The Hottest Cars of the Late 70s are Formula and Trans-Am Firebirds with the 400 4-Speed W72 Package
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- čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
- 00:00 Start
00:04 Night Drive
00:34 Aggressive Start
00:44 Startup and Headlights, Front View
01:22 Startup and Taillamps, Rear View
02:13 Intro - 3 Points, Weather, Animals
06:12 Start of review
08:09 1979 in Review
12:57 2nd Gen Firebirds in the Movies
14:14 Back to the car, overview 1st and 2nd generations
20:45 Birds attack, close call
22:00 Styling of the 1979
25:40 Trunk
27:16 Under hood, engine choices and suspension
31:24 Interior
38:22 Test Drive
I really have to hand it to Uncle Johnny - he's got a great collection, and I'm always thrilled to have one of his cars, but I did not know he would come up with something so incredibly meaningful to me, a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula. As I've surely mentioned a dozen times before, a 1979 Formula was my first car, and I have a tremendous connection with it, and even all F-Bodies in general - but the '79 meant the most.
Mine was not nearly as nice as this one, either in terms of condition or option boxes checked. This is one of only 358 Formulas equipped with the W72 Package, giving it the true Pontiac 400ci engine, and running through a T10 4-speed manual gearbox. As if that wasn't enough, that option required the WS6 suspension package, with 8 inch wide snowflake wheels, upgraded suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, and a positraction rear end.
This is the ultimate hot setup for late 1970s Firebirds, and something of a miracle for a car released during the Malaise era, when most cars didn't muster 200HP.
This was a thrilling review for me to do, but as I said, I'm like the Irish mother of a juvenile delinquent on this one - there was just no way this car could do any wrong.
Review and test drive by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle is from Uncle Johnny's private collection, and not for sale. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I worked at a bar in Dallas in the late 70s, early 80s. One of the bartenders had a Trans Am this era -- he jumped into his T/A to chase a dude who robbed the bar, and caught him at an intersection about a mile away. Tuned him up waiting for the police to arrive -- guy was a Pontiac poster fella!!!
That was risky -- he could have been killed.
K
AND the Police back then supported people like him to assist, these days anyone takes a big chance trying to help... those were special days!
I own a ‘79 Trans Am “Z code” 400/4-Speed/WS6 Atlantis Blue and I can’t go anywhere without waves and “thumbs-ups” or stop anywhere without making new friends, it’s amazing!
Thank you Bill! Seeing this takes me back to my 8th grade middle school year watching my Farrah Fawcett look alike math teacher, smiling, waiving and driving in her bright red Lady Bird. Didn’t learn much math that year……
WS6 package is key ingredient for a true Pontiac 400, T-A 6.6, so rare in a Formula! Still love the extra goodies in the Trans-Am!
That’s nice and all but there aren’t a lot of those left so you take what you can get. And a lot of people swap the end of this out and do a whole bunch of other stuff anyway
I bought a 79 Trans Am 400 4 speed WS6 new when I was 20 yrs. old. It was loaded with everything but the T-tops.My dad was the manager of the Pontiac-Cadillac dealership at the time and told me horror stories of how bad they leaked.But it seems they only leaked if you actually used them.The taking them off and on evidently wore the rubber gaskets or whatever. So they were great as long as you never took them out! I didn't really miss them.We found a company called HERB ADAMS VSE that specialized in high performance parts for Pontiac's and by the time we were finished I had a fairly quick car, especially for 1979! Man I loved that car!
Yes the T tops weren’t even factory fitted. Pontiac would send out a contractor to fit the T tops after factory build. and from what I heard they were terrible for leaking and constant rattling noises. I know one guy who restores classic cars and he said he won’t even touch a Pontiac with a T top because of all the trouble they cause, not too mention finding parts like the roof seals and even glass clips is almost impossible.
IIRC there were two completely different roof stampings and glass roof assemblies that you could end up with if you ordered the t-top option from 1976-81. Neither of which were very good but one was slightly better than the other.
