1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula Hardtop

The concept of owning, maintaining and insuring a Muscle Car in 1973 was all but done. There were, however, a few holdouts for those who knew their way around an order sheet.

For the Pontiac enthusiast, the Trans Am was generally the way to go. After the launch of the second generation Firebirds in 1970, the sleek and sporty Pony Car could be a subtle 6-cylinder commuter or a V8 screamer, complete with spoilers and a Shaker hood scoop. There was, however, an alternative for those that preferred to be a bit lower key. The Formula Firebird had nicer trim, additional standard features and it could be ordered with the highest performance engine offered by any manufacturer in 1973, known as the Super Duty 455.

With forged aluminum pistons, a variety of engine provisions and forged steel rods, these were very special high performance engines built when performance was certainly not politically correct. This Super Duty 455 Formula Firebird is one of a mere ten produced with the 4-speed manual transmission. It is the ultimate sleeper, built with dog-dish hubcaps, no spoilers, no center console, no radio and absolutely no extra trim.

Originally purchased from G.M. Overseas headquarters in New York, it was then shipped to a U.S. soldier stationed in Germany. When he was discharged, he shipped it home to Ohio where he drag raced in NHRA competitio