Buyers started seeing more changes to the F-Body Firebird and Camaro in 1975. For example, the rear window was no longer flat and wrapped around each side. This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 is located in Warner Springs, California. It has been listed here on Craigslist for $22,000 for about 2 weeks. We appreciate TJ sending us the listing. While rival manufacturers downsized or discontinued sporty nameplates altogether, Pontiac maintained its performance heritage across the Firebird line. Within the lineup, the Formula model occupied a balanced middle ground between the entry level Firebird coupe and the flagship Trans Am. Overall Firebird production reached 84,063 units for the 1975 model year, with the Formula submodel accounting for 13,670 of those production vehicles.
The interior features a rebuilt dashboard, refreshed cabin upholstery, a Formula steering wheel, and factory correct speedomater, tachometer and clock set. Period equipment additions include a factory blower rear window defroster, power trunk release, courtesy lighting, and a modern Retrosound stereo. The air conditioner does not work. The vehicle rides on late model 1977-1981 factory aluminum snowflake wheels, accompanied by a fourteen inch spare. Showing 116,000 miles, this example retains its original 350 cubic inch V8 engine and automatic transmission. The body wears its factory original Code 64 Persimmon paint, which displays expected age through surface oxidation, scratches, and light surface rust. Body flaws include a dent on the driver side fender and evidence of prior repair behind the driver door. Mechanical and structural maintenance items already addressed include repaired nose header and lower valance panels, original bumpers, a new windshield, a new aluminum radiator, and a new fuel tank with a fresh sending unit. Replacement driver door hinges and a new right trunk hinge have also been installed.
Under the hood, engine offerings for 1975 reflected the shifting regulatory environment of the era. Buyers selecting the Formula model could choose from several Pontiac V8 powerplants. The base offering for the Formula 350 was the 350 cubic inch V8. In its standard two barrel carburetor configuration, this engine delivered 155 horsepower, while the optional four barrel version increased output to 175 horsepower. Buyers seeking additional torque could select the 400 cubic inch four barrel V8 rated at 185 horsepower, or a limited mid year 455 cubic inch option producing 200 horsepower only in the Trans Am. Although total output figures were lower than prior years, the Formula retained its signature dual snorkel fiberglass hood and tuned suspension, preserving a responsive driving experience.
Pontiac offered an expressive palette of exterior finishes and interior appointments for 1975. Exterior paint choices spanned shades including Cameo White, Sterling Silver, Stellar Blue, Sunstorm Yellow, Buccaneer Red, Alpine Green, and Persimmon. Inside the cabin, buyers could specify standard or deluxe vinyl upholstery in classic shades such as Black, Saddle, and Oxblood. This Formula has the optional rear spoiler and it appears to need some TLC and is said to run rich and will need tuning.
Love seeing this because my loaded California ‘75 Persimmon Bird has 45,000 miles and is near perfect and is apparently worth more than I suspected.
Hmmm…. TLC??? Needs paint, a minimum of $10K, interior? Engine? Front end? $5K big bucks for this Bird!
could be a nice car but needs a lot of work. 22k hard pass. does have 1 of the best looking hoods of that time.
Agree. If ever anyone publishes the coffee table book “Great Moments in Hood Scoops”, this would appear.
Pontiac tried to stay at the top of the heap in horsepower, but by 1975, there wasn’t much of a heap.
Not a single engine photo or vin tag photo. When you are in the 22k area, those things become important. The rust on that rear lower quarter is more work than it looks. Love the old Firebirds, but at $22k, it might be a while looking for a buyer.
As an aside, when I was looking for a Formula two to three years ago I found a couple of great Formulas in need of a bit of attention here in northern CA but fantastic running project cars that were all-original for significantly less than the beat-up car discussed in this article — one a nice straight Bimini Blue – no stripes – automatic 400 for $14,000 that I test drove and would now own if the seller/flipper wasn’t so rude and untrustworthy; the other a very subtle looking dark green original ’76 Formula 400 4-speed that a collector owner had left outside for twelve years… it also was decal-free and had been cleaned up a bit but unfortunately had the wrap-around rear window sill rot that can even be found on CA cars, as well as an upper windshield/a-pillar leak that had caused some dash rot. It sold for $16,500.