Why The 1970-1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula Is The Most Forgotten Golden Era Performance Car

The 1970-1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula was one of the great performance cars of the Golden Era. Find out why this great car is so overlooked.

[@clevlandblock]

Back in the spring of 72 I ordered (courtesy of my parents) a new 72 Formula 400. The agreement was for me to order a 350 2 barrel as a college car. Naturally, I instead ordered a Formula 400 in a burnt orange with honeycombs. The order got cancelled by the dealer a few weeks later due to the factory strike. That October I ordered a 73 TA 455, having been told that the SD-455 was on indefinite hold. Drove that car for four years then bought a low mile 74 TA 4 speed SD-455 in 1978. I still have that car, now with 14k miles.

[@danam0228]

😱

[@wydopnthrtl]

@@danam0228 Very cool!

[@davidbolt5113]

Love that car

[@stephenholland5930]

You've only driven the '74 TA 10,000 miles in 46 years? Doesn't seem many.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

How many of those 14,000 miles are from smoking the rear tires? 😂

[@justinwhite9689]

The twin scoops were so cool

[@JTA1961]

Till it rained

[@mikee2923]

Yup. I actually like the twin snorkel scoops better than the T/A shaker.

[@ronb493]

One of my favorites as a kid. Brings back memories.

[@HerbLarge]

I’m lucky enough to have a 71 ram air ho 455 4 speed car with all of its factory drivetrain still in it. It is fun to drive!

[@user-tw9nc8gw2h]

Cool... I still have my 1971 Formula 455 HO

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

When I was a child my dad had a 70 Formula 400 in granada gold, and an 87 Formula with a 305 TIP in silver when I was a teen. Needless to say he was a Firebird guy.

[@lancairw867]

Memories. In the early 80s my teen neighbor had a 72 Formula Firebird 🐦‍🔥. I remember my 13 year old self being pushed back in the seat and see the hood rise as he did a pull. Awesome 😎 his dad was high up at Comp Cams in Memphis.

[@joedoyle7799]

Back in 1980 my parents were looking for a new car for my dad, they brought several test drives to the house, mostly GMG bodies until my dad pulled up in a Firebird formula 301 turbo. I didn’t believe him when he said he bought it but he did and it’s still in our family today. 10 years of fighting with a turbo he had put in a custom built 400 with a 400 transmission, it’s a Family heirloom

[@gmoney1592]

Man do I miss Pontiacs.

[@majesticfirebird2310]

Gone but not forgotten, thanks to media like Smokey & The Bandit, Knight Rider and, more recently, I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Yes. Even 90s ones.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Yeah same, my wife and I had some Pontiacs: Trans Am, Sunbird, Grand Am.

[@formula73]

I bought a 73 Formula when I was a junior sailor back in 2001. Still have it.

[@gmoney1592]

@@formula73 Nice man. Great car I love that year and style .

[@mikemc330]

I didn’t forget about them. I love the look of those beautiful cars!

[@warrenny]

No one who actually is a car person has forgotten them. It's just a marketing tool for KZbinrs to get clicks.

[@BCaldwell]

Thanks for continuing to make these videos Sir 👌

[@m1a1hm]

I think the 70 to 73 Firebirds are the best looking firebirds made I got a 71 Firebird Formula 400 .

[@danmyers9372]

Agreed and almost impossible to find these days.

[@m1a1hm]

@@danmyers9372 Your right they are hard to find well a least around where I live as a kid in the 80s there were only two guys I knew who these year model firebirds and the 71 Firebird I got came from California

[@gt-37guy6]

I spent a fair amount of time in a 71 Formula, Black with white stripes and 3 speed manual - high school buddy's car. It was not a quarter miler, but holy cats it was fun to ride on curvy roads at say 120 - 130 mph! Very impressive handling compared to the basic cars of the day, and very good brakes. I have to this day not seen another 350 3 speed manual Formula - but I know they are around.

[@csumme7]

A friend of mine in high school had a blue 71 Formula. It was a great looking sports car from the 70s.

[@Paulie1232]

I own a firebird and I loved it...beautiful car 🚗 😊

[@Plombo_5]

Those were the days

[@dukeallen432]

Today is the day.

