1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

Description

Chrysler wasn't the only company building high-visibility performance cars, and in the mid-70s, few were doing it better than the guys at Pontiac. This 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 offers a numbers-matching pedigree, a high-impact look, and a load of options that make it a car you will want drive as often as you can.

The color is called Metalime Green, and yes it was definitely on the Pontiac color charts for 1976. The combination of the more subdued Formula 400 bodywork with the eyeball-searing green paint is insanely appealing, making this a car that will stand out not only for the obvious reasons, but because it's such an unusual combination. It was repainted not too long ago and with just 84,524 original miles, it didn't need any major surgery to look this good. The Formula 400 deleted a lot of the Trans Am's flares and scoops, but you did get that cool twin-nostril hood and a ducktail spoiler, which are just about enough for a car like this. No graphics or other add-ons, just simple Firebird logos on the nose and tail, a few Formula emblems, and a ton of attitude. The urethane bumpers are in excellent condition, gaps are pretty darned good, especially around the trunk, which is notoriously tough to get right, and the shine is complements of modern two-stage urethane, so it looks awesome.

The period-perfect white and green interior appears to be largely original and I can't imagine any better choice in a bright green car like this. The upholstery, the carpets, the door panels, and even the dash pad are in great shape, with only the most minor signs of discoloration on the seats themselves. Options in this Formula include power windows, factory A/C, and a tilt steering column with a cool 3-spoke wheel that Pontiac fans should find reassuringly familiar. The gauges are pretty much the same as those found in the Trans Am, although they use a woodgrained instrument panel rather than engine-turned appliques. The original AM/FM radio remains in the dash and thanks to an R134a conversion, the air conditioning system should be easy to service in the future. The trunk is neatly outfitted with a correct mat and a full-sized spare tire, which certainly dates from the '70s and may indeed be this car's originals spare.

For performance, you got the same firepower that the Trans Am guys received, arguably making the Formula 400 the top performer. The 400 cubic inch V8 is this car's original, numbers-matching engine and everything looks quite stock under the hood. From the air cleaner, which still inhales through a snorkel and not the hood, to the corporate blue engine enamel, to the fresh dual exhaust system, this one has plenty of performance but nothing radical to affect its value in the future. Backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic, it's a lot of fun to drive, with effortless low-end torque and a fantastic V8 bellow from the twin pipes out back. It starts easily, idles well, and thanks to a lifetime someplace warm, the underside is in nice shape, not a rusty mess. Factory "honeycomb" alloys are some of the coolest wheels of the period and they carry a set of recent BFGoodrich radials.

Documented with PHS paperwork, owner's manuals, it also has most of its original build sheet left, this is a flashy, fast, and fun car that probably has decent investment potential to boot! Call now!