8,205 Original Miles: 1974 Pontiac Firebird
The 455 Super Duty was the engine to get in your pre-75 Firebird, but this Formula 350 is still worth a look. It may have only generated about half the horsepower, but when was the last time you saw one this nice? The seller claims that it was owned by a collector its whole life and that they only racked up 8,205 miles. That’s hard to believe, but if the story checks out this could be one heck of a find! Take a look here on eBay where it’s listed with no reserve and a day left.
It may not have had as much grunt as its big brother, but this Firebird was nothing to scoff at. The Pontiac 350 V8 put out enough power for most and the Formula package added firmer shocks, heavy duty springs, and sway bars. With the improved suspension and lower curb weight, this was about as close to a muscle car canyon carver as you were going to get.
The slush box may not contribute to that sporty vibe, but it would seem that few Americans enjoyed changing their own gears around the time this was built. Or at least the dealers enjoyed the extra profit generated by the automatic option. This was the standard interior and boy does it look great! The African mahogany may have been fake, but it really dressed things up in here.
The dual snorkel fiberglass hood was unique to the Formula and when combined with that ducktail spoiler, made for quite the looker! It was more subtle than the flamboyant Trans Am and I’m guessing that made it more appealing to some buyers. Well, that and the price. As with any low mileage survivor, you will want to do your due diligence here before handing over the big bucks!
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Comments
And which barn was this found in ??
Should be in a side bar….”Survivor Stall”.
It’s all good….bring it on. I’ve got broad shoulders with time spent…Can Ya’ll say the same ??
Bees puke in honeycombs to make honey….the irony.
What’s your deal DrinkinGasoline? This is a 43 year old car that is claimed to have never been restored and to have only been driven 8k miles since new. That took some serious long term storage. We are just seeing it after the dust has been cleaned off. I for one think it’s an amazing find.
Seems as though I struck a nerve. If You have looked at any of my post’s…You would know that I’m not always negative. There is an inherent insight when one has worked for GM. As far as long term storage is concerned let’s not go there. I’ve had a climate/humidity controlled environment for my collector vehicles for over 30 years….amazing find yes but it’s still a 350 auto F body.
And here comes the thumbs up for the author and the thumbs down for the excised responder….so typical of those following the cattle in front of them being led to slaughter.
I won’t apologize for having an opinion…ya’ll can choose to drink the kool-aid. I’ll stay thirsty for better watering holes.
One of my brothers was a GM mechanic for 25 years, he would never recommended them. He would agree with you. I do like the overall style of the car, however.
Even I gave you a thumbs up ! It was number 8 ! Good grief.
Ok, I get it. You don’t like GM products. I’ve struggled with some of them myself. In fact, I just bought a f-body to try and see if I can figure why so many people love them.
Like they won’t “Click here to see”…..gheez
Honestly, I had to read all of your comments just to figure out what you were talking about and that you dont? Like the car? I think. I’m not a big GM guy either but most of these were positively flogged on. This one’s pretty. Hope your day goes better, perhaps you shouldn’t drink the gasoline…
Like they won’t “Click here to see”…..gheez Again…it’s your site…like it wouldn’t be a thumbs up…Do you wear your red tie way below your belt ?
What are you talking about? People down voted your comment and it was automatically hidden by the plugin we use. Relax.
I’d say he’s drinkin other things while he reads BF. Chill Pill is in order.
While I would add I dont see anything special about this other than its age and condition. On that basis it belongs. I’m kinda with Drinkin Hooch here on the car itself……..just generic seventies greasemobile…………and to think I used to think (pre SUV’s) these were gas hogs. Ah perspective and time.
Great find. This was the last year before the wrap-around rear glass that came out in ’75. I had a ’75 and these early Firebirds are really coming into their own. Nothing wrong with the 350 – always a nice running engine. The ’74 and ’75 shared that unique nose (endura ?) and it is rare to see an unbroken bumper today. This will be a fun car for someone.
If only it had the 455, but what an awesome looking car from my youth
IMHO…little to see that would make me doubt the mileage and at the current bid of $18.1K I think the it would be a price that leaves room for appreciation. Wish I had room otherwise I’d bid to own it if it could be had for $19K or less…BTW…if it had a 455 cid you wouldn’t be able to buy it for less than $35K
nice find. great color, preferred model (@< for me). yes, i wish it were a manual and i wish it were a 400 or sd455 but i did not store it, and i will not be bidding on it so i'll just enjoy a gorgeous vehicle.
glws
Speedo and exhaust tips shown are not original to the car. Jim Rockford would be proud!
