Pontiac offered the second-generation Firebird in four distinct models: the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula, and Trans Am. While the Trans Am gets lots of attention, the Formula offered a more sedate appearance. It could usually be ordered with the same performance suspension and engine options as the Trans Am. This example is a beautiful 1979 Pontiac Formula with the small V8 and automatic transmission. We covered this car about two months ago and it is still for sale but at a lower price of $19,495 here on Craigslist. It is located near Portland, Oregon and the ad was sent to us by Curvette. This car’s odometer is said to read 56,532 miles.
The seller states that this car has the 4 barrel L37 301 cubic inch V8 engine. In 1979, Pontiac offered the Formula with an array of V8 engine options, catering to a spectrum ranging from economical models to high-performance variants. The standard powertrain was the L27 301 cubic inch V8 delivering 140 horsepower. Optional engines included the L37 301 cubic inch V8 with 150 horsepower, and for California markets, the Chevrolet LG3 305 cubic inch V8 producing 133 horsepower or the LM1 350 cubic inch V8 rated at 160 horsepower for high-altitude applications. Additionally, Pontiac offered the Oldsmobile L80 403 cubic inch V8, generating 185 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (automatic transmission only). The most powerful and exclusive option was the L78 W72 400 cubic inch V8, which was paired with a Borg Warner T-10 manual transmission, WS6 suspension, and dual turbo mufflers; production of this model was limited to just 367 units. The engine compartment on this example is super clean.
The light blue vinyl interior presents as expected for a 56,000-mile vehicle. Some fading is visible on the seat backs and door panels, most likely due to sun exposure, which was common with this lighter interior color. Also the driver seat looks bent. I can’t explain why but it stands out compared to the driver side front seat. This Formula model is equipped with power windows, the Custom Interior option, and the WS6 handling package. The WS6 package included four-wheel disc brakes.
The spoiler on the 1979 Pontiac Formula was optional by checking the RPO D80 box on the order form. This car was also ordered without the W50 graphics package. Pontiac built over 211,000 Firebirds in 1979 and 24,850 of these were Formulas. I have always liked the clean lines of this car, especially in Code 29 Nocturne Blue.
Nice car. If you look closely you can see that the driver’s seat back is put on backwards and the upholstery put on what is the back of the seat normally. Weird.
Very odd. Seat belt loop on wrong side of seat… or is this a passenger seat?
Weird for sure. You’d be amazed at the things people do to their cars and act like it’s normal.
Nice Firebird, and a great color too. I like it without the wing and stripes. These days, I’d be just fine with a Pontiac 301 4 barrel. Very clean.
Nice looking car, I like the color combo. It’s not perfect, but would make a nice driver. At first I thought Ugg, a turtle powered 301, but thinking about it, this would be an upgrade to all the turbocharged 4 cylinder trash being offered by todays manufacturers.
Sharp looking Poncho. Thanks BJ. 👍
Nice looking car for sure, and I especially like the color. 1979 was in the heart of the malaise though, and I cringe at all the V8s offered that could barely get out of their own way. And none of them offered even decent fuel economy. If originality isn’t your thing, this car could be made to come alive with an LS swap. My own fantasy for one of these is to stick a reconditioned high compression 389 or early 400 under the bonnet.
I coudn’t choose which one:
Spoiler Alert, There isn’t one.
No Spolier alert., Yes really there isn’t one.
I think I need more coffee, that’s all I’ve got right now. (I wouldn’t be suprised if everyone said “nope neither one”)
Fred, I should have you write my titles!
Thanks Bruce, I’ll take that as a complement. Nothing wrong with your titles. I’ll just slip in my feeble attempts at humor when the occasions arise.
The second generation F-body was such a organic shape that the spats and spoiler, though purposeful, only clutter its perfect lines. Interesting combination of the 301 and WS6 package. Great colors and looks well preserved. Nice Pontiac all around.
Kinda weird combo of suspension package with low hp engine. But upgraded engine in the future takes care of that. Do I hear LS guys foaming at the mouth??
This is a well maintained example, i love it. Is it me or is something icky about the seats. Please talk to the upholsterer
Beautiful color combo. Pretend it has a 403 or a 400.
Finding the 301 under the hood is what spoils it for me!
Good one Primo. Not even a rear spoiler would make it worthwhile.
It’s a good looking car, great color, lack of rear spoiler makes it more unique.
The price seems aggressive for a 301, it could find a buyer, but the Formula is a performance package, a 400 or 403 would be a better fit and make easier to sell.
Steve R
nice looking bird. i think the dealer statement of ” powerful performance” having a 301 v8 is a bit of a stretch
I have always loved the deep dish snowflake rims! 8 in, I think? Nice car.
Well, it definitely looks better than the other one on here.
I have seen this car before . the dealer wants to much it . The 301 is kill the sale at this price. I think $12000 is about right. over all good looking car