1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

Description

Just because a Firebird doesn't have all the loud decals and spoilers doesn't mean it shouldn't be treated with the utmost respect on the street. Packing some serious firepower in the form of a matching-numbers 400 and 4-speed gearbox, this 1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 delivers big performance without the flash, perfect for the guy who prefers substance over style.

The 1970 Firebirds got off to a late start, so a lot of folks refer to them as 1970-1/2 models, but looking at this Formula 400, the wait was worth it. Bereft of the usual stickers and spoilers that became a Pontiac trademark in the 1970s, this Firebird looks sleek, clean, and sporty. Hunkered down over fat tires, it also looks predatory, and it was still one of the fastest cars on the street in the summer of 1970. Pretty Atoll Blue paint was borrowed from the GTO color pallet and is this car's original color. It's made even more striking with the white hood scoop, a playful addition that calls attention to the car's trademark horsepower factory. The clean nose and sleek, smooth rear end remind us what a truly timeless shape the second-generation Firebird really is. Finish work is good all around, with doors that fit well and a great shine to the paint, and all the bright trim has been given a high polish. It looks fast but restrained, a wonderfully attractive combination that works extremely well here.

Pontiac interiors were some of the best in the muscle car industry back in 1970, but that doesn't mean a good thing can't be made better. Reproduction seat covers were fitted front and rear, giving the four bucket seats an OEM look. There's a bit of wear, but they remain in very good shape overall, and with the other replacement components like the carpets and door panels, the whole interior has a very consistent look. The woodgrained dash was given a comprehensive makeover with white-faced Auto Meter Phantom gauges that look awesome in the vintage Poncho. A center console with a Hurst 4-speed shifter, a traditional 3-spoke steering wheel, and the view out past the hood scoop remind you that this isn't your average commuter car. A Pioneer AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo head unit was also fitted and uses speakers in the stock locations to deliver the sound. The trunk is neatly finished and includes a reproduction mat that fits about as well as you could expect.

One of the biggest threats on the street in 1970 was Pontiac's mighty 400 cubic inch V8. This is this car's original, matching-numbers powerplant, now substantially upgraded for today's roads. Edelbrock supplied the Performer RPM intake manifold, carburetor, and cylinder heads, which work in conjunction to extract even more horsepower from the bright turquoise V8. MSD handles the ignition and there's a big aluminum radiator up front cooled by an equally big electric fan. Billet pulleys, a Power Master alternator, and a new dual reservoir master cylinder ensure reliable performance under the most demanding conditions. The 4-speed manual gearbox is linked to a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end with 3.55 gears and a Posi inside, so you know this sucker was built for combat. An X-pipe and Flowmaster mufflers deliver a stunning soundtrack, and you can see the race-grade fuel system plumbing underneath. Stock Pontiac Rally II wheels were used and now carry 225/60/15 front and giant 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials.

Pontiac fans know that the real sleeper in 1970 was the Formula, and with all the upgrades, this one over-delivers on the promises made by its low-key look. Call today!