For the 3rd and 4th gens GM engineered all the cars from the drawing board to the factory as T-top ready even with a solid roof but because the 2nd gens beginning in 1970 weren’t they all had to be outsourced.
@@matty6848 That is partially incorrect. 1976 to mid-1978 were Hurst T-tops and were sent out. Mid-1978 to 1981 were Fisher T-tops and that was done in house by GM.
@@joe6096 That's not correct. Starting in mid-1978, the T-tops were designed and installed by GM (ala Fisher Body Division).
There were numerous TSBs back in the day to address them, including revised parts. The key was keeping the seals pliable and in good shape.
I feel proud to live on a planet where such things were made, are still respected and can be owned and used. Thanks Bill - terrific review.
My first new car was a 1979 Firebird Formula, black on red, loaded with all the goodies, less than ten grand brand new. Loved that car. I ordered mine from the factory. I was 19 years old and man did it turn heads, everyone else was driving Ford pinto in the 70s, thanks to Carter economic policies.
Now that the current guy who sleeps in the White House wants us all in electric jelly bean appliances, it’s now more important than ever to buy a new Camaro with a V8 and manual transmission!
@@joe6096 I'm looking for a C7 Corvette
Uncle Johnny gotta be a cool cat 😎
Bill: Your videos are a welcome respite from the news of the day and the constant drumbeat for electric cars. Thanks for your hard work! (The weather and zoology reports are top notch as well.)
Yes nothing but sadness lately wish I could go back in time much better times in '79 even with Jimmy Carter.
Carter was an amateur compared to now.
The styling of that car is timeless. Literally can stand wheel to wheel against any modern car today and still overshadow them.
1970 chevelle ss says otherwise
Few modern cars have lines like 2nd Gen F-bodies, and I have a 6th Gen Camaro (2019)….. due to all the stupid federal regulations modern cars all look the same.
When they came out with the 3rd Gen f-bod in ‘82 I was disappointed.
@@joe6096 The Nissan Cube looks like other cars?
Much tougher than anything modern you can hit curb at speed ever seen what Rockford was doing in one of these.
@@drmodestoesq the cube is horse-feces and it looks like garbage. Why would you bring that one up?
Awesome 79 formula. Takes me back. My first car was a 79 TA with the 403 during my teen years. Bought it cheap at the time and got it running. Just like you I'm surprised I survived owning that car at that age doing dumb things in it. Good times!
I couldn't imagine still being alive right now if I had one of these as a teenager like you guys lol. I lusted after these and Camaro's. I have a teenage son now and just bought him a base model FWD '05 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 3800 V6 and I was still nervous for him lol.
It's hard to believe you had a 7+ litre V8 as a first car!! Thats insane to a Brit like me, my first car was a laughable Fiat 55, with a 4 cylinder 900cc!! Not even 1itre 😂
Beautiful car. I always preferred the looks of the Formula over the Trans Am.
Same. The Formula is perfect.
Agreed, love the Formula.
I do the love 2nd gen Firebirds I own two myself. One in a 79TA 400 4spd that is also Nocturne Blue They are a great looking car with great lines. As an original owner, and having in my garage for 44 years, I never get tired of looking at the car. It pays dividends just being parked.
Bill is a blast. I own a 1970 Formula 400- one of my friends made a comment that I remember all these years... once he was riding along and I gunned the car from a stop, and my plastic work badge that was in the compartment under the ashtray/radio flew straight back to the rear window package tray. He's said he's never seen that happen before.
Found this channel about 6 months ago !! I binge watched several episodes!! Simply because of Bill I could listen to this guy talk for for hours !! His humor is undeniable !!! Love the cars also !!
I had one of those, 1979 . Bought it new, mine was Atlantis blue. Had the 403. I did some mods to it. ( that 403 needed it ) Was then able to keep up and also beat the W72, So I did good with the mod's. Also mods to the suspension. Herb Adams kit . Had that car for 17 years. No rain no snow. It was the second car I ever had. First new car. Nothing can match it since. I remember seeing it backing out of my driveway with a new owner.........well I choked up a bit there. Got it when I was 21. Last time I have seen it , was at a mall, a car show. I did not know It was going to be there. I was walking through the mall, and I saw it, I knew it was my former car, ( I knew my baby)
Did your baby recognize you?
