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Rare Strike Year: 1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula

In 1972, GM autoworkers went on strike for 172 days and brought production of certain cars like Vegas, Camaros and Firebirds to a halt. Many of the Camaros and Firebirds were on the assembly line when the strike was declared and over 1,100 of them were scrapped because, when the strike ended in September, GM was ready for 1973 production and the 1972 cars did not meet 1973 pollution or safety requirements. This 1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula is for sale here on eBay. The auction is currently bid to $3,000 with five days remaining in the auction. The Formula is located in Santa Ana, California and is one of 5,249 Formulas built in 1972.

Based on the VIN, this car was built at the Norwood, Ohio plant and was originally equipped with a Pontiac 350 cubic inch V8 engine backed by an automatic transmission. The car was built with air conditioning and came with factory dual exhaust. This car has been stored for many years and is filthy. It appears to be originally a green exterior with green interior Formula. The surface rust on the exterior body panels make it look almost gold. The car was also equipped with a full vinyl top. There were three different green shades of exterior paint in 1972. Julip Green (Code 36), Springfield Green (Code 43) and Wilderness Green (Code 48) were the names attached to the different colors.

The seller is listing the car for a relative who stored the car for a third party who did not pay or pick up the vehicle. Consequently, the car was seized on a lien filing and is being sold by the storage owner in lieu of back rent. As disclosed by the seller, the Formula has no engine or transmission. However, the pictures in the ad show a transmission housing still in the car. The car appears to have only surface rust but it is hard to know what is under the vinyl top until it is removed. The Formula hood scoops are still closed.

The 350 cubic inch V8 engine was the low performer in 1972. A buyer could also select a 400 cubic inch engine or a 455 cubic inch engine which would have been the HO455. The factory wheels have been replaced with slotted mags and the tires are not holding air. The Formula is being sold at no reserve and will need a full restoration but appears to be a good project car. There are a few dents and dings but all in all it looks solid.

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    Car has been sitting with the right window down, allowing water intrusion and causing rust on interior components, and unknown havoc on electricals. This one would need a complete interior refurbishing, and might be good only as a replacement body for some one. GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 3
  2. Avatar P

    There was a line from Bugs Bunny which comes to mind…

    “IN THIS CORNER…..DAAAAAA CRUSHER.”

    Like 7
  3. Avatar Autoworker

    If I recall correctly, cars during the strike had interior pieces from different divisions installed in them. Chevy in Buick, etc.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Lynn Dockey Member

    if u can find a few good parts from this car, be a vulture and take em. Im afraid this one is too far gone

    Like 1
  5. Avatar JS

    Perfect way to get rid of some old rotten tires, ship ’em to somebody.

    Like 1
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      & technically the buyer is paying sales tax on them too – again. lol
      I really hope the restorer does not put another vinyl roof on this car!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Howie Mueler

    No engine or trans, and 34 bids with 3 days left!!

    Like 2
  7. Avatar JCA Member

    Considering the reality of the market we’re in, this looks like decent to me. It’s worth this price. Looks pretty straight, just surface rust and most of the little pieces are there. You have an iconic design that I think is one of Pontiacs best. Put the turbo LQ9 engine in here like the sleeper Chevelle just profiled and you have a $70k badass restomod in the end. I don’t think you’d be upside down on this build.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Brian

    He says “fair condition”, really ?
    No drivetrain, and the interior is trashed… poor condition at best !!!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar robert fisher

    You no skill morons have no clue. That is a solid builder with a high profit margin.

    Like 0

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