General Motors redesigned its two pony cars in 1970, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. But complications arose in getting the new bodies ready for production and the automobiles didn’t hit dealer showrooms until February of the new calendar year. The Formula 400 was a performance edition positioned below the Trans Am but was visibly different with its twin-snorkel hood scoops. This ’70 Formula has seen better days but could be worth restoring due to lower production numbers. Located in Ogden, Utah, this mostly inactive Pontiac is available here on eBay where it will be sold for at least $8,700.
The mid-season introduction of the all-new Firebird (and Camaro) often led many to refer to it as a 1970 ½ model. But all Firebirds built that year were titled as 1970s even though some of the dealers were marketing leftover 1969s as 1970s. Due to the late start, production numbers were low at 48,700 units, perhaps making that model year the scarcest in the automobile’s entire run. 7,700 were the Formula edition and – of those – only 2,400 had the 4-barrel 400 cubic inch V8/4-speed manual combination. We’re told this vehicle is numbers matching, so not too many of them are likely left.
Reading through the introductory paragraph used by the seller, the words are far more flattering than the photographs portray. Terms like “classic gem”, “lovingly care for” and “stunning blue color” all suggest a much more attractive vehicle is available. The Pontiac doesn’t run on its own, but we’re told if you pour gas into the carburetor, it will at least idle and sounds pretty good. The odometer is just shy of turning over, but the actual mileage of the vehicle isn’t known. The seller acquired it from someone who bought it from the original owner in 1987.
The car sits in a lot with at least one other Firebird of the same vintage. The body will need substantial work, including at least new rear quarter panels, tail and trunk pans, and the outer wheel-well housings. We’re told the floors and frame rails are good. The different colored front clip suggests that repair work has already been done and primer applied. The interior is pretty worn out, so the seats will need to be redone and the dash pad replaced, among other things. This looks like an ambitious project but could be worthwhile as only one out of seven Firebirds built in 1970 were a Formula 400.
Wow another insane price. I just can’t get a grip on paying in the 10k area for basically a VIN. Anything much over scrap price you’re doing them a favor. Concidering how much you are going to be throwing into the money pit.
I’m glad u said it I see these prices for basically junk no offense but unless you’re good at body work the electrical work will probably have to be redone interior has to be redone u basically have atleast 3-5 years into tearing it down to a shell then rebuilding everything top to bottom cause honestly who would do any different by that point it can’t be worth what time and money you’ve put into it just my opinion I guess
As a starting point for a 2nd gen F-body restoration, it actually looks pretty decent. Appears to be complete, comes with the original drive train, doesn’t look like it’s been in any major accidents, and the rust issues are pretty normal for these cars. On top of that the blue on blue will be a very attractive combo once it’s finished. If it sells for under $9k I’d say it’s well bought.
What? So 9 or 10k and another 50 thousand to make it look like it wasn’t done in a backyard by Joe Dirt. This will never be worth 60 thousand
I’ve said this many times on this site, not everyone buying a project car are unskilled and at the mercy of restoration businesses to bring said car back to it’s former glory and quite capable of doing things themselves for a fraction of the price.
I agree with Matt. The endura bumper and the hood appear to be in fair condition, the driveline appears to be all there and the glass appears to be good. This would be a pretty nice vehicle to put back together and back on the road. It won’t be cheap, but if you want one, I think this is a good starting point.
Every car 50 plus years old needs work. Do not let anyone tell.you otherwise. I recently spent $10,000 doing a mechanical restoration on my 50 year old Corvette. That’s doing most of it myself and a friend. And countless hours taking off rusted nuts, cleaning and putting back together. This Bird is a project, but could be worth it. Not as many Formulas as dime a dozen TAs.
Up to 9100 with a day or so to go. Inspect before you bid underside looks crusty in certain areas. say 10k to buy and another 20-30 to get it looking great and drive great at a minimum. Unless you can do all that work yourself. labor rates are through the roof across the country. Find a much better one ready to go for 25 k and call it a day. Just my thoughts.
It’s around 50k to do a nut and bolt restoration. So these people that are starting 10 to 15k deep just buying a VIN… WOW. Easy to end up 60k deep into a car wort maybe 30.
People watching too many TV shows where the car is new in a half hour 🤣🤣😂
Obviously they never restored a car to pay anything over scrap for these
Stupid to say buying va VIN. It’s a complete car…..
Yes yes yes !!!!!
I have to agree John. I’ve always been a bigger fan of Firebirds over Camaros. Even if I had the green stuff to blow on a vehicle, in this much need, Every one my kids would slap the sense right back into me over it, thankfully. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Now at age 61
I can assure you that i do not wish to wait 5 years to enjoy a car
Having to deal with hired help is a no go for me
Paying and driving is priceless and cheaper
This could one day be a beautiful car again but not under my ownership
Wasn’t there also a strike at GM that further delayed the launch of the new design Camaro and Firebird?
Forty years ago I parted out a Formula 400. Bought it w/o engine. Sold a lot of parts. Cut up the shell and took it to the scrap yard. How times change.
Again, not everyone needs a frame off vehicle or cares to have one. A nice driver quality vehicle will do just fine. You people need to wake up these cars are going up in value and the prices reflect it. $5K TO $10K is the old $500 to $1000 cars. If you can’t afford the car then let the other guy that knows what he’s doing restore it. Real simple.