I agree on the tips, but didn’t the speedo change in ’75? Down to 100 mph.
You’re right about the speedo. 1975 was the year they went to 100 mph. My bad.
Charlie – can you help me out please. What is off with the speedo and tail pipes ? On the former – I owned a 74 Formula back in the day and it had the 160 mph speedo. Optimistic for sure but it was what it was.
Thanks
Both of my 69 Firebirds had 160 mph speedo’s.
how do you know the speedo is not original to the car? Just wondering….. if is not that is, well not good necessarily.
just have to say, beautiful car. love these as I am a big Firebird guy. Prefer 67-68 or 70-72). Unfortunately I have had SO MANY red cars I just can’t handle red anymore. Too bad not a 4 speed for sure.
Never understood the use of orange by Pontiac. On this car or the Judge’s….Just can’t stand it but that is my problem, right!
Speedo went to 160 till 1975. Exhaust tips may be reproductions, but are the correct style for the 1974 models. The first Firebird I remember equipped with the splitter style tips was the 1976 455-4speed T/A.
Super nice Poncho. Love that snorkel hood. Very nice lines for mid seventies detroit muscle. I never was a fan though of those honeycomb wheels. Nevertheless, driving this around would bring on lots of positive conversation. Dang, I sure miss my 68 Goat with its factory 4-Speed…..
Jesse, here’s my issue with this….it is not a Barn Find. It is a well preserved original condition vehicle which was stored for many years as mine are….Would I advertise my vehicles here for sale ? No, because they are not Barn Finds, they are collector vehicles stored in OCD conditions. Would it be appropriate for me to put up my 30k 49 DeSoto, my 26k 66 VW Type 1 or my 47 Indian Chief for sale as a Barn Find here ?? No it wouldn’t, because they are not barn finds. They are cared for originals or carefully restored examples.
Now we are on to something! Let’s hear your definition of a barn find.
We are in fact, on to something, and I sincerely appreciate the acknowledgement….A barn find is an object stored within a barn for numerous reasons. A piece of equipment relegated to storage given that it has outlived it’s usefulness deemed by the owner at the time of storage. Example…there is a Wrecking yard not 1 mile north of me that has no less than 200 acres of tractors of numerous makes and models as well as vehicles where the owner refuses to relent to the township to sell for development….is that a barn find ? No….it is a wrecking yard.
So, in your opinion an original car that’s been stored long term in a garage, shed, or lean-to cannot be considered a barn find?
I’d much rather have this Firebird than any of those vehicles … just sayin.
Question is…..have You ever driven any one of those vehicles ?…….I’d lay money down that You have not…..MuaHAHAHA
Well, taken literally few of these are true “barn finds.” Colloquially any storage building housing a person’s “stuff” could be considered “the barn.” This site used to run an occasional feature, “what’s in (so and so’s) barn?” Few of the storage buildings were true barns. With that said, I’m sure I’m not the only one whose curiosity has been peaked; how about some pics of what’s in your barn?
I would love to have this, F bodys are so much fun to drive! This would be a great ride for cruise nights and sunny weekends, when was the last time you saw a 74 Formula?
You would want it because “when was the last time you saw a 74 Formula” ??….crickets
No I would love to have it because I’m a big fan of the GM F body whether it’s a Camaro or a Firebird.
Buccaneer Red, Honeycomb wheels, small back window, factory fiberglass hood. Whats not to like?
I have no doubt that I am going to get some “thumbs down” for this, but it needs saying. I closed my Facebook page and also stopped commenting on a number of different forums because of the negativity of some people. I look at the comments so far on this particular car and I need to say that there are people who need to stop taking both themselves and the cars on here quite so seriously.
Not every car on here is a barnfind. What every car that appears on this site is, is interesting. We may not like all of them, but every one of them appears to have an interesting back story. I come here to read these stories and to see cars that I had forgotten even existed!
Enjoy the site, enjoy the stories, stop taking yourself so seriously. None of us lives forever!
Well said Adam….Thank You.
I like it, and if it wasn’t posted here on Barn Finds, I never would have seen it. So stored in a barn or not, I am glad you posted it. Thanks Barn Finds!
