Back in 1974 a local guy shows up with a brand new 1974 Formula 350, in Denver Gold with the Deluxe black interior, orange stripe, and spoiler. It was the most beautiful Firebird we had ever seen. By November of 1975, it was sitting on the used lot of the local Pontiac dealer and we bought it. While it looked great, power was lacking. The low compression 2 barrell 350 was less than exciting, but the dual exhuast did sound good. As time went on, we bought some property in the country and I convinced the wife that we needed a pick up. Yes, you guessed it, we traded the 'bird on a new truck and I have not heard the end of it to this day.
To try and make ammends I found another 74 Formula for sale in the mid 80's. It was a 455 model with standard interior and had not been treated well. I sold the 400 that came with it and loacted a 74 455 out of a Gran Ville. After a couple of false starts over many years, we finally threw in the towel and parted out the rusty beast. Now I see thay are making some of the more "unusual" patch panels we needed on that second car.
Not only did I let the nice one get away, I let it's replacement get away as well. We have decided to find a nice driver quality 74 Formula one of these days. We're not ready to buy just yet, but are getting close. That one will not slip away.
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Dave Wyatt
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