1981 Pontiac Firebird Formula
"The last year of the Firebird's second generation saw a marked decrease in sales, down 34% from 1980 and Esprit had no Skybird, Redbird, or Yellowbird options this year. A new Trans Am, the Daytona Pace Car edition was released and came with special black graphics, a blacked out roof, black striping, and new Recaro seats with red inserts.". 70,889 Firebirds were built in 1981 and only 5,927 of them were Formulas. Thx tran-zam.com
For consignment, a 1981 Pontiac Formula showing 17,592 unverifiable miles with a rebuilt 455ci engine, according to our consignor. Insurance rates for Trans Ams in this era resulted in many consumers choosing the Formula option so owners could eat their cake and have it too!
Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.*
Exterior
Let's start with the nose which replaces the smooth Endura front of the '81 with the more angular '77-'78 piece wherein a honeycomb grille is inset in a pointed cove with high beams and low beams that are right next to each other. From there, the dual scooped hood takes center stage on the black car and are contrasted by gray painted inlet bezels, showing some peeling. Trans Am fender vents are on the car, always a nice touch, and decal FORMULA text is boldly applied below them in lieu of the broad rocker panel graphic that would have originally been applied. Window trim and door handles are polished metal and the correct exhaust splitters, also borrowed from the Trans Am, glisten under the rear quarter panel. The now iconic smoked tail lights are flanked by the spoiler and the Endura bumper cover for a clean presentation that looks especially good in black. The car stands tall on 17-inch Pontiac Rally II style 5 spoke wheels wrapped in 50 series tires. Imperfections include missing paint on the corner of the rear bumper cover, the peeling gray paint on the hood scoops, and a few random scuffs and paint bubbles, particularly on the rear underside of the driver's door.
Interior
Black on black is the way to go and starts with the door panels which are simple and clean and wear the weight saving window cranks! No motors to weigh you down in a quarter mile pass! The textured black vinyl bucket seats are in great shape with tuck and roll tufted sections and black piping, all copied on the back 2+2 rear seats in like new condition. Patina shows up on the padded steering wheelm which of course fronts the faux machined metal applique on the dashboard where the entire instrument cluster comes over from the Trans Am, showing some typical patina but completely presentable and including a Pontiac branded AM/FM/Cassette radio. The center console houses the automatic shifter in the standard plastic plate and low pile plush black carpet covers the floor. The trunk is completely barren.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a driver quality 455ci V8 from the early 70's with a 4-barrel carburetor and a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the 10-bolt rear axle. Power brakes are supplied with discs up front and drums in the rear. Characteristic metallic blue paint covers the block and the heads wear chrome valve covers over stock exhaust manifolds. A 455 HO period decal is on the air clean cover.
Undercarriage
Pleasantly clean and dry underneath with typical surface rust, a few cobwebs, and one area of flaking rust on some sheet metal. The dual exhaust meets at an X-pipe, then continues through stock style mufflers, up and over the rear axle, to downturned exhaust splitter tips. There is no catalytic converter present. Suspension stays true to the standard of the times, coil springs up front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
The 455 started right up and let out a raucous howl as we move the shifter to D and rolled this conglomeration of Pontiac panels onto the test loop where acceleration was not lacking, handling was good if not a tad bit hindered by the height, strong braking, and ergonomics that were just right on these F-bodies. Things that didn't work include the heater blower, the tachometer, the wipers, and the A/C which has been removed. All other functions operated as they should save for the brake lights which stay illuminated even after the pedal is released. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Even the base Firebirds were cool and nowadays, are a blast to see. But add a few elements like hood scoops, fender vents, a rear wing, and rear splitters, and you have something special. You can drive this car just as it sits or make changes to it and know you're not altering a stock survivor. Maybe you prefer the Endura nose or the vented wheels of 1981. The beauty is these cars enjoy amazing aftermarket support and nearly every original part is available. Your F-body awaits with clean lines, a nice interior, and that glorious tail.
1G2AV87W7BN105613
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
A-Manual Belts
V-Firebird Formula
87-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
W-301ci 4bbl V8
7-Check Digit
B-1981
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
105613-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
10D-4th Week October
2FS87-Pontiac Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
N103291-Norwood Body #
19N-Black Deluxe Vinyl
77L 77U-Autumn Maroon
16M-Stardust Silver Decals
A51-Bucket Seats
W50-Special Appearance Group, Formula
BL2-Secondary Interior Color
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