Glad it helped in broadening your knowledge base johnj….
….. and if it weren’t posted here i never would have seen it.
you have captured my thoughts more eloquently than i could have myself.
Hey Jesse, how about you post a few before and after pictures of your F-body?
Jesse ? You have an F Body? Love to see the pics !
I noticed that the market was heating up on these so when a second gen Camaro popped up on craigslist I nabbed it. We will see if the excitement is justified.
So, in your opinion an original car that’s been stored long term in a garage, shed, or lean-to cannot be considered a barn find? You are stretching it a bit don’t ya think? This was not a barn stored relic… Kinda a double edged sword…..isn’t it ?? Think about it.
@DrinkinGasoline – after years of doing this, I can say that the term “barn find” is a very subjective one. It would seem that you like to argue just for the sake of arguing.
All said and done, the opinion bantering is what makes Barn Finds what it is ! Thank You Scotty, Josh, and Everyone who takes the time from their lives to log on and share knowledge and memories ! We all differentiate in opinion, that’s what makes sites like this thrive.
I quote Jesse: ” It would seem that you like to argue just for the sake of arguing.” In rebuttal,That makes absolutely no sense.
Why would I take the time to argue a point with no reason ? Truth be told, you didn’t like the the salt back from your article. I get it…it’s all good.
Actually DG I dont take the “salt back” as Jesse’s reason for replying at all.l. He meant what he said…….why the ferocity of opinion about the definition of Barn Finds?. We all know its not literally a 1929 Essex found under a collapsed Mennonites pole barn in Ohio.
As so eloquently stated above, not only is the concept ‘barn find’ subjective but its a hook to hang the stories on in this blog. Its not a test of the literal meaning of Barn Find. If it was, Jesse would be severely limited in what he could write about. How interesting would that be to us?
Personally I’m grateful for the work Jesse and the crew put in on this every day and I don’t give a rat’s patootie what they choose to highlight. If I dont like it, as in most seventies, eighties and nineties Americans cars I can just pass on it (sorry Jesse :) )
No need to get up in his face about it. Jess sayin.
I had one of these,drove it everyday. It was a great car,very sporty with a 4speed. I had two friends with early eighties Trans Ams, one of which was a turbo. Mine with a stock 350 beat them every time we raced. I love this car, don’t like the price.
I’m not even getting in on this one,,,oh what the heck, very, very nice car, sure looks legit. Wonder what the story was? We never get that side of it. Man, I’d drive the crap out of this car.
DrinkinGasoline, thanks for taking the pressure off of me, thumbs down wise, that is, and stop cutting your meds in half, you’re bummin’ us out. :)
Looks like the name will have to be changed to just “Finds”. Then everybody’s happy.
I always have your back Howard, here and in Hemmings.
Cutting meds in half is the only way to make ends meet ! I’m Old….Seriously??
….and evidently a little bit cranky today.
Let’s sort it out Jesse… for what ever reason, You want me to stop posting in Barn Finds, then call me out. But be careful of the choices made,for what you toss out to the flood will return to you in the mist. I can live with that….can You?
Who ever said I wanted you to stop commenting? If that was the case, I’d just block you. We get flack for cars we post almost everyday so a little criticism doesn’t bother me anymore. I was honestly trying to figure out what you were complaining about. We have established the fact that you don’t like GM products and that you don’t think this car should be on the site. We value everyone’s opinion, but we also expect everyone to be respectful to each other.
Seems as though this carries a flow. I’m not concerned about any blocking as i roll with a random IP address. Every 15 minutes revealed…..what? e thate I have always professed nothing but respect for any and all of the poster’s on Barn Finds…. I find it offensive that I have done otherwise.
You Do Not have the control to block anyone. Anyone can sign-in, as anyone, at any given moment.
Jesse your skin is thin.
What does that even mean? If you don’t want to frequent this site, dont.
When I open a bottle on a Saturday night that is my signal to turn off the computer.
Then You should follow your gut…
Relax……….
Barn find, field find, garage find, warehouse find, hangar find, living room find…etc. What the heck does it matter? Just keep showing us the stuff.
Wow! Cool car but not for me but if it weren’t on here I would have never seen it.
