1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350

Description

1971 might have been the last great year for muscle cars, and Pontiac didn't let their fans down. You don't need a Trans Am to have fun, either, as this beautiful 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 so ably demonstrates. With a nice restoration, lots of options, and a big dose of horsepower, it remains the best-handling muscle car of the era.

Cardinal Red is a traditional Pontiac color and few cars wear it as well as this Formula. Combined with the aggressive ram air hood, ducktail spoiler, and a distinct lack of graphics, you can see the single-minded performance approach that the Formula represents. Neatly restored a few years ago, it still looks great, which is purely the result of lots of time and lots of money being spent on the final product. The Endura nose cone with traditional Pontiac split grille makes this car easy to recognize at a glance and the addition of a white vinyl top gives it a sleek '70s look that plays very well today. A few bright trim pieces look great and dress the car up and it proudly wears 'Formula 350' emblems on its front fenders, the only identifiers on the entire car.

The black and white interior is largely original and in great condition overall. The white front seat covers are surely new, since they're just too bright and perfect to be 45 years old, but the rest looks age-appropriate. The black carpets, dash, and console prevent it from being too sterile in there and it all remains in above-average condition. The original 3-spoke steering wheel is wrapped with black leather, so it's fatter and easier to grab than stock, and a center console puts the shifter right where you want it. Factory gauges show clear markings in a woodgrained panel (the engine-turned stuff was still reserved for the Trans Am) and there's a newer JVC AM/FM/CD stereo in the center. Other desirable options include factory A/C and power windows, a nice combination that makes this Formula easy to live with. Firebird-logo floor mats help keep it looking tidy and as you can see, the trunk is especially clean.

Who needs a big block to have fun in a Pontiac? This Formula uses 350 cubic inches to make its horsepower, and fortified with an Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley carburetor, and long-tube headers, it's a very strong runner. Chrome dress-up pieces, a recent alternator, and bright turquoise engine enamel make the engine bay look well-tended, and as you can see, the A/C system has had some recent work, including an R134a refrigerant upgrade. The transmission is a quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic feeding a sturdy 10-bolt rear end, which also looks to have been recently serviced. A recent dual exhaust system gives the Pontiac V8 a unique engine note that's distinct from its Chevy cousins, and obviously the floors are in excellent shape. Handsome Rally II wheels with trim rings and fat 225/60/15 BFGoodrich radials retain that cool Pontiac performance look.

A very strong runner with great cosmetics and a few nice options make this Formula a winner. Even better is the insanely affordable price, making this a sure bet for Pontiac fans. Call today!