Ford released its Mustang in 1964, leaving the other two of The Big Three to play catch-up. By the late ‘60s, GM had their twins, the Camaro and the Firebird, to compete. This 1970 model is the first year of the second-generation Firebird, which was a complete redesign and did away with the convertible top. Various trim levels were offered, among them the performance-oriented Formula, which included one of two truly massive 400 cubic inch V8 engines, producing between 335 and 345 horsepower, depending on the tuning. You can bid on this one here on eBay.
The dealer mentions that it’s a true 400 Ram Air car, but doesn’t say whether it has the L74 Ram Air III or the LS1 Ram Air IV. Not that that really matters; near as I can tell the only difference between the two engines is the carburetor set up and this one’s got a JET Performance Stage 3 750 CFM Quadrajet. Idling might be a little rough, but it’s fantastic for beating your friend to the next stoplight. Interestingly, it’s also got a factory 12-bolt rear end and trying to research that brought me here, which is a whole rabbit hole of car modifications that I didn’t know people put so much thought, time, effort, and money into. Between the 12-bolt and the V8 rests a wildly popular TH400 automatic transmission. Your powertrain is basically fine-tuned for drag racing, and it won’t break a sweat if you decide to do that.
Inside, you’ll find it’s mostly in good condition. Wood paneling frames a full complement of analog gauges, and you’ve got black vinyl trim and matching seats. There’s a large tear on the seat bottom visible, but that looks like just about the only thing wrong in there. The dealer mentions they ordered some seat covers for it, but they’ve been delayed due to COVID. Eh, nothing a quick stop at the junkyard couldn’t fix. A replacement seat can’t be too hard to find, can it?
This car’s real claim to fame, though, is its condition. They include pictures taken beneath the carpet, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this car has never seen a drop of rain in the 51 years it’s been on this earth. There is zero rust. There is zero wear. There is zero grime. There is zero dust. It truly looks like it just rolled off the assembly line, and they mentioned that it’s spent most of its time in a California barn. Not only does that mean it’s in fabulous condition, but gives it that utmost sought-after title on this site: barn find.
Ben, great find and well written. Probably the the most desirable car to me even as a Ford guy. Always loved Pontiac. Fire Chicken, GTO, even Fiero. This is a great one to be sure, but you will not be finding seats in the junk yard…
I don’t remember the Formula having the vents on the front fenders. Always liked the Ram Air Scoops, though. Nice car.
The Ebay ad says it has been “upgraded to Trans Am Fenders and ground effects”.
The dealer doesn’t say it’s a factory Ram Air car, only that it has functional Ram Air. That air cleaner is available new for $400 and will bring in a multiple of that about if buyers believe it’s a factory Ram Air III or IV car. This car would be easy and inexpensive to document through PHS, I’m surprised it’s not referenced in the ad. As for build quality, it’s pretty bad, I’ve had a couple of Formula 400’s and wouldn’t touch this with a 10 foot pole.
Steve R
Pontiac made exactly ZERO Ram Air IV Formulas in 1970. Not that it wasn’t available, just nobody ordered one. There is a BIG difference between a III and a IV, bigger than “the carburetor set up”. The carburetors are actually the same casting number on both engines with internal jetting changes is all. Changes are below the carb where the IV gets an aluminum intake, higher lift cam, armasteel crank – these things are easily Googled. This car has been the victim of a TRANSAM-IZATION with fenders and flares from a TA. That color is not a Firebird color for ’70 either.
Ram Air IV’s also came with round port heads. The difference in power output was much greater than 10 which is what the Pontiac literature says.
Steve R
Different 4 bolt block, cam, heads, intake and exhaust manifolds on the RA IV…
The carburetor is actually one of the parts they do have in common.
Who’s idea was it to paint the car gray?? Non factory colors really hurt the value. If you’re seriously looking for one of these, I would suggest passing on this one…
I like the car a lot… but I don’t like everything spray painted to make it look fresh. To me just shows you feel the need to hide things.
Item location:
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Plymouth released the Barracuda in the spring of 1964 months before the Mustang. That left the other two of the big three to play catch up.
Auction ended at $25,000 with Reserve Not Met.
I’m surprised at both of those.
Steve R