![]() Unusual for a major automaker, Pontiac did not have the customary "small-block" and "big-block" engine families common to other GM divisions, Ford, and Chrysler. In the 1960s the popular 389 cu in (6.4 L) version, which had helped establish the Pontiac GTO as a premier muscle car, was cut in half to produce an unusual, high-torque inline four economy engine, the Trophy 4. Initially marketed as a 287 cu in (4.7 L), it went on to be manufactured in displacements between 265 cu in (4.3 L) and 455 cu in (7.5 L) in carburated, fuel injected, and turbocharged versions. Engine block and cylinder heads were cast at Saginaw Metal Casting Operations then assembled at Tonawanda Engine before delivery to Pontiac Assembly for installation. The engines feature a cast-iron block and head and two valves per cylinder. The Pontiac V8 engine is a family of overhead valve 90° V8 engines manufactured by the Pontiac Division of General Motors Corporation between 19. Even a lowly 4.8 or 5.3 with some very basic work is going to lay waste to a Pontiac 350 much less a 400 or 455, all of which would take significantly more money in mods to even match a good, budget LS build like an iron 346 or 383 small bore LS. Best thing to do with this lovely car would be to put the original drivetrain under a shelf and an LS swap. So, unless you live in a state where emissions don’t matter there isn’t going to be much power in that 350 2bbl until that cat and the rest of the emissions are removed and some serious work is done like heads, cam, intake, and 4bbl. Other than the old Blue Flame Six, the base ’75 Corvette 350 4bbl only made 165hp which was the least powerful year V8 car, worse than even the early 265/283 cars or even the dreaded 1980 305 California Corvette. So, I ask you, would you hold out for a sportier model Formula or Trans Am, certainly having to accept one in worse condition (for the same price), or would this automatic, rather plain but elegant Esprit fit better in your classic car plans? Please let me know in the comments, and I wish all Barn Finds readers an early Happy New Year!ġ975 was one of the worst years for performance. ![]() On the other hand, we do see a picture of what is a mint and pristine interior. While we don’t have a picture of what’s under the hood, the seller tells us it’s the 350 V8 with a two-barrel carburetor. Can any of you tell what’s under the cover in the background of this picture? I couldn’t figure it out. Looking around the seller’s garage, they certainly appear to be a car enthusiast of multiple marques, with Porsche paraphenalia sharing the walls with Jeep and hot rod parts supplier banners. Not only that, but all the service records and original documentation come with the car. The seller tells us that the only item replaced was the original headliner, and they are including that as well. Although I have to admit that when the first “distinctive feature” listed is concealed windshield wipers, I don’t think there was a whole lot gained (apart from Rockford Files street cred if you chose a gold one) by upgrading from the base Firebird.Īssuming for a moment that this really is the original paint, it’s pretty obvious that this 85,000 mile car has been extremely well taken care of, especially if it’s been in the Detroit area for it’s entire life. That may sound expensive at first, but remember, it’s both mint and almost all original!Īs you can see from this 1975 Firebird brochure, the Esprit was the second rung up the four-rung Firebird model ladder for 1975. How often do you find that? The question is, would you rather have this superb condition Esprit, or hold out for a more expensive Formula or Trans Am? If you’re game for the Esprit, it’s listed for sale here on craigslist and is located near Flint, Michigan. for this terrific find! This 1975 Pontiac Firebird Esprit looks like the classic survivor that needs nothing.
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