After a successful first three years, the Pontiac Firebird (which shared its platform with the Chevy Camaro) got redesigned in 1970. This resulted in a sleeker-looking automobile whose new looks would carry it through 1981. Production numbers for the ’70 Firebirds were lower than usual as the revised product wasn’t rolled out until early 1970 rather than in the Fall of 1969. This ‘70 Esprit (as identified by the VIN provided by the seller) looks like a nice survivor that might be a candidate for fresh paint (the interior is original and quite nice). Located in Springfield, Ohio, this vintage ‘Bird is available through a dealer here on eBay where the current bid is $10,600. But there is a pesky reserve remaining that is somewhere between that bid and the Buy It Now price of $19,500.
The second-generation Firebird/Camaro was delayed getting to market due to pre-production issues. That has led many to believe that early 1970 Firebirds were 1970 ½ models, but that’s not so. All new Firebirds were titled as 1970s and the later first-generation Firebirds were still 1969s. Four new models were offered: the base Firebird, the more luxurious Esprit, the performance Formula, and the ultra-performance Trans Am. The Esprit, like the seller’s car, had a 350 cubic inch V8 as standard fare. As the 1971s were virtually unchanged, the easiest way to identify a 1970 is by its lower bucket seats with separate headrests as opposed to high-rise buckets.
This Esprit is one of 17,818 that were produced in that abbreviated year. It still has its original 350 V8, though this one has a 4-barrel carburetor, and a hotter camshaft has been added. At 101,000 miles, you could assume the engine was redone and that’s when the cam upgrade was included. All this is backed up by a TH-350 automatic transmission and a 3.73 rear end. We’re told the car runs great, and we wish better photos of the entire car were presented.
The seller says this car was intended to become a Trans Am clone, but we’re glad that didn’t happen. They’re only original once and this automobile is far from being a project. While the blue paint could use respraying, the matching vinyl top looks good (though awkward on this body style, IMO), and the original interior seems quite nice and inviting. This Poncho might make a nice daily driver and weekend cruiser to Cars & Coffee. Who’s in?
Looks nice for the age – most likely a girls car that her little brother got – and that’s not bad thing.
GM and Mopar did tend to reserve the HP motors for the most special models. I’m sure there were plenty of guys that wanted the good looks without the added insurance premium. I always liked the Esprit. Kinda like the Gran Coupe or SE Challenger.
Seller says they were going to clone a Trans Am…. But the more subdued Esprits are always a welcome sight. 3.73 gear ⚙️ and some modest engine upgrades. Rockford approved 👌 🕵️♂️
We agree. Keep it as is, perhaps a paint job… and enjoy.
The Rockford Files television show version of this car was some brownish-tan color. I always thought it was somewhat odd that a guy barely making ends meet owned a Firebird instead of a smaller 4 door sedan or station wagon.
Because a good looking car opens doors. You don’t hire the carpenter whose truck looks like it may not make it back. You may never invite me to your house but I’ll always see what you wear and what you drive.
A nice 4 door Pontiac Tempest sedan would have been quite decent looking.
Private detectives never skimp on their cars, at least on screen. Remember that in “Perry Mason” Paul Drake always had a convertible, usually a T-Bird.
Hollywood
Wondering why the 1970 Camaro is referred to as a 70 and a half but the Firebird isn’t?
When I bought my ’70 Camaro in ’77, it was always called a 1970. The 1970-1/2 thing came much later to the people on the ground who bought and drove. Maybe when they were new and late to the dealership, but it was way later that it ever came to my attention. Mine had a full front bumper, and the split bumper was never seen around here. I suspect there are a few more split bumper cars now then when they were made.
Major UAW strike delayed the release.
I think it’s personal preference. Some people refer to them as 70 1/2, while others as 70, same goes for literature too. Car people know what you are referring to no matter what you call it.
Steve R
A little too high on the BIM price. I’d go maybe 13-15k max as it looks like it needs about 5 k of TLC to a real head turner driver.
Since it’s being sold by a dealer in Ohio, I’d want to see this Bird in real life prior to bidding. Rust is a major issue in that part of the country and I suspect this car has quite a bit. There’s usually a reason they don’t post photos of the underside. Buyer beware.
My grandmother had a beautiful white 350 esprit with white interior and black vinyl top and carpet. She kept it immaculate and I was always drooling over it. In 1979 she was t boned in it. Car probably less than 40,000 miles on it. She bought a sunbird. Yuck.
More presentable but less desirable than that Formula mentioned earlier. If the reserve is $15k I would turn away from this one and focus on the Formula; when done, that Formula will be worth more than any Esprit. But this Esprit will still be a nice C&C car
Kill two birds with one stone. Do a respray and ditch the vinyl top. Looks like there may be some rust bubbling up under it. Certainly could post some more pictures, including the underside.
$11,600 right now
$10,600 already bid on an Esprit? I see bubbling under the vinyl roof. That’s a major problem. Too much for my blood, and I like Pontiacs and Firebirds.
Hope someone enjoys it.
I bought a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit new when I was 20 years old. The dealership would not even let me test drve that Firebird even though i was paying cash for it so i had to go home and get my Mom to go back and purchase it. Loved that car, silver with black interior with a 400 cubic inch motor. Had it for 5 years and then bought a new 1975 Grand Prix, while the GP was a beautiful car my first love was the Firebird.
Once was, or could be again a decent cruiser. I.m.o , the rust/rot just what can be seen in one picture on the roof,says a lot.
One could only wonder what’s under that vinyl and or around the front/ rear glass.
But hey if you can buy it right, go for it.
In person inspection would take away any worries. Good luck