Camel Cloth: 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 12K Miles – Sold?

January 29, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “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.

In the late 1970s, if you wanted all of the performance of a Pontiac Trans Am without all the flashy spoilers and screaming chicken hood decal, you bought a Firebird Formula.  Unfortunately, 1979 was the final year for the availability of Pontiac’s 400 cubic inch V8. Not well known is that Pontiac actually completed production of the engine in 1978 after stock-piling what forecasters believed would be needed for the new model year.  Consequently, the priority went to four-speed equipped 1979 Trans Ams while automatic-equipped TAs and Formulas made do with a Pontiac-built 301 cubic inch V8, an optional Chevrolet built 350 cubic inch small block V8, or a big block Oldsmobile 403 cubic inch mill.

This 11,878 original mile 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula, originally listed in January 2023 on Craigslist in Ann Arbor, Michigan, features the standard 301 cubic inch V8 mated to an automatic transmission. Beyond the automatic and perhaps power brakes, this 1979 Firebird Formula does not appear to have any other factory options, making it somewhat of an entry-level

Last offered for $25,900, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for all 1979 Pontiac Firebirds of all trims and powertrains.  The caveat in this instance is that Trans Ams and Anniversary models are currently lumped in this guide.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the Firebird featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $19,300 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $28,800.

Heading into its ninth production model year run, Pontiac completed its final styling update of the second-generation Firebird line for the 1979 model year. Upfront, the somewhat polarizing difference was the new integrated front bumper and grille featuring four inset headlights set above two bumper-level intakes. In back, however, was a cool new blacked-out taillight treament.  With the big news for 1979 being the 10th Anniversary Trans Am, the Firebird Formula remained unchanged save for the aforementioned front-end update combined with paint and trim options.

The VHS Vintage YouTube Channel features this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula commercial highlighting the styling changes:

Whenever we come across an ultra-low mileage survivor such as this 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula for sale, we often wonder what the back story is that would keep the miles off of the car for so many years.  While this Formula is an interesting low-mileage survivor, the lack of options and a desirable powertrain c0mbine with a less desirable brown color combination likely hold back the desirability of this example. Time will tell.

If you are serious about buying this Formula, you can start the conversation by calling or texting Kevin at (734) 604-4540.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw his survivor Firebird featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this survivor-quality 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!