Many enthusiasts prefer classics with a feature that helps them to stand out in the crowd. This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 ticks that box, courtesy of the dealer-installed T-top. This feature didn’t become a production option until 1976, making me wonder whether the owner at that point decided to add one when they discovered they were available. This classic presents nicely, features a healthy V8 under the hood, and is ready to find a new home. Located in Amityville, New York, the seller has listed the Firebird here on Craigslist with an asking price of $24,500. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting this beauty for us.

While the Second Generation Firebird’s styling evolved during its production life, Pontiac introduced one of the most profound changes for the 1975 model year. It enlarged the back window so that it wrapped around onto the B-pillars. This gave the car a “lighter” appearance and improved rearward visibility. The first owner ordered our feature Firebird Formula 350 in Stellar Blue, with the seller stating that the paint is original. It doesn’t hold a mirror shine, but more of a warm glow that gives the car an appealing “survivor” look. The panels are straight, while the garage-kept history since Day One has allowed this classic to remain rust-free. It is unclear when the T-top arrived on the scene, but the lack of interior water damage suggests there are no seal issues. The trim and glass are in good order, and the Rally II wheels are excellent.

The first owner teamed this Firebird’s 350ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission for respectable performance. Since this is a Formula, variable-ratio power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. The engine produces 175hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque, with those figures almost identical to those quoted by Pontiac in 1972 when emission changes made themselves genuinely felt. However, compliance with safety regulations pushed the Formula’s curb weight up by over 150 lbs in the intervening years, negatively impacting acceleration figures. The news for potential buyers is positive, although the seller doesn’t mention whether they hold verifying evidence for their claim that this Firebird has a genuine 68,000 miles on its odometer. However, it runs and drives well, and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

This Firebird would have been a striking car in its prime, with the first owner teaming the exterior paint shade with an interior trimmed in White and Blue. The White vinyl has avoided most of the marks and “yellowing” seen on this trim type, although there is a seam separation on the passenger seat. It would be worth consulting an upholsterer because repair might be preferable to replacement. The door trims have been cut to accommodate speakers, and there is a hole in the dash where the radio should be. None of the problems are insurmountable, nor are they urgent. The dash is in good order, as are the pad, carpet, and faux woodgrain.  It isn’t loaded with equipment from the factory options list, but the buyer will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning and tilt wheel.

This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 is a tidy survivor, but its T-top helps it to stand out from the crowd. Does it add anything to the car’s potential value? I don’t believe that it does, and it may even devalue it in the eyes of purists. That brings us to the selling price, which is fascinating in itself. Hagerty suggests it is too high, but NADA and recent successful sales results indicate that it is realistic. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on that question and one other. The Firebird has been on the market for around two days, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?