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View Full Version : 1972 Firebird Formula 455HO - Famous PMD car


njsteve
01-21-2022, 12:24 PM
(Not mine)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125108673033?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110 01%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D201609081050 57%26meid%3Ddb51a36b8f524769a1b5daef0258331d%26pid %3D100675%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D353848052061% 26itm%3D125108673033%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D23 80057&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Aea0a564f-7a9e-11ec-a7bf-729fbac25c89%7Cparentrq%3A7c0720f517e0a45ac2816a60 ffff04ce%7Ciid%3A1

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZKbcrmOygM?rel=0

1972 Firebird Formula 455HO automatic. Black on black.
VIN 2U87X2N525171
Born-with drivetrain though the trans is one number higher than the VIN. It actually is stamped "525172"

This was the actual car that saved the Firebird from extinction in 1972. Pontiac President Jim McDonald was all set to cancel the Firebird since he was not a fan of the car.

The Pontiac underlings hatched a plan to change his mind. McDonald always drove black cars as this was his preference. So they made him the ultimate Formula in black on black with every option possible. It was assigned as his company car. After he drove it he ended up loving it and his decision to cancel the Firebird was cancelled.

In 1972 you could not get a black Firebird as a factory color (without special ordering one). My old '72 was one of those two other known black cars produced with a "- -" paint code for black. This one was the third but it actually has a paint code for 14 Revere Silver because it was in production at the time when it was highjacked and made into McDonald's car.

From past conversations with the former owner, this car does need some major underside work as the rear frame rails need to be replaced as do the inner quarters. It's almost as it the same problems that struck my old car that affect this one - someone hand made inner rear trunk drop offs because the originals were not available in the 1970s. The rear rails rusted in various places at the low point where it holds water and in the rear sections under the trunk (a very common occurrence). But it is a piece of automotive history.

Here's a link to my old black car in case someone wants to see a similar car with similar problems before it was restored, https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117705 It eventually sold for $165,000 at Mecum Indy 2020 lot S104 but for some reason no longer shows on the mecum site.

This is definitely one car that needs to be brought back to glory.

Billohio
01-21-2022, 02:55 PM
Neat car and still shines. Some of the swelling underneath is beyond my skills but neat car

njsteve
01-21-2022, 03:49 PM
Yeah, there is also rust in the lower front firewall/cowl area in the ebay photos.

I have photos of the rear frame rail areas from the previous owner a few years ago when I was thinking of buying the car. But I just don't have the patience/temper to deal with a body shop any more without winding up in prison. (both body shop prison and eventually real prison)

:-)

njsteve
01-21-2022, 03:53 PM
Looking at the PHS, this car has a bunch of rare options like the rear console, power door locks, and the super rare reflective side stripes. This is what the stripes would look like, in reflective white/silver on a black car.

Pro Stock John
01-21-2022, 07:37 PM
"Rear console"

Got a pic of that?

njsteve
01-21-2022, 08:07 PM
Here you go. The rear consoles were made of a cheap hard plastic with little interior support so if someone made the mistake of sitting on it just one time...it would fracture into pieces.

A12pilot
01-21-2022, 11:59 PM
If only it was a 4-speed…..:3gears:

Buy it Steve!! You know you want it!

Cheers
Dave

njsteve
01-22-2022, 12:05 AM
Only if you do all the metal work!

njsteve
01-22-2022, 12:26 AM
...and paint.

Pro Stock John
01-22-2022, 12:59 AM
Wow I've never seen a rear center console, thanks for sharing.

dykstra
01-22-2022, 03:21 PM
Very cool car!

A12pilot
01-22-2022, 09:04 PM
Hmmmm….intriguing, Steve-O! :biggthumpup: But I’m swamped…SWAMPED I tells ya!! The 507, the 62 Vette, a 70 Mercedes 280SL, a garage addition, oil well, and Wind turbine farm, I’ll be lucky to have time to post a reply to your reply! Ok, maybe not that busy, but still!

Cheers.
Dave

PS; buy it anyway and store it!

69LM1
01-30-2022, 10:12 PM
Looks like it is ending in a few hours....

/R

njsteve
01-31-2022, 09:52 PM
Bid to $45,300. No sale

The Boss
03-20-2022, 11:51 AM
This car was in Detroit for a number of years, I saw it when I was there in 2014 & again in 2016.