[@EvanBarr-uk3vk]

1973 formula sd looks so clean

[@blainesnider9089]

I still have my 70 formula400

[@user-tw9nc8gw2h]

Cool... I still have my 1971 Formula 455 HO

[@brandonpetchnick1182]

I asked for this one some time ago. No idea if you saw the request. It's awesome. I absolutely love your channel.😊

[@jerryleejohnsonjr1377]

My first car was a 73 Firebird that I paid 800 bucks for in 1982 before I even had a drivers license, I still dream of having that same model again.

[@luisvelasco316]

I always liked Panch's Formula on the show "Chips" which had the dual Formula hood scoops together with a Trans Am shaker scoop.

[@JTA1961]

All 3...? Wow

[@69Applekrate]

nicely done. not sure if you were clear but, in 1970, all Formulas had 400 engines. The rear spoiler and 350 and 455 engines became avail for 1971.

[@bobc8649]

Always wanted a 71-73 Formula with a 455 SD. Add the twin scoop hood with ram air ! Owned a 69 GTO 400/ 355 hp so I got the whole Pontiac vibe.

[@landiahillfarm6590]

'71-'73 Formula's are IMHO one of the best looking musclecars of all time. Sadly I never owned one, but I did have a '70 GTO so I totally get it!

[@905cavillac2]

That's funny this came across my feed as yesterday I seen a 70 Formula fully restored in a champagne color, absolutely stunning car and very underrated, but I love me a good Formula Firebird✌️

[@madmike2624]

This content is so fantastic!!, facts to back it up is even better!! Keep up the most interesting and fact filled channel!!`!Bravo !~!

[@allanbacon2977]

Was my favorite car 🐦‍🔥

[@georgewilson1184]

Actor James Garner portraying low budget ex convict frugal Private Detective James Rockford drove Firebird Esprit but because he really enjoyed driving and doing his own stunt work his firebirds were actually Formulas badged as Edprits LOL

[@RivetGardener]

His car is a classic. And those J turns he did!

[@georgewilson1184]

@@RivetGardener well I said low budget maybe not his standard fee $200 daily plus expenses 😆 that may be cheap now but back in the 1970s that was a hefty fee

[@ONTHEEDGEFRED]

​@@georgewilson1184yeah that was pretty good money back then, considering I worked all week for $50 less than one day of his salary . I made 375 per hour which comes out to $150 a week before taxes

[@will7its]

Yeah he drove the secretary version.....lol

[@1990notch]

My favorite show of that time.

[@misterenergy959]

Nothing can put me to sleep like a good OCM video….. keep them coming !

[@braddietzmusic2429]

I just like these Firebirds in these 3 year a bit more than Camaros of the same years. I never get tired of looking at them.

[@benniebarrow348]

My favorite classics ......1970-1976 Pontiac firebird and 1970-1973 Camaro. Gorgeous cars no doubt.

[@josephcameron530]

Excellent presentation. Awesome cars!

[@scotsiegel35]

I had a 70 formula 400 with 330 hp.stock growing up in 71 and 72 my Jr and Sr high school year's. I could blow away 396 Camero's, no problem It was the fastest car I ever owned in my life. Oh yeah it had a 4 speed with a Hurst T shifter. What a great car.

[@KevinSan88]

The early nose with the twin hood scoops, is my favorite front end of the 2nd gen ‘birds

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

SD455 is one of the awesomest cars ever created

[@danbaumann8273]

Love those hoods. Liked them even more than the T/As shaker. So, if I understood everything correctly the Formula was basically equal to a T/A if so equipped and the only difference would be trim and graphics. Great video.

[@danbaumann8273]

@@FranzAntonMesmer Yeah, the 442s were pretty cool.

[@cmte.brazinazzo2061]

Instrument Panel didn't had the metal finish, even if you wanted, I believe.

[@danbaumann8273]

@@cmte.brazinazzo2061 Yes, the metal dash was only in the T/A, you couldn't gey it in the Fornula.

[@cva1122]

Keep them coming. I look forward to each and every one. When I load KZbin, if you have a new video, it's the first one I click. Everytime.

[@jaydcs6298]

Those hood scoops made the car.

[@johnhull6363]

Nailed it with this one. Being younger, I had a 91 formula 5.7L bought new

[@peterbedrosian622]

great video

[@jackduguid177]

I had a new white/blue 1972 Trans Am.. I traded in my ‘66 GTO.. Wish I had kept them both..

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

I look forward to your posts. Thanks!

