1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 'Replica' Coupe (RHD)
Sold: $24,000
Specifications
| Engine | 350cu V8 |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 3 Speed automatic |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Red |
| Interior | Black |
| Trim | Vinyl |
| Wheels | Cast Alloy |
| Brakes | Disc |
Description
In an attempt to cash in on the success Ford was having with their Mustang 'Pony Car', General Motors used 1967 to introduce two rivals in response, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
They shared the 'F-body' platform but differed somewhat in styling and each ran division specific engines, the top Firebird motor displacing 400ci and producing 325bhp in the 'Formula 400' specification, or 330bhp with the now-famous 'Ram Air' system. In 1968 Pontiac bored out their 326ci V8 to a Chevrolet matching 350 cubic inches for the base model Firebird. It generated 265bhp with a two-barrel carburettor or 320bhp through a single-quad. 1970 saw the second generation body-styling that gave both Camaro and Firebird a more European feel. Along with the new look came a significant increase to handling and a lift on the GM restriction that disallowed motors over 400ci in 'intermediate' vehicles. This meant that the 455ci motor became available in 1971 to join the existing Formula 350 and Formula 400s, though a change to 'net' power figures (which saw power 'as installed' become the industry norm) and the pending oil crisis stripped the headline grabbing advertised outputs of 1970.
