Some car enthusiasts believe that the cardinal sin is cutting up an old classic to make a racecar or demolition derby car. There’s a lot of truth to that so it’s always good to see someone save one ultimately from destruction. Thankfully this 1980 Pontiac Firebird, found here on Craigslist in Manhattan, Kansas is one such car that didn’t get turned into a circle burner.
The seller states the car was in a barn and that he intended to turn it into a racecar, but changed his mind after seeing the overall condition. From the pictures, this does absolutely look like a car worth saving. Sure, the 301 V8 may not be a desirable choice in a second generation Firebird, but it is at least a running car.
The seller does mention some rust issues, but according to at least one picture, it doesn’t appear to be a significant issue. Hopefully, it wouldn’t need extensive rust repair work, but seeing the car in person might always tell a different story. Another reason to be optimistic about a project like this is that the interior looks okay from the picture.
I’m a sucker for the decal packages on this era of car and those decals tell us it isn’t just a plain Jane Firebird, but a Firebird Formula. The Formula designation and the snowflake wheels really add to the silver and maroon two-tone paint job. The seller states that this car is a pretty good deal compared to other cars out there for sale and he might be right. $3,000 seems to be a reasonable price to save this one from getting cut up for racing, wouldn’t you agree?
Why would anybody consider turning a Formula into a racer?
Why would someone consider converting a 6 cylinder Camaro or Mustang into a V8? It’s all about the basic bones to build off.
Ah, the Formula. It was just a decal marketing play by Pontiac for the folks who couldn’t afford the Trans Am flaming chicken, but wanted something “Special” compared to the basic car. These were never anything special in the day, but today, they are still a period Firebird.
I think they were special. I Iove the Formula only hood.
They always stood out from the crowd.
Miguel….well said!!!!!!!!
My Neighbor got a 1970 Firebird formula 400 fo n tha flo n that thang would go. She even let me drive it once.
She got it for graduation that year. When I drove it She was 24 n I was 17. Great neighbors they were.
I had both the T/A and the Formula. The Formula had a weak 301 in it but I really liked the look of the car with the snorkel hood, spoiler, and no body flares. I’d love to have it back today.
That’s ignorant, nearly every year the Formula was available with the same engine options as the TA.
Even the 455 super duty! in ’73 & 4
Its funny, these late 70s- early 80s Firebirds certainly have fell into a kitschy niche all their own. The tacky decals and design aspects trigger memories of mullets and Fleetwood Mac! Good thing it was saved lol
Currently helping a buddy that had a bandit TA left to him, not running but only 44000 miles the roof is failing where it is now, currently don’t have a garage without the end sticking out, these cars are bigger Than they look they are designed well but have a big imposing footprint. Looked good at the time they were built, compared to all the 5000lb chrome bumper cars on the road of it’s day.
When a seller states I am (was) going to cut up this classic car is simply another ploy of seemingly it holding it hostage and means I want to sell it.
The condition of THIS car says the guy isn’t (1) that stupid and (2) Will definatly hold out for his money on this one. No worries everyone. You won’t see this at the dragstrip anytime soon. All good here.
For those with heart bigger then their wallet should actually go to a junkyard or recycling center and save something already there!
My two sons and I just picked up a 1979 trans am….full on restoration:)
Ummm, let’s all just hate on “flippers”. Passion for cars is wonderful. But…. $225 for darn near anything is not gonna happen. I have never flipped anything, but.. If you put up money, take a risk, good on you mate. Dianosors need not even own a garage. Move on, times change.
3000 seems very reasonable for a running driving 38 year old car. If it is fairly rust free its a good buy. Being a Firebird makes it better still. I wish it was closer to me. I would like to check it out in person
I’ve always liked Formulas for their slightly-different take on the whole Firebird concept, and this seems like it would make a really cool project car for a reasonable cost. Great colors, too.
I have to wonder how much more this would be if it did have a giant flaming chicken on the hood. At least double, maybe triple the price?
Remember the Formula started out as the Formula 400 and wasn’t just a decal package or trim level. I owned a 1974 Formula 400 and by the time I bought my project 77 they were just Formulas. Loved the hood better than the Trans Am and the rear spoiler looked better than the ones on Camaros. Decent 38 year old Poncho!
2 years ago I found a 1973 Laguna and rescued it from the same fate,got it home to discover matching numbers I drive it every chance I get
Stuff a 400 in it and all will be fine!
