1973 might have been the last great year for American performance cars, and Pontiac didn't let their fans down. You don't need a Trans Am to have fun, either, as this potent 1973 Pontiac Firebird so ably demonstrates. With a sinister road race look, plenty of upgrades, and a reasonable price, this is a cool cruiser that still runs like the muscle car era was in full swing.Dark Gray Metallic paint works incredibly well on the long, low, lean F-body shape, and you can see that there's nothing showy or extraneous on this Firebird. It means business! Combined with the aggressive nose cone, ducktail spoiler, and distinctive hash mark graphics on the front fenders, you can see the single-minded performance approach that this Firebird represents. Neatly refinished a few years ago, it still looks fantastic, which is purely the result of lots of time and lots of money being spent on the final product. It's been driven a bit since it was completed, because there's no reason to park a car like this for posterity, so there are a few well-done touch-ups that keep it looking its best. The Endura nose cone with traditional Pontiac split grille makes this car easy to recognize at a glance and the paint is modern urethane so it'll look great for years to come. All the trim was blacked out, adding to the hardcore look, and all the lenses have been blacked out to add to the monochromatic presentation. The gray leather interior is a mix of old and new that works surprisingly well. Front seats out of a late-model GTO are a neat fit, especially with their headrests removed, and they add the kind of bolstering that's probably needed in a car like this. They also spent good money to have the back seat upholstered to match, a nice detail you don't often see. The black carpets, dash, and console prevent it from being too sterile in there and it all remains in above-average condition, with just the usual signs of wear on the driver's chair. The 3-spoke billet steering wheel is fatter and easier to grab than stock, and a center console puts the shifter right where you want it. Factory gauges show clear markings, along with a set of aftermarket auxiliary dials, all in an engine-turned panel. For entertainment, there's a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center stack. Other desirable options include factory A/C (needs service), plus power steering and brakes that make this 'Bird easy to live with. The trunk is nicely finished with a reproduction mat and a full-sized spare with jack assembly.Who needs a big block to have fun in a Pontiac? This Firebird uses its original, numbers-matching 350 cubic inch V8 to make its horsepower, and fortified with an Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor, long-tube headers, and a cackling exhaust system, it's a very strong runner. The engine bay is still quite original, with corporate turquoise engine enamel, and it's been recently serviced including a new water pump. The transmission is a quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic feeding a sturdy 10-bolt rear end, and the suspension uses upgraded Hotchkis suspension components to sharpen the F-body's reflexes. Handsome replica Rally II wheels measure 17 inches in diameter and wear huge 275/40/17 front and 315/35/17 rear performance radials.A very strong runner with great cosmetics and a few nice options make this Firebird a winner. Even better is the very affordable price, making this a sure bet for Pontiac fans. Call today!
|