[@mikee2923]

70-73 Formula is my all time favorite. Especially when equipped with the 455. With the 73 SD as the holy grail.

[@JustK009]

When America built REAL cars

[@Tony_417]

Have you seen the mustangs, Camaros, and challengers of the last 10 years Forrest Gump? I would call those REAL cars with record breaking horsepower numbers. Such an ignorant comment founded in none sense. I’m sure you’re very proud of your 40 year old firebird parked outside your doublewide trailer. But the muscle cars of the last 10 years are amazing technological marvels.

[@sidefx996]

@@Tony_417 sure the performance of the newer cars is better, but the styling and the entire image is completely based on the older cars you just knocked. The originals were just that & weren’t trying to be something they weren’t.

[@sidefx996]

@@Tony_417 and apparently you’ve been living under a rock because you haven’t seen the prices of these Firebirds lately. None of them are parked outside a double wide Einstein.

[@appleiphone69]

My S550 Mustang has great styling and performs as both a muscle car and sports car. 460 HP and cooled seats.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

@@appleiphone69 given the performance of these new cars, I'm amazed that so many are paying so much for the run of the mill turds of the 60s and 70's....

[@kencooper2059]

Beautiful cars!

[@carlc5748]

John De Lorean looked to Ferrari to help design the 1970 Firebird. it was supposed to be exclusive for Pontiac. GM people insisted that the camaro get the same design, or the Pontiac design would get the proverbial axe. My cousin has a 1970 Firebird, and told me this little known background story.

[@jimsteele2072]

I agree, my buddy back in like 1978 had a 71 formula 400, black with tan interior, cragars, I wished that was my car ... I had a 68 Sattellite , still was badass

[@danmyers9372]

Had a high school buddy who bought a used 1971 or 72 Formula 455 around 1974. That car was really impressive. Great power (torque) and it handled better than pretty much any muscle car of that era. I had a 1970 Mach 1 351 and the Firebird beat my Mustang in pretty much every way imaginable. Out of curiosity I occasionally check the used market for these cars and rarely do I find one. Decent examples seem to be extremely rare especially given how many were produced.

[@jamescunningham4180]

I took my driver's test in my mom's formula 400 firebird 1974 recommended premium no pollution. Back window didn't drop yet!! Gold very fast 🇺🇸🏁🏁😊

[@chris.swearengin]

I do like the trans am, but the firebird I would take the second gen. That would be my favorite out of the first two. I do like the videos. Please share more of them take care.

[@mikeks8181]

I owened a 1975 Firebird Formula that I bought as my first car in 1982. It was underneath set up for rally racing! The gears would only let It get up to about 100 but That Silver Bird Would Turn on a Dime No matter the speed! I Miss it so much!

[@trent1984]

My favorite muscle car ever

[@weekendgarage3299]

Pontiac made some iconic cars!

[@ArmansAdventures]

This Firebird is very attractive. I saw it a few weeks ago. I saw the movie and I posted it on my page. Thank you for your interesting video 👌👍🏻🇱🇷

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

I have 88 Trans Am GTA and I love it but I would like to have one of early 70s too.

[@chadkimmel8957]

These are my favorite years for Firebirds.

[@Litt646]

I had a 73, loved that car!

[@michaelsimmons261]

Aaa the good Old days 😊

[@pinchnloaf]

Love these cars. And that’s how I feel about my LT1 Camaro. You get the SS drivetrain but can option it sleek and light

[@teddyghioto]

I have had lots of firebirds and trans ams lemans and even a fiero with a 350 in it over the years..Right now i have a 83 grand prix 350 in it a 96 firebird formula lt 1 and a 97 firebird v 6...LOVE MY PONTIACS...

[@767driver]

My Dad had a 72 Lemans. A great car, kept it 20 years with no major mechanical issues.

[@blackscotydog]

RIP Pontiac.......

[@JTA1961]

Well said

[@georgeford6439]

My fave years of TA/FB.....

[@HypocriticYT]

My aunt had a white one with all the performance options. I was a couple years too young to buy it when she sold it and in mint condition 😮

[@TBird1960]

I bought a '72 red formula 350 summer of '79. It came with a junkyard receipt for the replacement engine, said: '73 pontiac 400. A year later, while replacing the fuel pump I discovered it was a 455. To this day, I think it may have been a SD. At 6 K rpms it still had torque. Paid $300 for it!