This is actually pretty incorrect. The Formula was every bit as much a performance car as the TA. Actually, many years it was a good way to get the TA go fast bits in a lighter package. The only time the TA had an engine you couldn’t get in the Formula was the 89 car with the Grand National motor.
I know exactly where this car is and have tried to contact him several times to no avail. Really sad because this car is in pretty great condition.
I do like the old Firebird if it had the t-tops like in the Smokey and the Bandit. I personally like the latest firebird and just picked up a 2002 formula V8 with only 10000 original miles on it…. I had been driving a Jetta for 18 years and with the powerful V8 and basically sitting on the road….I feel like a teenager again
Oops I 4got to mention……6 speed standard transmission and t-tops…..and black….👍
Formulas were cool, this is a good project. First jank out the 301, put in a 400 and a 5 speed manual for starters
1980-81 Formulas were available with the Turbo 301 & WS6 just like the Trans Am. They weren’t just sticker package cars, or at least didn’t have to be.
Haven’t seen one in forever but memory is they got the T/A asymmetrical bulge instead of the low twin scoops up front.
Early Formula (’70-74?) has my fave all time muscle car scoop setup with its raised dual snorkels.
Always wanted to do one up with the Formula snorkels & shaker & hood tach!
Poseur, as to the Formula hoods you are correct that the 80-81 got asymmetrical bulge. 70-76 got raised dual snorkels with a rounded appearance and subtle changes on the later cars in that range. 1977-79 got the sharper edged dual snorkels. Still have one of those hoods hanging up in the man cave/shop!
Exactly, I had a 78 formula factory 400 Pontiac, 4speed, all power options and Fisher t-tops. Never checked but I would think much rarer than the Trans Am. Also this Formula has the 8” WS6 wheels so should have the rear disc brakes.
Formula may have started lower on the food chain, but it could be optioned up with everything you could get on the Trans Am. And arguably quicker due to slightly lighter weight. Don’t sell them short.
In 80 and 81, best you could do was a optimistically rated 210 hp 301 Turbo. And if you wanted to shift for yourself, your only option was a 140 hp 305 Chevy. I happen to own an example with the latter.
This particular example appears to be ws6 equipped. It won’t win many drag races, but it would be an excellent cruiser. Great candidate for an LS swap.
Even though I am not a big fan of the Firebird Formulas. I have to admit that I do like this one. At $3000 for a fairly complete running and driving car is not too bad of a deal. If I go look at the car I am afraid that I will buy it.
An earlier comment nailed it! I would cruise along, listening to “Tusk” all day!
I have no problem with these cars there is a fair bit of potential here. My biggest concern would be the rust, the Camaros and Firebirds of this era had serious rust issues. I had a 78 Camaro that looked perfect until you started looking hard underneath the car, it had to go!
My 76 Firebird (bought from dad who bought it new) was already losing it’s rear quarters about seven years later, and the rust around the rear window edges had been repaired twice by 1985. The trunk design was a water trap once the rubber seal started drying out. The lack of good seal at the top of the door glass made the plush velour carpet a messy sponge after a good rain.
I had a ’79 Formula loaded out with velour interior, T-tops, power everything, and the Olds 403. Handled like a TA without the screaming chicken. The car was a poster child of the times…..
I do think the price is fair, even with some rusty fenders and a spot. What concerns me more is the way the hood is not right where it meets the windsheild and the trunk lid is misaligned. I would be tempted to drop a 400 in it as well and just raise cane in that car. I would strip off all the smogness and bring it up to beast mode as the youngsters say these days. LOL
The reality is that this vintage of Firebird will never be worth what you put in to them. So it’s got to be a labor of love, or you’re just a glutton for [financial] punishment.
So buy the best car you can afford in turnkey condition. For most, this probably ain’t it. The need for rust repair trumps any possible fiscal benefit of the initial purchase price.
I give the same advice for just about any old purchase.
That being said, I find this one to be a very appealing example in terms of color and options.
This is what a drag car looks like from the back in a 1970 Formula 400.
I don’t have a problem with a car being turned into a racecar as I much as I do with it being turned into a demolition derby car. This is a nice find.
If you’re worried about the lame-ass 301, a good 400, 455, LS, or BBC is a 2 weekend project and then you can haul ass. Love dem old FIRECHICKENS..owned many right up through WS6….now replaced ’em with a ZL1 Camaro…I hope I never grow up.
Little car, you’re partially right. 77 to 81 all had the same Dual scoop hood. The asymetrical bulge hood only came on 80 or 81 turbo Formula. This car would have the flat scoop 77 to 81 hood because it’s not turbo.