NM 350ci 4bbl V8/Nice Paint/Clean White Interior/Great Driver/Wonderful Survivor

1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula

The king of Pontiac didn't want a Firebird. Not at first, anyway. No, John DeLorean, who had recently given the world the GTO, thought Pontiac should follow up with a right and proper sports car, a two-seater called the Banshee. The brass at GM said no, repeatedly, no doubt because they wanted to protect the Corvette. Turns out the suit's upstairs were right. GM needed something to compete against the incredibly popular Ford Mustang and wanted Pontiac to offer a version of the Chevrolet Camaro for a synchronized launch as new models in 1967. DeLorean eventually gave in but took so long to come around that he asked for an extra six months to create a real Pontiac on the F-car platform.

For consignment, a 1975 Firebird which could be called a survivor. A survivor that was made to be driven as our consignor made a 5-hour trek to bring us this mid 70's Formula. With a twin scooped hood, the numbers matching 350ci V8, striking white interior, and some snazzy American Racing wheels, we are ready to go…FAST!

Exterior
Bathed in Bimini Blue, straight steel rust free panels are highlighted by some nice chromed trim work which surrounds the wheel wells, door edges, glass, and rockers. The only flaws being present are some cracking of the Endura style front bumper and a rust bubble forming down low behind the passenger's door. A large twin scooped hood is in front, and a spoiler and integrated bumper with a black accent rail frame; the triple louvered looking taillights are in the back. American Racing provides the highly polished Torque Thrust wheels in 15-inch pattern, which are wrapped with nearly new 215/70R15 rubber both front and back. Badging is all there and looking good.

Interior
With nicely preserved door panels which very well may be original to the car we move our eye towards the front buckets which present in a deep pleated tuck and roll pattern and show minimal wear. The matching rear bench is in back. In the middle a black plastic console races between the seats and contains a storage compartment/armrest, the factory shifter and a small storage cubby under the dash. The original padded rim drilled 3 spoke steering wheel fronts the dash atop a factory tilt column. Moving our eyes past the wheel we see a crack free black padded dash topper and an applique surround for the multitude of round gauges, heater slides, Firebird emblem, and Radial Tuned Suspension badge. Just below, mounted in black plastic is the factory AM radio. Black carpet covers the floors, and the headliner is nice and tight.

Drivetrain
A lift of the long twin scooped hood and we are met with an unrestored but well detailed engine bay. Front and center is the bathed in blue number matching 350ci V8 capable of producing 175hp. Topping this Poncho, a 4bbl carburetor lurks under the factory black air cleaner assembly. All ducting and hoses are correct and in very good condition. Bolted to the back of this mill is a correct but non verifiable TH350 3-speed automatic transmission which in turn sends power back to a 10-bolt rear axle weighing in with highway friendly 2.56 gears.

Undercarriage
All clean and mean underneath with no invasive rust showing, just a spattering of road dirt, some patina and surface rust. We note power disc brakes up front and in the rear are power drums. Also, independent coil spring front suspension and leaf sprung rear suspension are seen with new shocks all the way around. A single exhaust system that spreads into dual tailpipes is present and accounted for and appears newer from the catalytic converter rearward.

Drive-Ability
This car comes right to life with the turn of a key and runs well. It had great acceleration, drove straight and handled well. All functions were operational during our drive, however, we noted some play in the tilt column mechanism. Our consignor summed it up well. This car is a great driver and is ready for any road trip you want to go on.

A survivor car that drives great, is unmolested and is truly eye-catching due to the nice lines it presents with. Not all Firebirds are the fabled Trans Am and frankly this writer appreciated the clean natural lines of the car without all the hoopla and screaming chicken. This Formula edition will be a great addition to your driveway and won't leave you feeling blue!

VIN DECODE
2U87E5N501311
2-Pontiac
U-Formula Firebird
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
E-350ci V8 4bbl 175 hp
5-1975
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
501311-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 75 2FS87-1975 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY N004874-Norwood Body #
TR 11V A51-White Vinyl Buckets
PNT 26-Bimini Blue
09A-1st Week September Build
W66-Formula Merchandise Package