So I have been reading All the comments in this post and I finally got to the end .When I saw the pic of this firebird all I was gonna say was ,I love this car, and that the honey comb wheels are the koolest poncho wheels ever produced.Now I feel like I have to say this. I pretty much dont care where it was found. I’m just glad it was.Jesse keep doing what your doing,don’t let some guy with a hair across his Ace ruin your day.I’m a Chevy/GM guy I could look at cars like this all day long.Oh yaa almost forgot.GO PATS!!!! Sorry had to throw that in.
Wow some people on here seem to have a far too high value of themselves and their own opinions.
I had a 73 Camaro and while it was an emissions choked dog, it was still my first “nice” car. I was interested in this Formula because it brought back the memories.
I personally could not care a rats a$$ about a 26 desoto or most other cars from before the 60’s but that doesn’t give me license to hijack a thread or disrespect the site.
I simply do not click the link.
People like DG are what’s wrong with this country. They think their opinion is all that matters and have no tolerance.
Seems downright unamerican to me.
+1 from the other Grant :-)
You get a “thumbs up” from me Grant. I can’t believe the negativity on this particular post. The term barn-finds is just a nail to hang a hat on. Every car that’s featured on here has a back-story, and that’s why they’re here. Some ARE real barn-finds, but regardless of whether a car is one or not, they’re all interesting.
I am just grateful to everyone who contributes to this site. It’s one of the few things that I look at on the internet.
I have a word of advice to everyone who’s being negative and precious: If (and I hope it never happens to any of you) your doctor suddenly hands you a death sentence, you will find that your perspective will change enormously. Mine has.
I scroll past the cars that don’t interest me. It’s easy.
X2 on that.
Thank God some of you guys have a life. If it wasn’t for Barn Finds and several other sites I visit most of these cars being a Barn Find or in some other type of storage would be missed. As I read through all of the dribble of the two experts here tonight Im glad most of us really don’t give a Sh… of what you have or think. Grow up boys no matter what age you are. Just my observation of all of the crap this car got. I hope when you list your cars from environment protective storage we all get a chance to bag on your treasure.
DG needs to take a break from BF…
If this site only wrote about true barn finds it would be very short on articles. So it seems the site has evolved for the sake of staying alive. So be it. Who cares what the title is as long as the content is appealing. Not every post is going to be liked by everyone. I get almost zero interest or pleasure from some posts others hit the spot. Don’t care for don’t open and read.
I believe the best looking F’birds ever manufactured were the 1970-1973 Formula’s and Trans-Am’s all with the original Honeycomb wheels just like this one!!!
Probably both.
Right on!
Without getting into the discussion about certain peoples’ unfavorable opinions about a website they don’t have to pay for. . .
I like this car. Do I want an F Body? No, they’re really not my cup of tea. However, if I did want one this is in-line with what I’d be looking for. At almost 50, I’m not interested in how fast the car will arrive at the next stop light (and I encounter far too many of them here). I’m not too concerned with how great the fuel economy is as I wouldn’t be buying something like this to commute to work with. And most importantly, I’d be buying this to drive and enjoy, so concerns about future value are less than tertiary to me.
While the 455 SD would be the one to have because it’s seriously cool and has speed potential, I think that the most likely buyer for a car like this IS a guy like me: fell in love with the F Bodies in the 70’s as a kid, never actually owned one but have really liked the styling, and today we have the means to afford one but little desire to flog them to see how long of a black mark the tires will leave on the street outside of our homes.
Personally, I think that this is an ideal package and in the ideal condition for a middle-aged cat like myself to buy so that he can attend the local shows all summer and park inside rather than outside. Granted that there are many who would prefer to build their own, there is also a large market for cars that are ready to go at low or medium spec but that present well and drive well enough for a trip to the movies or dinner on a Saturday night in June. I feel that picking the car apart of one’s perceived opinion as to whether or not they drive well or are fast enough is just silly considering what THIS car is or what it will be used for in the future:
A comfortable and stylish ride that presents the image of a time when some of us were young and wanted to be cool, because in the day this is what the cool kids drove.
At least until the late 80’s when they all suddenly had 3-Series BMW’s. That is a different story for a different day, though.
I enjoy this site and a few others for various reasons. I find the where they rust postings informative. Slightly depressing too. I really like the low mileage mint postings. When this car was built I was 7. My memory is pretty good but if I had been at a Pontiac dealer to see this car then all I would remember now is that it was cool and red. Who said time travel isn’t possible?