[@KetchLambier]

I only wish the 70-73 had the T/A front fender vents.

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

I had a ‘70 Formula 400! That sucker was FAST! I miss it so much!

[@JackF99]

I'm a Mustang guy but IMO the 70-73 Firebird Formula was the best looking Pony Car of all time.

[@dannywilsher4165]

I had a white 73 SD 455 Trans Am. Regrets still run deep for selling it!!!!!

[@excelerater]

love these ,455

[@ricknorton1732]

1970-1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula Is my favorite

[@stephensanchez9590]

I loved the second generation firebird awesome car

[@midnightsun2483]

I always liked the formulas

[@billmcmurtrie1142]

I'd love to have a '71 Formula 400 Firebird. Best looking Firebird ever.

[@bryanmchugh1307]

My first car was a 1976 red Camaro. It was a nice car.

[@SierraBravo347]

Now we're tawkin....

[@johngranato2673]

I nearly bought a used 72, with the hood scoops. However, I was short $60, So, I asked my dad for a loan, but he didn't have the money. So, I bought a 73 Buick Century. Oh, well. Fifteen years later, I was able to buy a 68 GT 350 Fastback. I still love the Pontiac, though.

[@CarsandCats]

Flush mount side markers really cleaned up the car over the Camaro.

[@danam0228]

Spot on mon ami

[@manddservice.manddservice]

Great Video

[@seththomas9105]

I had the luck to own a 73 Z/28 LT/RS back in the 80's. LOVED that car, but I always thought the Poncho's were better looking. And the Formula's set up right were a running, gunning SOB. The Ram Air Hood was Probably the best cold air induction ever on a factory GM car. When I win the lottery... LOL.

[@trainglen22]

Gorgeous cars! I wish that the GM motor company didn't make the Corvette the car that no other car built by Chevrolet or Pontiac couldn't be faster.

[@gunsbeersmemes]

Can you do the G-Body Grand Prix GT?

[@goodbonezz1289]

Early second generation Firebirds and Trans Ams would be the main reason why I’d want a time machine…

[@bobdavis3357]

I want a 72 T/A 455 H.O. Car ran mid 13s stock, 13.5 @105 with the automatic TH400

[@darrellsaunders4267]

A guy I ran around with in high school got a 70 Trans Am brand new...white with blue stripe. 5700.00 plus change. I had A 68 Firebird 400....I could keep up with him neck and neck to 100mph. He had it up to 157 mph one night and it still had room.

[@smellsuperb1]

Absolutely not forgotten, this was the best of the second generation, especially '70-'71. 1970 (year i was Born) is not coincidentally the best year of muscle cars across the board. '72-'72 isn't bad either but those had reduced compression and the beginning of emissions restrictions.

[@shayzayit]

❤Pure art ❤

[@charlesdiggs5297]

I love the coverage, but you neglect to mention that the 1970 strike cut production.But this was john delorean's best work at gm

[@HypocriticYT]

My aunt had a Formula with all the performance options, white on white. Sold it decades ago in mint condition for $4k😢😢 and I was too young to buy it 😢

[@MrWill73]

Definitely one of the most underrated and unrecognized muscle car. Strongest engines with no excess weight and had only what you needed. Slimed down prized fighter. Optioned correctly, it was a mid 13 second car totally stock. Blew away the Road Runner and beat it at its own concept.

[@thunderray1987]

The best-looking Firebird is still the '79-'81!! I would take a '79 Firebird Formula 400 or a T/A, either one.

[@CarsandCats]

The gap on the front bumper valance drives me nuts! They could have done MUCH better than that.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Best Formula & T/A body style and nose. A jet intake nose.👍🏼

[@ceejay960]

Really rare cars these days, probably because so many have been converted to a Trans Am, since for so many years that's what most collectors wanted.

[@rogerodle8750]

Never knew about the shaker hood on the Formula Firebird -- but other than the rarity of the car why would you want one? The dual scoops actually worked better.

[@justsumguy2u]

I've always preferred the Formula over the Trans Am; it had cleaner styling, and was a much better performance bargain

[@westhavenor9513]

You should probably clarify that the HP ratings after 1971 are net, rather than gross

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Love GM cars before the 5mph bumper standards

[@buckshot6481]

The best thing Pontiac ever built next to the GTO.

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Nice 😊