Shown here in “as found” condition, this dusty Firebird cleaned up well (see below). The 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 in Arlington Heights, Illinois is nearly all original, features some nice extras, and it runs and drives! The listing here on eBay shows and describes some rusty areas and a transcript of its Pontiac Historical Services documentation. Though not identical to the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Esprit used in the popular TV show The Rockford Files, it certainly brings it to memory. Thanks to reader Patrick S. for spotting this tasty two-door.
Far from perfect, this classy Formula needs work, but looks promising! Personally I like to show the entire car in each exterior picture, unless I’m showing a rust spot or other imperfection, but each photographer must follow their own creative muse. Rust seeping from the vinyl top suggests repairs needed beneath, but thanks to the seller’s well-spent clean-up you can certainly appreciate the car’s potential and original good looks.
Interestingly, the Formula with factory wing wore the Trans-Am style Phoenix or literal “Fire Bird” emblem while Trans Am cars received “Trans Am” lettering in this location. While the engine is not shown, it’s described as the numbers-matching original two-barrel 400 cid (6.6L) V8. Originally rated at 175 HP and 315 lb-ft of torque, an aftermarket four-barrel carburetor and intake manifold (despite deviating from stock) probably put HP closer to the stock 400-4’s number of 225.
The black-and-white interior adds some class, and this one features the optional “Custom Interior,” though it’s unclear who did the customizing on this assembly-line-built classic. The car’s last inspection expired in 2000 so it’s about time to give this Rockford-eque Firebird a second life.
Power windows, tilt steering wheel, and air conditioning add to the upscale feel of the two-tone interior. Most years the Formula package added sporty style and many of the performance options of the more in-your-face Trans Am. It’s like a Trans Am for adults. If you like this interesting Pontiac, bid to win, because it will sell. That’s right; the true No Reserve auction will set the market value of this forgotten Firebird when the high bidder closes the deal. Is your mouse pointer drawn to the Bid Now button?
This is a ’74.
Fixed! Thanks Bill H. I think my finger just got stuck on the 7!
Yes ,that’s what it says????
I like it, but I don’t like what’s under that vinyl top. I’ve repaired one or two of them, but that looks a bit scary ! I really like it though, it’d be fun fixing it as I go.
The car looks honest enough except for the roof. Under that vinyl top could be good or bad. I would remove the vinyl top anyway. 2nd gen Camaros and Birds look so much better one color.
I always thought the Formulas of this era were more appealing than the trans ams. I really like that twin scoop and just my opinion, but the front looks better without the wheel spats.
I like the color combo, I miss the time when all cars weren’t white, grey or black.
Keep you eye peeled for frame rust behind the rear wheels. This was very common. Good luck, nice car for sure.
The Rockford car was a Formula not an Espirit.
Which season did they use a Formula?
I never saw him in one with a Formula hood or other markings.
Steve R
They never ran Rockfords car as anything more than a base bird, it’s in the books, they ran Formulas for the 400 motor and better handling, but Jimbo couldn’t afford a Formula, so they would change the hoods and loose any spoilers
Several sources indicate the original Rockford Files Firebird was a 1974 Esprit. During the first season, production added a TransAm suspension for the stunts. After 1974, the show used Firebird Formula 400s to replace the Esprit models. To make the Formulas look like Esprits, they replaced the twin scoop hood with the flatter Esprit versions. James Garner apparently preferred the Esprit because it was not flashy and fit the lifestyle of his character.
James Gerner’s autobiography The Garner Files is a riveting read, I laughed aloud more than a few times.
Esprit it is.
Hello this is Jim Rockford leave your name & number after the BEEP
You can rent this car for $200 dollars a day plus expenses!
You would have to lose the vinyl top it looks hideous on that car.
Lose the vinyl top and make it a convertible cause I am pretty sure the vinyl is petrified with not much underneath it !!
20 photos and you can’t pop the hood so we can so the NO HP engine?
Thanks for the close up on the right rear quarter….that sealed the deal for the NO SALE for me. Arlington Hts IL, not far from me but FULL OF SALT here in Chicagoland…and this car, what’s left of it, is proof of it!
Go buy this car DONE for about $20K and go to the local Cruise Night TONIGHT !!
Where can you spend $100K and have it end up being worth $20K…..buy this car and find out ! Truth hurts!! Sorry.
I always liked the more subtle look of the Formula over the Trans Am. The vinyl top is something I would actually redo, after probably replacing the roof.
Actually, this car being from Missouri originally, and later Chicago, is probably pretty rusty underneath, and potentially just a parts car. In person inspection is warranted in this case. But if it passed my inspection & I bought it, I would replace the vinyl top just because it was there when new, and you rarely see them like that. She was a real looker way back when!
+1 on the vinyl top. I like the way it looks on this. Vinyl roofs were pretty popular on these back in the day. Maybe not as common as they were on the first generation but many of them had it. I would definitely keep it.
I agree 100% !
The first picture looks like cement dust, not a build up of dirt to me. I wonder…….
All the Firebirds used in the show Rockford files by James Garner were all debadged HD’s
That’s an unfortunate dent between the passenger front wheel arch and passenger door. Doesn’t even appear to be there with the original dusty photo. I’ve never seen the armrest of any second generation Firebird survive 40 years without being split or blistered. This black console looks perfect for a barn car.