1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350

Description

Pontiac was still in the performance business when this 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 was built, complete with a 350 cubic inch V8, making it as much fun to drive as it is to look at. The market is moving on these cars, and this high-visibility example still carries its matching-numbers drivetrain.

Recently repainted in its original color combination, this Firebird is exactly the opposite of subtle. Forget all the jokes about flying chickens on the hood, because this one has a clean, chiseled look that suggests horsepower without the added graphics. It was a clean, honest car before the repaint, too, and has ended up as an ultra-sharp reminder of what performance was like in the '70s. Gaps are good all around, and Pontiac gave it a great look with a modest chin spoiler, a pair of hood scoops, and a ducktail spoiler out back, all of which remain in excellent shape. The paint is two-stage urethane, so it has a great shine that's virtually indestructible, and the black lower edges emphasize the length of the car, making it long and low. It's not perfect, of course, but it's got an awesome look that'll stand out among all the Trans Ams you see at shows.

White buckets were the best way to travel in 1976, and the classic color combination ensures that this Poncho will always be in demand by collectors. The seats are comfortable and supportive thanks to fresh foam underneath, and the seat covers themselves are exact reproductions that show very little wear since the restoration. The center console houses the original shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission as well as a handy storage bin, and the gauges look quite good considering their age. The original AM radio is still in the dash, but today entertainment comes from an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit neatly stashed in the glove box. The trunk is highly original and includes the original mat which is a bit tattered but these days, originality matters.

While a lot of engines were down on horsepower in the mid-70s, Pontiac engineers were better than most at keeping their top engines at the top of the horsepower charts, and the 350 cubic inch V8 in this Firebird is a good runner. This is the original, numbers-matching engine and runs great, so it's ready to enjoy without worries. It wears Pontiac Turquoise paint, a Rochester 2-barrel under the original air cleaner, and an all-new exhaust system with a high-flow catalytic converter and transverse muffler. The chassis is in good order thanks to a lifetime in the south, and a set of reasonable gears in back make it an effortless cruiser. Wheels are the traditional Pontiac Rally IIs which have been painted to match the body and wear 235/60/15 BFGoodrich radials at all four corners.

Five years ago, we told you that this day was coming, and now it's here. '70s Firebirds are red hot and climbing the market faster than almost anything else. Don't wait another day, call us now!