1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula
The Pontiac Firebird is an American automobile that was built and produced by Pontiac from the 1967 to 2002 model years. Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, it was introduced on February 23, 1967, five months after GM’s Chevrolet division’s platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang.
The name “Firebird” was also previously used by GM for the General Motors Firebird in the 1950s and early 1960s concept cars.
The Formula was a different animal from the Trans Am, and today its more subtle look is appreciated by hobbyists for its restraint. Most notably, the twin-snorkel hood gives it a definite horsepower vibe and without the excessive graphics and other add-ons of the Trans Am, the Formula looks pretty darned slick.
The body was reportedly stripped and placed on a rotisserie before being refinished in black with blue and white stripes. Exterior details include a Firebird emblem on the nose and rear spoiler, a hood scoop, a front lip, aftermarket headlights and fog lights, side vents, fender flares, and a rear spoiler. The rear taillights are finished with a satin clear coat.
This unusual 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula’s production breaks down like this. Power comes from a numbers-matching 350ci LS V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
The interior is trimmed in blue upholstery with matching carpets and a hand-stitched leather dash. Amenities include front bucket seats, Vintage Air climate control, a roll cage, and an aftermarket stereo with Apple Carplay linked to an upgraded sound system. Additional details include a custom shift level and window crank handles, a Ring Brothers shift knob, and USB ports.
The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of an engine-turned instrument panel housing Speedhut gauges that include an 8k-rpm tachometer, a 120-mph speedometer, and auxiliary gauges.
Firebird volume rose sharply, and Pontiac’s overall sales hit a record — but then came the OPEC oil embargo, which threatened to pound the final nail in the coffin of performance motoring. Fortunately for Firebird devotees, Pontiac failed to respond to the calls for moderation.
