Certain letter and number combinations on badges attached to classic cars inevitably set pulses racing. A GT or Mach 1 badge on a First Generation Mustang is a prime example, while an LT-1 badge gracing a C3 Corvette achieves the same result. This 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula falls into that category, courtesy of the WS6 badge it wears on its rear. This subtle touch tells those who are willing to look that this is a genuinely fast car that deserves respect. The Pontiac presents well as a survivor-grade car, needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the Formula here on eBay in Rapid River, Michigan. They set their auction to open at $1,000, and the lack of any bidding action is unsurprising considering the auction is in its early hours.

Although nobody knew at the time, the Fourth Generation would be the end of the line for the Firebird range, a car developed to tackle Ford head-on during the pony car war of the 1960s. Sadder still, General Motors would ‘retire” the entire brand a few years later, which was hardly a fitting end for a marque that had once represented the performance arm within the GM empire. This garage-kept 2000 Firebird Formula makes a striking visual statement, courtesy of its Code 28 Navy Blue Metallic paint. It is the best shade offered in 2000, according to the seller. Such views are subjective, but it is hard to disagree. They are candid in their assessment of this classic, acknowledging that it has the marks and chips consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle. However, it still presents extremely well, with a healthy shine and panels that are as straight as an arrow. There is no cracked or broken plastic, the glass is clear, and the 17″ wheels are spotless.

We’ve seen a recent emerging trend at Barn Finds where sellers list a classic, but fail to supply any engine bay shots. This is particularly frustrating when the drivetrain configuration is one of that car’s defining features. Sadly, this Firebird falls into that category. However, the seller supplies enough information to satisfy most enthusiasts, including the fact that this Formula features the WS6 options pack. My research indicates that Pontiac only produced 175 examples of the Firebird Formula so equipped, and if that information is accurate, that makes this a rare bird. Apart from the subtle badge on its rear, the WS6 pack brought suspension upgrades, 17″ wheels, a Ram Air hood setup, and an increase in power from its 5.7-liter V8 engine. The first owner teamed the V8 with a six-speed manual transmission and, with 320hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, the ¼-mile journey becomes a memory in 13.8 seconds. Those brave enough to keep the pedal to the metal will be rewarded by the needle hitting 168mph. The seller claims that this Pontiac has 57,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. However, it is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving as impressively as it did twenty-four years ago.

This Firebird’s interior continues the “tidy driver” theme, with Charcoal Gray cloth and vinyl trim that looks extremely inviting. The first owner ticked the box on their Order Form for the $325 Hurst shifter option, further increasing this car’s desirability. The interior presents well for its age, with no significant wear or evidence of abuse beyond a small crack on the passenger side door trim. The dash is clean, the carpet is excellent, and there are no visible additions. However, who needs any when the buyer receives dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/CD player with wheel-mounted controls?

I have always advocated the preservation of classic cars, especially those produced by manufacturers that have passed into the pages of history books. This 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula deserves that approach, especially considering it is the potent WS6 version. I don’t find the current lack of auction action disturbing, but it is worth noting that the seller recently relisted it after a previous auction failed to reach the reserve. This was despite receiving thirty bids that pushed the price to $12,300. With values climbing significantly faster than the market average, what would you be prepared to pay for this Firebird Formula WS6?