Hey Bill, this Formula is stunning!!! These are such great cars & this one is well equipped with the 4 speed... And it peels out!!!! It doesn't get any better. Thanks for sharing this special car!!! 👍👍🎄
Sweet ! I would take this over the Trans Am.
The only thing I don't get why the gear stick in this generation camaro/firebird was so long, like it was out of truck.
Pontiac V8''s have a distinctive sound. Marvelous cars, Bill should do more of this kind of car and forget the modern boremobiles.
Different firing order
Geesh.. 79 was that bad!? I was born in 79! Well it will always be a great year for me.. For the obvious reasons.. 😎💪🏽💯
Same here. Last of the free generation brother me and you. The last kids to have a real childhood, free playing outside all day, building tree houses, going out on our BMX bikes on random rides & we didn’t need to tell our parents where we were going we could play out for hours on end, we had real childhoods unlike the poor kids of today where they only meet their friends at organised events or parties, and the rest of the time, their stuck indoors in their bedrooms playing x box all day… I remember when I was kid the area I grew up there Would he kids out everywhere. Now you just don’t see them out. The estate on live on typical suburbia the streets are empty. You see them go to school, come back home, through the front door and you never see them again until the next school day. Feel sorry for the kids today. They don’t know what they missed.
Thanks for the awesome '70's Formula experience, Bill! For the younger watchers who didn't live through this era like we did, I'm sure you sparked a flame.
There's many reasons why these cars are some of the hottest rising stars on the market these days, I think you covered them.
Just sitting behind that too-cool-for-school engine turned dash is enough for most of us, and that 6.6 T/A engine puts it over the top.
Hey!! Don't forget Rockford Files.
They were Formulas disguised as Esprits.
This car deserves the sweetheart name.
Thanks for the personal reflections, awesome! '79 I was a freshman in HS and my buddies dad owned the local Pont dealership. They always had 2 or 3 of the coolest TransAm's in their driveway. If I was good, I could ride on the hump in the back seat of the oldest brother's (17 yr old) silver 10th anniversary and I was screamed at to not touch anything. Great memories. Thanks
12:19 Different Strokes... This is why we love ya Bill! 😄
These cars are just a totally different “bird” with a manual transmission. This car is GORGEOUS! Thank you for sharing Bill!
20:42 golly tragic irony dark poetry: Bill finally being taken out by a bird attack - the big one - as he's reviewing the most beloved car of his youth, and it's named after a bird.
Those pipes sound great.
Completely worth the looooong review. Such a great car. Period.
Thanks, Bill...That was a lot of fun. Made me want to jump into my car...but then I thought about the horrid holiday traffic and looneys out there. So, instead, I enjoyed this video with my own Covid vodka. Took me back to my old college days...sigh...It also reminded me of my old IROC-Z...
That has to be the most brilliant paint color that I've ever seen on a Pontiac. What an awesome car! 10/10
I had the same car in 79-82 when I was station in South Florida. What a car it was!
You are halairios 🤣I'm the same way around those dang birds. Love the cars and love you as a host.👍🏾
Always loved that whistle at idle
A balmy 63 degrees in Toronto, but very windy. A classic car review thanks, to Bill & Uncle Johnny!
The reason it took off in sales was the number two grossing film in 1977 behind Star Wars - Smokey & the Bandit. Love the reviews BILL
I love when Bill gets lead footed and works it a bit!! Lololololol. Cool car from my past as well.
Smokey And The Bandit is my favorite movie of all time. Watched it on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray. Absolute blast.
It's beautiful , just beautiful Bill I had a 1977 bandit edition was y second car an I loved it so much , but lost it to a crash in 1986 , it wasn't fixable at all so she is gone , I'm in love with the trans am an fire bird to ,the out shined the cameras to me . Epic car all around , God it is Beautiful , wished Santa was for real an would bring me one of these babays
Love the 400 cube sound. As always your reviews are great fun and with some spectacular rants that leave anyone who gets these cars and the time period chuckling along.
