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1973 Pontiac Firebird

The '73 Firebird: a cool classic! Its sleek, slightly more subdued styling than earlier models still packed muscle-car attitude. A star in pop culture (think Smokey and the Bandit), it marked a transition point in Firebird history, balancing performance with emerging fuel efficiency concerns. A true '70s icon!

The 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400: A Classic Tale of Speed and Style

The 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 is not just any car; it's a legend. Born in an era where muscle cars were all the rage, it captured hearts with its robust engine, sleek lines, and raw performance. This iconic model was part of Pontiac's second generation of Firebirds, introduced in 1970, and it embodied a new wave of design and engineering finesse. With its 400 cubic inch V8 engine, it managed to balance both power and the tightening emissions regulations of the time.

Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird

1973 Pontiac Firebird Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Pontiac Firebird Worth?

Original MSRP :

Outstanding

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$28,300

Clean

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$20,800

Average

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$10,400*

Rough

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$6,500

1973 Pontiac Firebird Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 2
Passengers: 4
Model Number: U87X
Length: 192.1 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 50.4 inches
Wheelbase: 108 inches
Type: Own, V8, OHV, Downdraft 4-barrel, Fully synchronous, 4-speed manual w/ Hurst floor-shifter
Displacement: 400 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4.125 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 230@4400
Horsepower Rated: 54.3
Torque: 325@3200
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: On pad at front of right side of block.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Rochester
Type:
2.5 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10.4 inches
Gear Ratios:
4
Gear Ratios First:
2.52 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.88 to 1
Gear Ratios Third:
1.46 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.59 to 1
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.42 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil link
Service Type: Front disc, rear self-adjusting drum
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 9.5 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 9.5 inches
Type: Unleaded Premium
Tire Size: F70 X 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 18 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.25 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 2U87T3N100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
Cameo White, Briar Gray Metallic, Navajo Orange Metallic, Buccaneer Red, Florentine Red Metallic, Burma Brown Metallic, Ascot Silver Metallic, Valencia Gold Metallic, Desert Sand, Sunlight Yellow, Golden Olive Metallic, Slate Green Metallic, Verdant Green Metallic, Admiralty Blue Metallic, Regatta Blue Metallic, Porcelain Blue Metallic, Brewster Green Metallic
Hardtop Coupe: Opt
Radio: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Optional Axle Ratios: Opt
Fiberglass Hood With Dual Air Scoops: Opt
Windshield Antenna: Opt
Formula Steering Wheel-only With Power Steering: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Heavy Duty 4-speed Manual Transmission: Opt

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History of the 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

Initially, the Firebird line aimed to bring European flair to American muscle. Designed to sit neatly between the base Firebird and the higher-end Trans Am, the 1973 Formula 400 did just that. You know what? It wasn't just about power under the hood; it was about charisma on the road.

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Performance Metrics

When you pop the hood, you'd find an engine that embodies the spirit of the muscle car era. This car could clock 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds. For a car emerging into stricter emission times, that's downright impressive. If you're keen on exploring more about its performance qualifications, consider using a to uncover even more insights about your own classic beauty.

Famous Figures Who Own the Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

Speed and style tend to attract a certain crowd, don't they? Owners of this vehicle included rock legend Jim Morrison and film star Burt Reynolds, who made the car a cultural phenomenon in Smokey and the Bandit. Talk about driving off into the sunset with flair.

1973 Pontiac Firebird Gallery

Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird
Photo of a 1973 Pontiac Firebird

Pop Culture Impact

The Firebird Formula 400 didn't just roar on the roads; it echoed in movies, music, and even car memorabilia. As seen in Smokey and the Bandit or heard in various rock anthems, this car is more than just metal and wheels—it's a statement. And for folks diving into the rich history of such iconic machines, a might just reveal tales worth retelling.

Community and Events

Car enthusiasts keep the spirit alive. From collectors to casual admirers, the Firebird Formula 400 remains a headliner at car shows and auto events. There's always a buzz about restoration and performance upgrades as folks gather to admire these beauties from every angle.

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These insights might just be the storyteller your classic car needs.

Fun Facts about the Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

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    Did you know this model was caught on film before soaring to popularity? The Smokey and the Bandit movie gave it an on-screen legacy many cars dream of.

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    It's not just about looks; the Firebird was a real contender on the racing tracks, promising thrills with every shift and gear change.

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    You can even check unique VIN configurations with tools like the .

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Explore Pontiac Firebird from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... Spotting a '73 Firebird? It's got that distinctive, you know, shark-like nose, kinda aggressive-looking. The body lines are pretty sharp for its time; it's a bit of a looker, really. And of course, the taillights are a dead giveaway—those stacked horizontal lights are iconic. Beyond that, the overall size is pretty substantial—it's a big, heavy car; pretty different than what we see on the roads today, hey? They came in a bunch of colors too! Some of the most popular colors that year included, let me see, butterscotch, and a few of those eye-popping yellows and oranges that were popular back in the day. Think of it like this: it's a classic muscle car, easy to identify once you've laid your eyes on a few of them.

Okay, so the engine lineup for a '73 Firebird was pretty beefy—if you know what I mean! You had a range of options, from the more modest (though still powerful for its time) inline-six cylinder, to the V8s—boy, those V8s were something special. There were a bunch of different versions of the V8, offering varying horsepower ratings; it all depended on what the buyer was looking for in the car. Think of it like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream—a ton of options! Some of the most popular ones included the 400 cubic inch V8 or the bigger 455; they were real monsters under the hood. That being said, the availability could depend on the trim level and specific options selected, so you'd need to check a car's original specifications for complete certainty.

Most '73 Firebirds came with either a three-speed automatic transmission or a four-speed manual transmission, although some models may have had other more specialized choices. This is one area where your specific car's details should be checked carefully. It's kinda like choosing between an automatic and a stick shift in today's vehicles; although some things haven't changed all that much, there is a big difference. You know the feeling, right? The manual is engaging, but the automatic is a lot more convenient for everyday use.

Figuring out the value of a classic car like that isn't always easy! You really gotta do some digging. Condition is everything—a pristine, well-maintained Firebird will fetch a much higher price than one that's seen better days. Rarity of options and specific features matter, too. Think of it as the difference between a beat-up baseball card and a mint-condition one—the difference can be astounding! Websites specializing in classic car valuations, along with consulting with classic car experts, appraisers, or even attending local car shows, can give you a much better idea of its worth; it's a multifaceted process. Don't hesitate to seek help from professionals.

Ah, classic car ownership. It can be a rewarding hobby, but you should always be prepared for some maintenance hassles! These cars are old, after all. Things like the carburetor, the brake system, and the electrical system can sometimes give some trouble. Rust is also a significant concern, especially for cars that haven't been stored properly. You might think about having a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic specializing in classic cars; that is a great idea, a good investment if you're serious. Think of it like a health check-up for your new old friend!