Finding a true 1970 ½ Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 project is like uncovering hidden mid-century muscle royalty. Introduced during GM’s famous “1970 ½” mid-year rollout, these low-slung fastbacks brought sophisticated and gorgeous styling to the street. But in the vintage car market, a vehicle’s true identity is rarely skin-deep. The car is listed here on Facebook Marketplace an appears to be a solid, clear-titled 1970 ½ Formula for $18,000. The car is located in northwest Houston. Let’s check out some of the details.
When it debuted, the standard engine for the Formula was the high compression Ram Air III 400 cubic-inch V8, putting out an impressive gross power rating of 345 horsepower. Pontiac only built 7,708 Formulas for the 1970 model year, making an unmolested survivor pretty rare. The seller notes that the original engine has been replaced with a legendary 1970 455 HO engine, complete with an XF-cast block, 4-bolt mains, and #64 heads. This swapped power plant is paired with a replaced “400 auto trans” (likely a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400) sending power back to an original, highly desirable 12-bolt positive traction rear end. While the mechanical heart has been upgraded for pure torque, the rest of the car needs some cosmetic restoration. The vehicle features new windshield and rear glass, a fresh fuel pump, power steering components, and solid floors and trunk.
The ad includes multiple pictures of the interior floorboards. To understand exactly what this bird was when it left the assembly line, we have to look directly at the dashboard VIN sequence: 226870L106163. Using historical factory codes, the numbers tell an explicit story: 2: GM Division code for Pontiac. 2687: Represents the specific model series—the Formula 687 Sport Coupe. 0: Pinpoints the 1970 model year. L: Identifies the Van Nuys, California assembly plant and the 106163 is the sequential production number, indicating an early-run V8 car (sequences started at 100001). The VIN confirms absolute authenticity: this is a genuine, low-sequence 1970 ½ Formula 400 born in California.
To bring it back to its 1970 glory, a buyer will need to tackle the interior and select a period-correct hue. In 1970, Pontiac offered 15 optional colors like Keylime Green, Goldenrod Yellow, Atoll Blue, and Castillian Bronze, which highlight the tight, flying-buttress rear window line and dual hood scoops that define the Formula’s understated “sleeper” aesthetic. At a negotiable $18,000, this Texas project car bridges the gap between absolute factory correctness and a high-performance muscle build. For a collector looking for a solid foundation with an ultra-desirable 455 block already resting between the subframes, this half-year bird is well worth the flight.
Listed as Sale Pending. My first thought was suspicion but it looks like someone is getting a pretty decent deal.
The standard engine in a1970 Formula was not a Ram Air III, but the same 400 that went into GTO’s. As for the 1970 455HO, it does have 4 bolt mains, but was basically a passenger car engine, the 64 heads are just D-ports that were unique to that years 455. The “legendary” 455HO’s were the 1971-1972’s which had round port heads, different cam, aluminum intake high flow exhaust manifolds and more.
Steve R
Steve, you are right. Thanks for the correction. The 1970 Formula 400 came standard with the L78 400 cid V8 rated at 330 hp. The optional Ram Air III L74 engine was rated at 335 hp. While researching this, I found that interestingly the Ram Air IV was only available in the TA.
The Ram Air lV was available in the GTO in 69 for sure.
Reminds me of Ponch’s (luckless) personal car in CHiPs.
Terrible ad. It shows pictures in varying stages of disassembly. Does it come with carpet? Seats? Door panels? What’s with the primer on the c pillar? Ask is way too high unless you’re getting a complete car.
Maybe the best looking Firebird ever.
I wish it was closer and not pending, I might have added it to my stable.
Why do you always post these cars after they are sold