Oh for the love of God, more 'Murican iron? Thanks Bill! Glad to see you're staying safe and generally chipper! 👍🥃
Ordered a WS6 Cameo White Trans Am in September of 1978 pretty much loaded. Was 220 hp stock. Being a machinist/ metal fabricator, I made a clever vacuum operated shaker door, and added dual exhaust pipes from a 1974. They were a direct fit to the dual resonators, except I had to change the flanges to three bolt type used since 1975. That with a a slightly larger primary jet change really made the car more responsive, even with the low 3.23 axle. Great to see this Formula with the WS6. Thank you for sharing this.
I'm in my 50's and I always enjoy Bill's videos. Sounds like me talking. I always get a laugh. Not to mention the memories I have also such as this Formula. Thanks for the video....👍
I had a 71 Formula 400. Sold it years ago when we were going to have our first child. I so wish I still had that car! I bought it one year used.
I was watching this in my phone connected to the stereo. Just great to hear this car with this voice. Love it.
In the early 90's I had a yellow '79 Firebird with a transplanted Chevy 350 with open headers. Loved that car. It was stolen. I got it back but it was beaten to death, twisted chassis, suspension damage, dents, etc. so I let it go.
True. Once they get stolen their not even worth getting back. You almost hope they burn the thing to the ground so you can at least claim on your insurance.
No one does a better car review. Thanks Bill.
Out of all the cars you have profiled, I love this one more. Beautiful machine with all that blue! Thanks, Bill!
Bill that car is absolutely beautiful my very 1st car was a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ that I bought brand new in my senior year in high school.
Bill, if you can find one, check out a 1978 Dodge “Lil Red Express” truck.
was thinking the same thing knew someone would say that's not a car
I love when u talk about the animals the weather and the clean up guys work. Keep it up bill
Enjoy Bills videos more than any other car related channels, but his bird shtick is getting tiresome.
I was born in 1979. You forgot one of my favorite shows that debuted in 1979.....The Dukes of Hazzard.
Same here. Born in 79. Love the dukes of Hazzard. I watched all the car shows. Knight rider, fall guy, Rockford files, Miami vice, tj hooker. Damn I just went back in time.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@marksman4004 also Hardcastle and McCormick
@@pdennis93 Yes!!!
@@pdennis93 the coyote x.
Technically, Magnum, P.I. as well.... Debuted in December '79.
So glad you did this review! I have a '79 Trans Am with W72 and I love it.
Smoky and the Bandit pumped up the sales
Time to make a offer to Uncle Johny he can't refuse never r seen you so happy even the Motor God's were sitting back and taking notice !!!
Pontiac stopped building the 400 V8 in 1978. They knew '79 was the 10th anniversary of the Trans Am, so they stockpiled extra 400 engines to be used in the '79 Tenth Anniversary Trans Ams. Due to the limited supply, they required WS6 and 4-speed to get the 400 engine. After the 10th Anniversary orders, they were available in regular Trans Ams and Formulas with the same WS6 and 4-speed requirement until the supply was exhausted.
In 79.A family friend bought a brand new 4 speed T/A .put a cam in it out the gate....to say it chirped 3rd is an understatement....great car!
Somebody forgot to tell Pontiac the muscle car era was over! 😁 This is a beauty for sure, and with a genuine Pontiac 400, with 4 speed! I'll bet it could whip that year's Corvette!
The concept of driving a 4sp car is all but lost on anyone under the age of 40...Last year, my 25yo nephew bought an older Honda that actually did have a 5sp trans...but he had no idea how to shift!...So I took an hour out of my fading life to train him...I explained to him, that driving a stick shift car forces the driver to actually pay attention to the vehicle!...and that means people are forced to be a little more alert, less likely to text while driving, etc. He agreed with my observations--something he seldom does!
