OK, I will admit that I am biased about this car since I own a 1973 Pontiac Formula 455 but this car is gorgeous. Located near La Jolla, California, this exceptionally clean Formula 455 is listed here on Craigslist for $55,000. As federal safety mandates and tightening emissions regulations squeezed the traditional muscle car, Pontiac famously resisted the trend. While the legendary Trans Am received the majority of the period’s marketing spotlight, the clean, uncluttered dual-snorkel Firebird Formula remained a classy choice. Many thanks to Barney for sending us this listing.
While its factory-original, numbers-matching 455 cubic-inch (non-Super Duty) engine block remains the heart of the car, the powertrain has been thoughtfully optimized for modern roads. The engine has been rebuilt (with only 5,000 on the rebuild) and upgraded with high-flowing Edelbrock 87 cc aluminum D-port cylinder heads, HEI ignition, and a fully functional, authentic factory Ram Air hood setup. Further enhancing its capability is a modern Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission with a .68 overdrive ratio, though the seller is including the numbers-matching factory transmission in the sale. Power is delivered to a rebuilt 3.42 posi-traction rear axle, while the chassis retains its highly desirable, factory-optioned Trans Am Y99 handling suspension, a rebuilt steering box, and completely modernized brakes. The Y Code 455 offering was designated as the L75 D-port V8, pushing out 250 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 RPM in stock form.
Visually, the 1973 model is distinguished from prior years by “eggcrate” rectangular front grills. This year also marked a functional milestone for the Formula’s hood: due to federal drive-by noise standards, the standard twin hood scoops were sealed at the factory, meaning buyers had to order the functional “WU3 Ram Air” package to keep them active. Pontiac offered an expressive aesthetic catalog for 1973 to match the F-body’s muscular character. Exterior paint options featured iconic shades including Cameo White, Sterling Silver, Buccaneer Red, Brewster Green, Florentine Red, and Admiralty Blue. Inside, the cabin installed high-back custom “horse collar” seat design. This La Jolla example features a loaded, deluxe “Custom” interior package, including power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, an original “fat” formula steering wheel, and fully integrated Vintage Air A/C. Remarkably, every luxury convenience in the cabin functions perfectly—including the notoriously fragile, non-quartz original in-dash analog clock.
The car appears to be riding on aftermarket Pontiac Rally II wheels and the rear bumper is adorned with bumperettes which were a rare option. Historically, 1973 was a strong sales year for the Firebird line, despite challenges of federal regulations. Pontiac shipped a total of 46,313 Firebirds for the model year. The Formula variant accounted for a healthy 10,166 units of that volume. It is believed that approximately 450 to 470 Formula 455 models were built in 1973. This is an exceptional example and should be well worth the asking price.
Beautiful car, but 55K seems a bit of a stretch
Nah, 55K is his asking price. What he lets it go for is another story. Nice car, I recently did a Tremec in my 68 Vette and it makes the car a whole different beast to drive. First four gears are like having a 4.11 rear end in it. And with the low end torque poncho’s are known for, I bet this thing hops! And with that top end he put on it, I bet it sounds nasty when you drop the loud pedal. Good luck with the sale.
This is a beauty without the spoilers. The Formula was always the better looking Firebird, but there’s no accounting for good taste.
Looks fantastic!! Another 3 pedal Bird!! Love it w/o the rear spoiler!!
Love it. Ram air, tach, five speed all nice additions. Looks like someone stripped out all the original AC equipment at some point. Vintage air may hurt the value somewhat. Very nice and rare but not sure about the asking price.
Rear bumper guards and that vinyl top ruin this car.
It’s also on eBay. It has a lot of performance upgrades, including aftermarket heads, suggesting it’s lead a pretty hard life. You don’t go to that trouble and expense just to look at it…
for that kind of money, it should be better looking under the hood. the factory a/c box is gone, and everything is exposed that’s on the inside. what other short cuts have been taken. it’s nice but i feel the price is a bit much.
I am not a fan of the vinyl top. It takes away from the nice clean lines of the Formula. However, I think the rear spoiler would be nice as it tells a little bit what this car is all about.
Agree w Nelson and Dennis, smooth silhouette w no spoiler. And that vinyl top almost adds a sleeper element to this beast. 🏁