Here’s a Pontiac Firebird that may be of heightened interest for die-hard fans of the Rockford Files TV show or James Garner advocates, but even if you’re not particularly into the antics of the famed Los Angeles PI it’s still a pretty cool F-Body. Pontiac began marketing the Esprit-trimmed Firebird back in 1970, with the designation falling into a more luxurious model that came with some additional appearance options. Jimmy Joe Meeker began the series driving a 1974 Esprit, but for the final 3 seasons was seen in a 1978 model similar to this same year’s Pontiac Firebird Esprit here on Craigslist. This one appears to be a capable driver, so if you’ve been in the market for a late seventies example it might be worth checking out. And it’s not too far from Rockford’s stomping grounds either, with the car’s home currently in Whittier, California, roughly a half-hour’s drive southeast of the City Of Angels. The seller is hoping to pocket $12,200 from the sale.
Barn Finds reader The Shervin sent us the tip here, and for that, we’d like to say thanks! We can trace the background of the Esprit back seven years, as that’s how long the current owner has been the car’s caretaker, and the seller makes it clear that he’s hoping the car will exchange hands with another RF enthusiast. But he also states that the memorabilia shown is not included with the sale, with the one exception being the Rockford-style jacket, which the owner lovingly places in the passenger seat every time he takes the Firebird out for a cruise, so you’ll be able to carry on this tradition.
Looking around the outside, many of the body panels look OK, with a few scrapes and imperfections here and there. But the most obvious blemish I spotted is the ill-fitting hood, which seems to protrude somewhat on the passenger side. Some of the paint is stated to still be original, but the driver’s side fender and hood have a finish that just doesn’t match. No explanation is given as to why or if these components have been replaced or a reason behind the respray here, but overall the car appears to be solid outside, it’ll just be up to the next person to decide whether or not to make improvements or enjoy it as-is.
Things inside seem to be in about average condition for a late-seventies Firebird. There’s no word on what those front seat covers are hiding and the steering wheel is showing quite a bit of wear, but the gauges and instrument panel actually look pretty good plus there’s new carpeting. I kept staring at the headliner before realizing there wasn’t one, and what’s visible above is where the material has been removed, although it does in fact come with the sale.
Power is provided by the original 350 engine, which is stated as both healthy and dependable, with the owner mentioning that the motor has never given him any issues. No photos are provided of the undercarriage, but I didn’t immediately spot any rust or corrosion on the exterior sheet metal, so hopefully, everything down below is reasonably solid as well. What are your thoughts on this 1978 Pontiac Firebird Esprit? Would you give the car a restoration, or just drive it?
Rockfish.
This would be nice with some of the body panels straightened, interior dress up kit, a real good block sanding and respray. Pull that engine, clean, paint and beef it up. Cleanup and paint the engine bay, headers and true dual exhaust, replace those rally wheels. Year One makes the same design but 18″ X 8″ versions & a nice set of BF Goodrich High Comp TA’s and this would be a very sweet numbers matching ride.
Good plan Cooter. And swap out that 2.41 gear ⚙️ for a livelier 3.07 or so.
Wrong front end
Right front end and wrong front end. It depends on the episode you were watching. Some were ‘76 and others were ‘77’/‘78.
When the series went into syndication the editors at Universal Studios went nuts prepping episodes to accept commercials and to fit a specific length. Editors were clueless to differences in the cars- a car is a car is a car to most folks- so errors were made.
This ones a little edgy, and the color’s off by one or two codes. Looks like Jimmys car after a rough session while he’s waiting to be paid… or maybe Angel swiped it again?
Just where does one get a Jim Rockford cutout?
That’s what I was wondering. I spent the longest time trying to figure out WHY he was posing next to this car before I realized it was a cut out!!🤣
The mismatched front clip paint and ill fitting hood makes me wonder if there is an accident in its past?
I wonder if the V8 in this car is like the one my friend had years ago, it was a factory equipped Chevrolet 350
Haha! Love the mismatched paint. Nice, on many levels. You could play an old, behind the times Jim Rockford still trying to solve capers!
That is straight up Rockford style,i watch episodes of it.I have seen a few episodes where he was driving a 74′ model but in some chase scenes they would cut in footage of a 77′ model for a few moments,a couple of different times.
I love this car. Thank God it’s so far away from me.
I’m getting the urge to do one of his J turns.
Jimmy Joe Meeker was an alias only.
You’re welcome! :)
I had a 1976 Firebird Esprit with the Pontiac V8 350 cubic inch engine. Mine came with power windows, which this one doesn’t have because the switch for the windows would be on the console below the transmission shift stick. I also had air conditioning, which this one did at one time, but apparently is no longer operable, as the hoses and accumulator to the firewall have been removed. I think the seller is being very optimistic with his asking price. I would never consider paying anything near that for this car.
Cool – I Would stick a 461 ci. Stroker Pontiac V8 in it good for 500 + HP :)