@@curbozerboomer1773 I remember at the end of the 90s, it was still easy to get a manual, notably in compacts and compact trucks. In 2009, it was difficult to find even a Ford Ranger with a manual!
Ohh for the love of Pete!!!!
@@curbozerboomer1773 certainly in America. Over here in Europe we still drive stick shift or manual as we call them. Although we have had full auto cars for years, stick shift seems to have stuck. Perhaps because our roads are smaller and have more bends and corners. American cars are built for those great big lovely straight roads you have that go on for hundreds of miles. Horses for courses I guess.
It wasn’t our fault, GM continued to make stupid decisions about Pontiac product starting with the Aztec in 2001. Then they put the beloved GTO badge on a great chassis but sadly plain and ambiguous looking Australian Holden. Then they gave the better looking of the Miata-fighting roadsters to Saturn.
Beautiful car, great video, loved the beginning seeing the lights on and tail lights! Amazing car!
Love it when you do the review and add the whole history of that year the car was made. Thanks Bill!
I absolutely love all your videos!!!! Best channel on CZcams!!!! Hands down!
You always make me laugh Bruv….great vids, Happy Christmas from a UK fan of your channel.
So Awesome Bill, these videos just keep getting better.
Truly an iconic dream car and envy of every teen growing up in the 70s, this one is exceptional amazingly well taken care of, thanks for sharing, all the very best.
You're right about the lucky teens, lucky enough to have one, I was one of them. My Dad bought me a used 79 Solar Gold with t-tops fully loaded with the t/a 6.6 400 4spd in 1981. Absolutely loved the car. Had I known these things would go for North off 100K 40 to 45 years later, I would of kept it, instead of giving it awY on trade in at a Pontiac store in late 1985 for a 85 Trans am with the 305 HO, with a manuel transmission.
My Dad who worked for GM would balloon note a Trans am every year from 76 to 80 for my mom to drive after she got her license in 77 she said she wanted a Trans AM, and that's what he gave her for getting her license, which made life easier on my Dad because he got sick of driving her everywhere after working all day and had more time to relax and do what he wanted to do on weekends.
Yo, you have to love this guy, to much info of history in just 43 mins, Thank you sir!
Great job on this video. You bring back memories!
This wrap around rear window coupe was prolific with teens in my hometown, Chevy or Pontiac. Graduated HS in 81, this was a pleasure. Thank you and glad you had the chance to relive those days. Fantastic.👍
A great car from my youth. Love how you review the events of '79. Great video! Thanks Bill
Just in time for my zaza, cigar, and scotch. I’m happy you got to review it and even more excited that we get to see you in a vibe while looking at this masterpiece of American engineering! 👊🏿👊🏿👊🏿
WOW many thanks for that review. I could never have one but Its such a pleasure seeing you drive her. Wow
Bill your youth description in this car absolutely mirrors mine. I’m a bit younger but not much. I got a 78 Z28 about 3 months before I got my license at 16. Same excruciating wait to drive it. My car was in amazing shape when I got it. Second owner bought of the original “little old lady”. It was her late husband’s pride and joy and I absolutely cherished that car. The interior tour of this car in particular took me back. Except for the dash layout specifics, it’s almost identical to mine. (Same black and in the same very good shape).
350 4bbl, but sadly automatic. It was a bit of a dog compared to later models, but I didn’t care. It was better use of $2500 price tag than all my friends who just had cookie cutter Japanese compact trucks.
Like you, I did stupid things in it and I’m amazed I didn’t at least get rolled hard by the cops, let alone tree wrap it.
Thanks for another trip down memory lane with this one. Truly stunning. I would be lying if I didn’t pretend mine was a T/A from time to time BTW!
I just love this guy! Smart, clever and funny! I always learn something and he makes me laugh! Kudos!
Thank you Bill for your awesome videos .I truly appreciate what you do . 👍👍👍👍
I am clueless about most US cars but these were all over my childhood . Great video and Bill as great as ever !