I personally really like this car, I don’t care that it wasn’t found in a barn! I like old cars no matter what they are, it could be a 1981 Ford Escort or a 69 Charger, if it’s old and it’s still around and surviving I’m interested in reading about it and learning something new, yeah some cars were better than others back then but who cares it’s about how they are now and that they are still around! I just don’t understand the negativity and it’s not just here it’s everywhere about everything. I come here to get away from that and look at old cars and trucks. If you’re having a bad day maybe not post a comment, look how many comments are on this and most are just arguing.
Jesse my correct me if I’m wrong, its my belief that when this site started up it was just barn finds. I’m sure that the much smaller team soon realized that they were running out of material to write about and would have expand on what they were posting. By then they had an established brand that was well recognized so like any smart business men they stuck with it and grew their business. Now they have become known the world over and have a loyal following. What is wrong with that. They have established there brand ( barn finds ) and that is what the name is their brand so let’s not kick them in the nuts over their success. It take guts in our day and age to strike out on your own and many small businesses don’t survive. Well done gentlemen.
Unbelievable! Now, back to the car. Man that thing is pretty!
No wonder there’s very few women here. :(
Howard, I’d have given you a “Thumbs Down” only to signify that we don’t like quantifying why women aren’t interested in joining us, but without context I’d just be a(n) “emoji of an eggplant”.
So I gave a “Thumbs Up”. This conversation is a fine example of what’s wrong with some of us.
If you can’t say something nice, then sometimes it’s better to say noting at all.
*and*
Better to be quiet and thought the fool then to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.
I am with all of you THUMBS UP guys. Totally support and appreciate Jesse and the Barn Finds Crew. Clearly this site share with us vehicles of “hey look what someone found!” Very cool. Every listing is interesting, just some are more interesting to us individually that others and that is why ice cream comes in what 40 different flavors, right?
I have learned a lot from barn finds. I love the comments left by those who have insight and expertise to specific vehicles. I love to give commentary when I have specific vehicle knowledge and facts for commentary. I would hope it all adds to our knowledge AND helps people buying cars listed here with important info.
Mike H, I agree with you to be nice but more importantly to be a factual contributor. I have contributed comments on cars on this site when what the seller is stating about the vehicle is simply not correct and a buyer could end up making a big mistake on bad information. I appreciate the expertise of the knowledge represented in this group.
we are passionate about cars and sometimes we make comments and spark an argument, not intentional, like Art and I did recently about corvettes.
We both learned things working through it. it was unfortunate that whoever “Addiction” is, ripped into my commentary….read wwaaayyyy too far into my comments and flew off the handle. Honestly, his problem.
This is the most interesting read we’ve had on the site! It’s kind of ridiculous that someone doesn’t understand that “Barn Finds”is being used as a general term for cars that have been left “somewhere”, maybe neglected, maybe just stored for awhile. I’ve said before, the site owner can present to us what ever they want to, just be thankful some created this site.
I think it was the bad guy in Corvette Summer and that awesome formula that has had me always love these.
Although red is not my cup… Oh that hood sure does it for me. Dare I say better then the chicken? In my view yes. If it has to be red then give me white interior. GLWS
I have actually bought a car that i saw on Barn finds. I greatly appreciate their efforts!
I have actually bought a car that i saw on Barn Finds. I greatly appreciate their efforts! 1977 Chevy G2500 van.
Wow, lots of comments. I just wanted to say that this bumper style is my fave on the firebirds, and that this is one sweet ride! Thanks for posting it.
Beet this Drinkin gas
Love my Pontiac and never had a brakedown
Well done! That stance with the flares is sick, and the colour?
Oh boy. . .
Rock On……now that’s funny right there!
Boob Finds, I am sure its out there somewhere but I have not checked, yet.
This drinking gas guy has got to go. He’s ruining it for the rest of us. Block him. Nice car. Dream car.
I personally like this Firebird, it don’t have EVERY option like we all want but it’s nicely equipped. I for one would love to own this firebird, but because I’m young I’d maybe tint the windows to protect the interior. And as for all the negativity; if u don’t like the car quit responding and move on, I’m a young man of 20 and not even I conduct myself in such a way. Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow sir.
As a child of the 70s I love these cars. There are plenty of awful examples out there, and they’re not perfect by any stretch. Not even in this condition. But the nostalgia really grabs me. I’d love to find this one in my barn. And no, DG, you’re not invited over for a beer.