Hello, I’m new to this forum and I was just wondering how much a Pontiac I found actually costs. For some details the the car is a 1977 Pontiac firebird formula with original W72 package. It runs and drives and has no cancerous rust. It is a one of 750 and is a 4 speed automatic. The owner provided papers proving the car and is asking $14,000. What do you guys think I should ask for? , I’m only 18 looking for a great Pontiac muscle car project that’s not too straining so I’m looking for extra guidance for buying one. Thanks!

The car has 3,000 miles on it as well.

#1  This car has been turned over, +3000 at very least.  The clutch and brake pedal rubber is the 1st thing you look at.  They are gone!  Every piece of interior needs work or replaced.  Even the radio appears to be busted up.  The trim around the interior door handle alone is usually hard to find.  Seats and thats not even showing the headliner.  Wiring harness under the hood is a fire waiting to happen.  Nice of him to pull a valve cover.....man is that engine clean!  There is no oil puddled anywhere in the bottom of the head around the valves/rockers, ect.   Sure looks bright N shiny like it was JUSTA cleaned with brake Kleen. Stock intake bolts do not have lock washers.  Simply NOT a 3000mi motor. There is also a hose fitting in the heater hose, so it's been back flushed.  The air cleaner is racey, but chrome won't getcha home and thats not stock.  Shocks N suspension rubber is shot and somebody tried to rattle can cleanup what you see.  That's not even showing the front end. Exhaust is a hack job and another added expense. Body appears to be very workable from what is shown in the pic's.  Minor dings N dents.  Seem to remember Formulas having hood scoops?  Does not look like that one has them.  Maybe the hoods been replaced? Trunk seal is partially missing or has been painted to cover something up?  You can bet the door/window seals are bad too.  Big plus is the 4 spd.  Here is a couple links to look at the prices of some of the things you will need to get an idea of what your getting into. As he is not being honest you don't know what else is going on.  Need to consider you mechanical ability,  do you have help?  Dad /son project?  It is a good base to start a project, but in my opinion, I would offer him 5K.  Would walk away for anything over 8k.  Your risking spending more time N $$$ overall then you could back get out of it.  This is Justa my opinion.  Good luck bro. Please keep us up on what happens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Firebird

 

https://secure.amesperf.com/qilan/Search_Web?order_number_e=NTU5MDc2MQ%3D%3D &method_1=&method_2=&on=Y&search_method=3&cat_rowid=2&search_year=1977&cat_sec_rowid=20&cat_sec_sub_rowid=

https://www.yearone.com/Catalog/1967.1968.1969.1970.1971.1972.1973.1974.1975.1976.1977.1978.1979.1980.1981.pontiac.firebird.trans.am.parts

 

 

Agree with Justa....The engine sure does look clean under the Rocker Cover....Too Clean and Dry...🚩🚩🚩 For an engine that has been recently started and run....

No photo of the VIN...???

Edited March 11, 20233 yr by TWO LANE BLACK TOP

Yup, I'm with Justa & Two Lane on this one. Your looking at a lot of time and money but it would make a good project if you could get it for the right price.

I'm also onboard with Two Lane, JUSTA, and Wrongway. This car is not in good enough overall shape for the $14-15k the owner is asking for.  The owner is basing his price on the fact that it is an iconic '77 Formula and 4-speed car.

We don't even know if the engine is the original numbers matching motor that came with the car from the factory. You can find out by looking at the front of the engine, on the block, just below the passenger side head. The last 6 digits of the vehicle VIN should be stamped on the engine. If they don't match, then the engine has been replaced at some point in time, making it less valuable.

You may well spend another $15k restoring this car. Save your money and stay within the $5-8k range folks here have suggested.