Cars, coffee, and Bill. What a show that would be. I saved this one till the morning so I could see it in full. I really can't express how much I enjoy these videos. Happy holidays Bill, hope you and your family have a good one.
What an original idea!
Bill, you are correct on this being the last of the 400 Pontiac v8. When Pontiac ran out of the OEM Pontiac 400 v8s, is when they went to the 301 turbocharged v8 to make up for the lack of power in the line up. Of course, it would be pretty easy to get performance parts to turn this into a higher hp version like of 428 or 455, like from Butler performance parts.
I bought a new 1978 400-4 speed silver, no bird. My best friend totaled it. I took the insurance money and bought a 1979 trans am with the 400-4 speed. First thing I did was headers, aluminum intake and Holley 750. It was black/gold
I had a few formulas 72 and 79 I put 455 in both. Love these cars. I love the the review you gave these cars. You did justice for Pontiac peeps.👍
I had. 1978 Firebird Formula, it had a 400ci, with headers and Koni shocks, I put a Hurst Competition plus 4 speed in it, and Goodrich TA radials, that car was a killer, and it handled like it was on rails, as good as a Vette
INCREDIBLE job Bill. I have a 1981 Turbo Trans Am, all original and with a window sticker.. I have a car channel here too.
I had an 85 T/A with the ws6 package..I loved that car, but at 19 I was too young to truly appreciate it…
These cars give you the best feeling when driving them. So plamted to the ground. That V8 torque and sound. I've got a 92 Trans Am bought new, but I always pine for this generation.
My friend had a 79 trans am brought it as a wreck and did it up took him nearly two years to get it road legal. One thing he had to do was upgrade and change the suspension because the original front shocks and leaf springs he said the car would sway like a boat round the corners, even though it was supposed to be a sports car lol. But then again handling was never a priority for American muscle cars. If you wanted handling you obviously went for a European sports car.
Bill,
Lucked up on your videos. Being an 80’s baby it’s awesome to receive a history lesson on the feature vehicle in your videos and how the “world” was in the particular time period……
Man…I love those cars! Definitely a bucket list car for me. Thanks for sharing and all the info!
Damn you have a history of attack birds
Very cool car! Great to see and hear your knowledge of both car and the era. Thanks for this video !
Had a '77. Loved it! They still look great today.
Agreed! My first was a 1977 base Firebird then a 79 Formula then an 88 Trans Am GTA. Love me some Firebirds. All black with camel tan interior. Absolutely the loves of my life.
Another great video Bill. This car is a flashback to my teenage dreams. And we probably don't want to get into that.lol
Man this is one sweet ride. I love how it’s equipped too: manual windows, no A/C or radio, but with the big tires, 4 wheel disc brakes, full gauges and rear defrost so you can see who’s eating your dust!
Everything you need and nothing you don’t!
Nice car and really like watching your videos and appreciation of older cars.
79-81 Firebirds are by far the best years!
The sarcasm is legendary 😂
Take me back to the 70s, please. And leave me there.
Good evening Bill from Ron in Manchester in England. How are you doing ☺ What a fantastic car to review 😀 Sorry the weather is muggy
*WoW* Bill. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L, To Say the Least!! Back when I was Younger I had 2 Firebirds (1979, 1985) and 2 Trans Am's.(1981 Nascar Pace Car w/Recaro Seats & 1994) Starting having Kids and had to put them on Hold to Drive Mini-Vans. Am Now looking for a Fifth & Final Pontiac. I've Final Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis and Would Love to Have the Joy & Fun, I once had. Then I can go "Home" ^ Peacefully!! Thanks for Sharing This Blue Beauty. ~Laurie Ann
Nice colour on this one! And I do prefer this look rather than the overdone body flares of the T/A. And nice burnout Bill!
Uncle Johnny has an extraordinary Formula. Your love of and nostalgia for the 1979 Firebird is awesome. No worries that it's not for sale!
Had a 79 firebird with the 3.8 V6 in high school back in 1995 I bought it from the original owner for $400. It was a fun car.
Super!!! Video, loved the details.
An amazing car! Thank you for sharing it with us.