Here’s a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 that takes the second-gen muscle car recipe and adds its own twist. Dressed in yellow with a black vinyl interior, it’s got the 400 V8, three-speed auto, and those unmistakable 14-inch Rally II-style wheels. The odometer reads 76,000 miles, and it got a fresh coat of paint back in 2007. Now up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, this one lets you get into a classic Firebird without shelling out Trans Am money.
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What It’s Worth Right Now
If you’re wondering what these go for, Classic.com says the average sale price for second-gen Firebirds (1970-1981) is $29,905, with sales ranging from a bargain-bin $4,600 all the way up to $91,300. The latest one changed hands for $27,500. Keep in mind, these numbers cover all sorts of Firebird flavors and conditions, so take them as a ballpark rather than a precise value for this Formula 400.
For comparison, there’s a 1971 Formula with about 75,000 miles listed at $39,900, a heavily modified one with just 2,000 miles asking a wild $64,500, and a 1970 Formula 400 with 80,000 miles at $45,000. Of course, these are just asking prices—no guarantee anyone’s actually paying that much.
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For this yellow machine, a fair estimate would be somewhere between $25,000 and $35,000—assuming it runs as good as it looks. The 400 V8 and Formula badge are definite pluses, but the busted accessories and worn interior knock it down a peg. Right now, the $15,000 bid is just the opening act.
Condition and Details
The outside got a fresh yellow respray in 2007 and sports an Endura front bumper, shiny trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, and those classic fake hood scoops. You also get 14-inch Rally II-style wheels, power steering, and power brakes. There are some blemishes to note, and the trunk lid has a mind of its own and won’t stay up.
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Inside, you’ll find black vinyl, bucket seats, a center console, manual windows, and some faux-wood on the dash. The AM/FM/8-track stereo is just for show, and don’t count on the clock, heater, or A/C—they’re all out of commission. There are rips in the driver’s and rear seats, the sun visors have gone missing, and the original oil pressure and temp gauges are dead. At least there are some aftermarket AutoMeter gauges tucked under the dash to keep you informed.
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Under the hood sits an L78 400-cubic-inch V8 with a Rochester QuadraJet four-barrel, good for 250 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque back in the day. The engine was reportedly rebuilt by a previous owner, but no one’s sure exactly when. Power goes to the rear wheels via a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed auto. The odometer reads 76,000 miles, with about 1,300 added by the current owner. Paperwork includes Pontiac Historic Services VIN docs, a repro window sticker, the owner’s manual, and a clean New Jersey title.
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The Offer
| Specification | Detail |
| Make | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird Formula 400 |
| Year | 1971 |
| Mileage | 76,000 miles shown |
| Engine | 400-cubic-inch L78 V8 |
| Power | 250 hp, 400 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Three-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Yellow |
| Interior color | Black vinyl |
Interested in this Firebird Formula 400? View the listing here.
What Makes the Firebird Formula 400 Unique
The second-gen Firebird landed in 1970 with a fresh look, long hood, and fastback shape. The Formula was the sweet spot—performance gear without the flashy Trans Am looks. That sleeper style won it plenty of fans.
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The 1971 Formula 400 stands out because Pontiac kept the 400-cube V8 at its core, even as the muscle car world was shifting. Only 7,802 Firebird Formulas rolled out that year, making this one a bit of a rare bird.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to like here: the Pontiac 400 V8, the eye-catching yellow paint, and a stack of paperwork to back it up. But it’s not a show car, so you’ll want to budget for the broken accessories, torn seats, and other rough edges. Definitely get it checked out before you buy.
With a ballpark value of $25,000 to $35,000, this could be a solid pick for anyone after a real-deal Formula. The $15,000 bid leaves some wiggle room, but don’t forget to factor in the repairs and TLC it’ll need.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog