Formula 400 Barn Find: 1970 Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac launched the Firebird in 1967 as a companion to the Chevy Camaro to do battle with the popular Ford Mustang. The cars were redesigned for 1970 and would create a fresh look that would carry them into the next decade. This Firebird Formula 400 was parked in a barn many years ago and has been there ever since. We’re told the body is in much better shape than the photos would suggest. Another tip from Pat L., this car is located in Goliad, Texas, and is available here on craigslist for $8,500.
With the second generation of Firebirds in 1970, four series would be offered: the base Firebird, the Esprit, the Formula 400, and the Trans Am. The Formula came with a 400 cubic inch V8 that was rated at 335 hp with a unique twin-scooped hood. Production of the latter was somewhat limited at 7,708 copies for 1970, with 4,931 having an automatic transmission like the seller’s car.
As the story goes, this ’70 Firebird was running when it found its way into this barn. Though now in Texas, its most recent title was issued in Montana. We’re told it’s rust-free, but that’s hard to determine given the presentation of the car and the years of dirt and grime. The paint looks to have been black at one time and the only sheet metal the seller says is needed is a hood to replace the current one (why?). Also, the ribs by the rear window are broken out in places. There appears to be a large piece of cardboard the shape of the roof sitting on top of it for reasons not stated.
While the body may be good, the interior is not. It’s in shambles and the seats seem to reflect three assorted colors (red, white, blue). 1970 Firebirds came with low back bucket seats and this Pontiac has them. Though we don’t know what it might take to get this Formula 400 running again, there’s 455 short-block (?) in the trunk along with spare wheels in the back seat. The seller had intended to convert this car into a Trans Am and then reconsidered given the relatively low production of the Formula 400. Perhaps this is a good project car, but the cost of acquisition suggests you should be getting a better car.
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Comments
Agree on the acquisition price. Even for 2K you wouldn’t get anything but a long haul and expensive restoration. There are better cars out there for the same money asked.
…. like the 13K Redbird a few cars down the list here.
The Redbird could make a nice sleeper. Nobody would suspect a 455 dropped into it!
Is the “large piece of cardboard” a new roof panel in it’s shipping wrapper?
It’s a toupee with sideburns.
That’s what I was thinking.
Let’s get things started “RAY” What the heck is on the roof????
Replacement roof. Card board is under it to protect car roof. ? What for?
Hey “Ray” Let’s get started by explaining what the heck is on the roof!
There is no evidence that this car is actually a Formula other than it has a damaged hood which the seller suggests needs replacing. The 1970 Formula had many specific features, the easiest to identify are the 12 bolt and TH400, not to mention PHS documentation. The hood alone means nothing, it was a popular addition to base Firebirds and easily found in wrecking yards and swapmeets into the mid to late-80’s.
Steve R
Apparently his time is too valuable go bother unstacking the junk in and on it, or getting decent pictures.
Dice Roll On This One !!!
It looks okay…I wouldn’t be worried about rust but, it’s more like a $2,000 car, not an $8,000 car. It’s just a 400 car, not a 455 and, just an automatic. Lame.
This looks like a two-wife project.
How about $1,500 ? Theirs alot of work to do hear. Plus parts to get.
I don’t think that car is as rust free as you think, that’s a replacement roof, I’d keep it moving
But hey, the air cleaner is on the carb! A new concept here.