Reserve Removed: 1-Owner 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 4-Speed

This 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 is a one-owner car originally purchased by the seller in June of 1976. Since then, they have put 121,363 miles on it and its original, numbers-matching engine. The exterior features its original exterior decals and almost all of its factory Goldenrod Yellow paint, but some bodywork was performed on the driver's door 20 years ago, according to the seller. Inside the cabin is a pair of black vinyl front buckets, including a reupholstered driver's seat, and rear seats that the seller states have "practically never been used."  The 400ci V8 under the dual-scoop hood is original to this car, but various parts such as the radiator, spark plugs, alternator, and others have been replaced over the years. That routes its output through a 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter. This California-based Firebird Formula is available now with certain service records, its original bill of sale, and a clear title in the seller's name.

The second generation of the Pontiac Firebird ran from the 1970 through 1981 model years. For 1976, Pontiac integrated the front and rear bumpers into the Firebird's bodywork. A Goldenrod Yellow and black paint job, twin-scoop hood, and lettering above the dual-inlet grille, on the rocker panels, and above the horizontal taillights distinguish this particular car as a Formula model. The 5-spoke wheels are color-matched to the upper bodywork and surrounded by BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires. Two pairs of angled exhaust finishers jut out below the rear fenders. 

Except for the driver's door where some bodywork was performed, the paint on this garage-kept car is all original, just like the Formula decals, according to the seller. They note some small “parking lot dings” on both doors, but state they are not large enough to see in the photos in the gallery.

The cabin is furnished with black vinyl front buckets, including a reupholstered driver's seat, and rear seats that the seller states "have practically never been used." Behind the 3-spoke steering wheel is a woodgrain-faced instrument cluster with 5 round gauges for the speed, revs, fuel level, and other important readouts. There is a clock, but the seller reports that it is nonfunctional. The 4-speed manual gearbox features a "4-on-the-floor" layout with a console-mounted Hurst shifter.

The seller replaced the factory-installed 8-track player with an aftermarket digital stereo that they describe as having a "period correct fit and look." That's connected to an aftermarket power antenna that rises when the stereo is activated. The factory air conditioning hardware is in place, but it lost its Freon charge long ago. 
 

As its name implies, the Firebird Formula 400 is powered by a 400ci V8 engine. This specimen features its original motor, which is paired with a 4-bbl carburetor and 4-speed manual gearbox. Over the years, the seller has replaced the water pump, alternator, power steering unit, radiator, and spark plugs and wires. Other notable replacements include the fuel tank and catalytic converter, which is now a honeycomb-style unit which the seller states meets California DMV requirements. 

According to the current owner, this Firebird Formula 400 is rust-free.

The oil and other fluids were changed 2 years ago. In February of 2021, this Firebird passed its California smog inspection.