It’s hard to overstate the popularity of the Pontiac Firebird in 1978. Back in the late seventies, these cars roamed the streets everywhere, with no fewer than four different models for buyers to choose from. The base Firebird was satisfactory for many enthusiasts, with the Esprit offering a higher level of luxury for those who enjoyed a few more bells and whistles. Somewhere between the base car and the top-tier Trans Am was the Formula. However, it seems that everybody wants a TA nowadays, with many Firebirds of other varieties having been turned into a tribute. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this 1978 Firebird Esprit here on Hagerty is one such example, and we’d like to thank reader PRA4SNW for finding it and sending us the tip! This one seems to have been done well, and bidding has reached $7,000 so far.
Under the hood, the seller says that the factory engine has been replaced with a Chevrolet 350, but its source remains a mystery. A few Edelbrock goodies have been added, such as an intake manifold, 4-barrel carburetor, lifters, cam, and valve covers. A high-volume pump sends oil from the racing pan into the small block, and aftermarket headers handle the exhaust duties. Transmission details are sparse, but at least we know that it’s an automatic with a shift kit.
The only information provided about the exterior is that the original hood was swapped for one with a shaker hole, and a rear spoiler and fender vents were added, giving it a similar appearance to a Trans Am from ’78. There are no details on whether any other bodywork or repairs were made during the transformation, and no word on the car’s original color. The finishing touches include a set of American Racing aftermarket wheels and, of course, the big blue bird decal on the hood. A couple of body gaps aren’t perfect, such as the rear spoiler’s alignment, but this one seems pretty good overall on the outside.
The mostly black interior appears to be in good shape, and surprisingly, the aftermarket steering wheel actually works pretty well for this application. It’s important to note that the speedometer is not accurate, and the car’s true mileage is unknown. As long as bidding doesn’t get out of hand, this one might be a fun cruiser, but you’ll have to get used to explaining that it’s a clone. Any thoughts to share on this Pontiac Firebird Esprit in Trans Am clothing?
A lot of money was spent on paint , too bad the panel gaps and alignments are off so much. I always prefer my Pontiac’s to have Pontiac engines under the hood. I wish they had used Pontiac type of wheels .
I totally agree, if you’re going to do all these nick knacks to a formula, why not keep it a formula, rebuild the original engine, get a good body man to do the repairs, and leave the original steering wheel alone, personally, I’d walk away from this ride, I’m not a fan of wanna be,s
I own a ’78 formula that was built in the Van Nuys plant back in ’78. And believe it or not….. It came from the factory with a Chevrolet 350, not the usual BOP style 350. When doing research I come to find that for 78 only all “formula 350” ‘birds were built at the Van nuys plant…… And all of them for that year only had the Chevrolet 350. The same one in the Camaro. Really blew my mind! Lol.
God forbid tho if a BOP v8 was ever found/put in a new Chevy vehicle from the factory.
Just another Camaro 😁
How much more money is a torquier 400 tin indian, correct decals & steering wheel?
How many T/As did they make that we need to manufacture tributes? With a Chevy sb no less. /smh. While not an awful looking car it’s not as perfect as the seller thinks and probably sacrificed a perfectly good Firebird.
Man this car just doesn’t make sense to me. As much as I dislike clone or tribute cars, the effort and investment to turn an Esprit into a Trans Am when there are so many real ones from that era available seems ridiculous. To each his own I guess, but good luck selling it with that lineage.
I agree totally! But that being said, I also know that as many Trans ams that were built in the “bandit-era”….. Most I’ve come across that are even in any kind of affordable range have been well thrashed, painted three different colors, and have rotted floor pans due to excessive door hinge sag. Lol. But almost every base firebird/esprit I’ve ran across looks like Grandma drove it only on Sundays and parked it in the garage it’s entire life. And you can get them rather cheap. That was probably the case here I bet! Especially if the guy isn’t great at body work. The F-bodies always rusted real bad in the backside.
Now you wound up with neither a formula or a transam , another man’s decision to create his imagination ,but oh well, makes about as much sense as welding the doors on a 4door to make it a 2door, good grief, just go get you a 2door
I agree with comments here. Put pontiac rims on it and a Pontiac drivetrain. Probably has a Chevy 350 trans in it since the Pontiac bellhousing is different.
This is an OK looking Pontiac . Yes there is some things need attention . If everything works I would drive as is for a short time , then put the proper drive train in it , and tires on it . Over all it looks a solid car to start with , to do what ever you want to it . If you can get it for under $10000 it’s Werth playing around with it .
Ended at $9,600.
Reserve Not Met.
14 bids.