During the late 1970s, vehicle manufacturers were investigating many ways to extract improved performance from their formerly more muscular models. Pontiac chose the forced induction route, adding a turbocharged version of the 301ci V8 to the Firebird model range in 1980. This Firebird Formula is from that first production year, and its presentation is hard to fault. It wears a classy paint shade, features a striking interior contrast, and was the fastest version to wear the Formula badge that year. It needs a new home, with the seller listing the Firebird here on Craigslist in Keller, Texas. They’ve set their price at $28,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting it.

The Second Generation Firebird was reaching the end of its production life by 1980, and Pontiac didn’t splash the cash on any items that couldn’t be carried over to the new model waiting in the wings. Therefore, styling changes were virtually nil. This car looks magnificent in Code 84 Charcoal with contrasting stripes. It would undoubtedly turn heads due to its deep shine and seemingly flawless panels. The seller uses the word “great” when describing its condition, and I can’t think of many better terms. The plastic and glass look flawless, while the underside shots confirm this Formula is as solid and rust-free as the day it rolled off the lot. Its location makes that unsurprising because the climate in Texas is ideal for steel preservation. It rolls on the beautiful Turbo wheels, which are worth examining further. These wheels represent a situation where form and function meet. They are more than good-looking because the fins are designed to improve brake cooling. That’s an essential consideration for any classic with performance potential.

The Red vinyl upholstery inside this Firebird provides a striking contrast to the exterior. Once again, there is little to criticize. The same climate that protects steel can often exact a high toll on vinyl and plastic, but this Formula has dodged that bullet. There is slight stretching on the driver’s seat, but I would mark the interior harshly if I considered it a genuine fault. The remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless, the dash, pad, and console are excellent, and there is no carpet wear. Someone installed an aftermarket stereo with speakers in the door trims and rear parcel tray, but I see no other additions. The listing is short on details, but it appears the new owner receives air conditioning and a tilt wheel.

I’m disappointed the seller supplies no engine photos because that is one of this car’s key selling points. The turbocharged 301 was the most powerful motor offered in the 1980 Formula. The driver receives 210hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque. This feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Pontiac didn’t offer a manual option, which I’ve always considered a mistake if outright performance was the goal. A ¼-mile ET of 16.1 seconds doesn’t sound dazzling, but it was within buyer expectations during that period. The seller recently had the Firebird tuned by renowned specialists, TTA Performance of Kenosha, Wisconsin. They fitted a new exhaust and water injection, meaning the buyer may have a few additional ponies at their disposal. The car rolls on new tires, with the seller claiming it runs and drives better than new. It is ready to provide its new owner with instant motoring gratification.

Pontiac sold 107,340 Firebirds during 1980, with 5,927 buyers selecting the Formula derivative. However, only 1,245 buyers went the extra yard by specifying the turbocharged powerplant. That makes this a relatively rare beast, but rarity doesn’t always equate to high potential value. Market volatility has seen some classics climb while others plunged. The 1980 Firebird Formula Turbo has remained rock-steady. The buyer’s price is at the top end of the market, but its condition may justify that figure. It has been on the market for a short time, and it will be fascinating to see how quickly a buyer pops out of the woodwork.