Cars like this 1994 Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk proved to the world that after the misery of the 1970s and 1980s. Detroit was most definitely back in the high-performance game. This car’s V8 engine provides impressive acceleration and top speed, and the paint gracing its exterior makes it 1-of-23 ordered in this color. It presents superbly, and its interior appointments prove that high-performance cars can offer a civilized and comfortable motoring experience. All it appears to need is a new home, and once we examine what it offers, I won’t be surprised if we have readers who might pursue it further. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this potent Pontiac.

Automotive history is littered with examples of manufacturers collaborating with third-party suppliers to produce special edition vehicles. Hurst and ASC are two companies that immediately spring to mind, and the Firebird Firehawk was a product of similar thinking. SLP (Street Legal Performance) Engineering, in Tom’s River, New Jersey, introduced the Firehawk in 1992, with cars selling through Pontiac dealerships as an RPO package. First-year production was low, but 500 cars found homes in 1994. Our feature Firehawk is one of those cars and is 1-of-23 ordered in stunning Patriot Red. Faulting its presentation is virtually impossible. The paint holds a depth of color and shine that you could almost walk into, and the panels are laser-straight. There is no evidence of deteriorating plastic, and the glass is flawless. The Firehawk drew its name from the Firestone tires that the company wrapped around its beautiful 17″ wheels. This car retains those alloys, which show no evidence of stains or physical damage.

Firehawk buyers could choose from several interior trim combinations, with this car’s first owner selecting classy Graphite leather. However, it is more than just good-looking; it is loaded with creature comforts to make life on the road pretty pleasant. The new owner receives dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium stereo. The seller swapped that last item for a modern CD player but includes the original if the buyer wishes to return the car to its factory form. Faulting the interior is as challenging as it is for the exterior, There is no visible wear on the leather, with the prone outer seat edges particularly noteworthy. The carpet is protected by factory mats, and the dash and console are spotless. The seller claims the Firehawk has a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, the overall condition makes the claim plausible.

Lifting this Firebird’s hood proves this classic is more than a pretty face. Its upgraded 5.7-liter V8 sends 300hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Upgraded four-wheel disc brakes feature anti-lock as standard, with the new owner also receiving power steering. The Firehawk is fast by any measure, dispatching the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds on its way to 156mph. However, this Pontiac may be able to improve on those figures. A previous owner added headers and an upgraded camshaft which should have liberated a few additional ponies. Cosmetic enhancements include color-matched powdercoating on the valve covers and intake to improve the engine bay presentation. The seller states that it runs and drives well, a claim I find easily believable.

This 1994 Pontiac Firebird SLP Firehawk is a stunning car, and the rarity of its paint and trim combination will increase its desirability in the eyes of many. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Tinley Park, Illinois. They set their price at $18,495 but may consider trades for the right vehicle. Predicting the future of the classic car scene is challenging, with some fairly left-field cars becoming exceptionally desirable. Values for the ’94 SLP Firehawk have been stable for quite a while, making me wonder whether they could be a “sleeper” in the market. Rolling the dice as an investment opportunity is risky, and history is littered with individuals who have gotten it wrong. However, getting it right could leave you looking like a hero. Of course, you could ignore the investment potential and enjoy all that this Pontiac offers. After all, isn’t that what the classic ownership experience should be all about?