Fast Formula: 1995 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk T-Top – SOLD!

November 11, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

As far as we’re concerned, if you’re looking for a modern classic bargain you can buy and enjoy right now without any fear of losing money, you can’t do much better than a fourth-generation SLP-modified Firebird Firehawk. SLP was a GM-approved tuner that offered a $6,000 engine performance and handling package on fourth-generation Pontiac Formulas. Considering the sticker price of a mid-1990s Pontiac Formula hovered around twenty thousand dollars, the SLP option represented a thirty percent price increase over the stock Formula despite offering a full factory warranty.  Consequently, SLP Firehawks rarely come up for sale.

Until now. We just spotted this even rarer T-Topequipped, 1995 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk originally listed for sale on Craigslist in November 2021 in Chittenango, New York (Syracuse) offered at $12,000 currently. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool reveals the private seller has their special edition Firebird Formula priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $11,800 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,800.

The Hagerty Insurance Valuation Tool also provides this great summary of why these cars are so special:

When introduced in 1993, the fourth generation Firebird was mostly all new. Base models got a V-6, while Formula and Trans Am models got the 5.7-liter LT1 V-8 similar to the one introduced in the 1992 Corvette, albeit with more restrictive intake and exhaust. This was coupled to a standard Borg-Warner 6-speed manual, although a 4-speed automatic was a popular option. The V-8 cars rode on 16-inch wheels and in 1995 the Trans Am got Z-rated tires.

Throughout the fourth-generation Firebird’s production run, there were several special editions. In addition to several anniversary models, there was also the special-edition Firehawk, produced by SLP Engineering but sold at Pontiac dealers. These cars had more power and better suspension, and today are fairly hard to find. From 1993-97, all Firehawks were based on Firebird Formulas, while from 1999 the Firehawk could be had as a Formula or a Trans Am. There were no 1998 Firehawks. The most desirable SLP Firehawk from a collectability standpoint would be one of the 29 1997 models equipped with the LT4 V-8 out of the Corvette Grand Sport, but any Firehawk would be considered a real find.

Like Camaros and Corvettes, Firebirds have long represented a lot of speed per dollar. Many have therefore been modified, driven hard, and racked up a lot of miles. Other than reliable mechanicals, general build quality is also to the typical standard of 1990s General Motors, meaning that squeaks and rattles are almost a given in the interior.

In many ways, though, the fourth-generation Firebird is like a Corvette that costs less and has four seats. It also arguably looks a lot more exciting than the equivalent Camaro, and with numerous engine and gearbox options, paint colors, trim packages, and special editions as well as coupe, convertible and T-top body styles, there is a lot of choice as well.

The MotorWeek RetroReview Channel features their 1994 test drive of a Firebird Firehawk:

In addition to the subtle dark red over graphite leather interior, we love the fact this Firehawk features the open-air flexibility of the glass T-Tops. Unlike most examples of these cars tucked away in owners’ collections hoping they can cash in someday, this 26-year-old’s 79K miles averages out to just 3K per year on what has proven to be a very reliable drivetrain.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“The item for sale is a 1995 Pontiac Firebird Firehawk. This was only made in 1995, and only 351 of the “T” top model were made.
The Firehawk was a $6000 factory option built by SLP
It has 79,000 miles on it.
Graphite leather interior.
Includes:
315 HP Engine
SLP Stainless Steel Headers
6 Speed Manual Transmission
Glass T Tops Composite cold air induction hood
Oversize Air Filter
275/40 ZR 17″ Tires
5 Spoke Aluminum 17″ Wheels
3″ Stainless Steel Exhaust
SLP Power Flow Muffler
Firehawk Body Graphics
Hurst Shifter
Firehawk Floormats
Front Sway Bar
Pan hard Bar
Rear Lower Control Arms
Owners manual w/ Firehawk Supplement

If you have an interest in this vehicle, you must contact the owner Steve.“

Show or go: what would you do with this rare 1995 Firebird Firehawk?  Comment below and let us know!