home. Found in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, this 1970 Pontiac Firebird is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $8,100 with twenty-seven bids tendered so far.
The seller mentions, “I had plans to make a Trans Am clone, but after 10 years, I decided to sell it since I’m just too busy to get to it” That seems like a fortunate turn of events actually – there’s not enough of these non-muscled up versions left and I think we are collectively doing alright in the Trans Am department. Being a 1970 model means a mid-year introduction in February of that year and appearance-wise, a pretty radical departure from the ’69 model. Mechanically, not so much so but aesthetically, it appears as a much different car than its predecessor. And the long hood is not an illusion, a ’70 Firebird is about eight inches longer than the ’69 version. Models for ’70 included the Base, Esprit, Formula, and TransAm – all two-door coupes, no more convertibles.
This particular example was purchased new by the seller’s uncle and he acquired it in 2006 after it had been parked for about twenty years. Some back and forth with another family member got this Poncho parked in a tent about ten years ago but the tent gave it up and it has been exposed to the dry southwest climate. It looks it! The Endura nose piece is well cracked and the Polar white finish is chalky but there’s no sign of rust – not unexpected for a car that has spent a half-century in either New Mexico or Arizona. The seller adds, “It has a dent in the driver’s door and a little dent by the tail light. Passenger side paint is cracked where the mirror is“.
Originally powered by a 265 gross HP 350 CI V8 engine – and that motor is still in place, but the two-barrel carburetor has been replaced with a four. It is claimed that this Firebird, “…starts right up and runs great“. As expected, a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission handles all things gear-related. The original carburetor and intake manifold are included in the sale.
The interior appears about how you would expect that of a car that has spent years in the southwest heat and sun – it’s a bit baked looking. The seating upholstery is split, the door panels are sagging, there’s a dash-topper in place, probably hiding a cracked dash pad, and the instrument panel and steering wheel are delaminating – for lack of a more appropriate description. It is mentioned that this Firebird is air-conditioned but the compressor was removed during the intake manifold swap. It’s included in the sale but getting it all reconnected, and charged, will take time and money. With an open system, the evaporator and condenser may be done. The entire interior environment is not terrible though, and F-bodies, Camaro and Firebird alike, can have their innards reconstituted pretty easily.
What does this Firebird have going for it? It’s rather original and the one-family aspect is encouraging. It runs and drives and doesn’t look too dowdy – the Cragar S/S wheels help on that front. It’s not without its foibles but a non-muscle car version of a pony car is always worth saving, methinks, how about you?
Sitting out in the weather –during rains and hot heat and no rust? Pull back on the carpet and rubber mat in the trunk. Bet you ,ll find it. On each side in the trunk .Is 2 pieces of fiber. To stop things from falling down beside the quarter panel. Take them out and put you hand down it it all the way .Fell water. ? GM put rubber plugs in behind them under neith. They will fill up over time. The back window at the bottom will build up dirt and cause rust. Pop the chrome off and you,ll see it more then likely. The shape its in and no more work then has been done to it–its a good bit over priced—–unless he had the work done at a over priced garage, I have one in alot better shape–new tires,front end,rebuilt motor,new tank,brakes –etc and I don,t have over $4,000 in it———heat does cause sweat and rust
Early Gen 2 Firebirds that haven’t been turned into T/A or Formula clones are rare now. This one looks reasonably unmolested and restorable, and it’s an Esprit with A/C. It’ll make a nice car when restored.