[71 T/A]

I sold my 71 T/A years ago and would like to buy what I really like - a 70-73 Formula. The T/A was actually a car in the family that I did not purchase. Does anybody share my preference for Formulas over Trans Ams? I have always liked that twin scooped fiberglass hood better and think the T/A was a bit overdone with the side vents and fender flares. Others agree?

[Formulabruce]

UM, welll....... My Avatar speaks for itself!!!

[2manyT/A'S]

The 70-73 T/A's will ALWAYS be AT or NEAR the top of MY list but a correctly optioned 70-73 Formula 400/455 can be even MORE interesting than a T/A.

Correctly optioned (for me)would have to include a 4 speed trans,Rally gauges with tach,Safe-T-Track with desireable colors,in & out. NO A/C!

Ram Air is ALSO pretty essential.

The Firebird body style in those years stands alone EXTREMELY WELL without all of Trans am GAK. (Road & Track magazine really TRASHED the T/A in their testing of the newly releaded second generation F-cars.They called it the ultimate "gookmobile" or something similar as I recall)

The Formula hood is all the Firebird really needs.

Bird 72,can you tell us how BAD the rear spoiler looks on these cars???

[fbirdinconcord]

I have always preferred the Formulas but certainly don't mind the T/A's.

I also prefer the 4 speed no A/C cars.

Here are a couple of pics of my 73 that will be going up for sale soon. Mostly original paint and a correct looking 455 replaces the original 400. Haven't set a price yet, it will probably go on ebay.

I am one of the weird ones that prefers no rear spoiler.

[TH65]

I love both my Formulas, and also had previously 3 other Formulas & 2 T/As. In fact one of the Formulas I recently found earlier this year, 71 Castilian Bronze 400 4spd that I owned in the early 90s, still in my local area, so I'm hoping to bring that one home once the owner decides to sell.

[cliffhanger]

i prefer formula's over transam's, namely due to the fact that I simply love the dual air scoop design and the package all together.

HOWEVER, It's a VERY close call, I DO adore t/a's , BUT only if it has an engine that makes it worthy over a formy, a RA4 t/a in cameo white will do fine, but then again, a formula 455 will win it again. A 455 H.O. T/A OR a '73 455 SD are on the top list. But then again, a 73 Formula with ALL available options and a 455 SD.....Is hard to beat.

Exteriorwise, it doesn't really make a huge difference. Both cars appeal in different ways. I LOVE the extreme, over-the-top race scheme that 70-72 transams have, in cameo white with blue stripe (the lucy blue with white stripe is amazing too), honeycombs, spoilers, fender extractors, etc. With a red or blue interior.....killer looks. It screams so much power and race....
On the other hand, I adore the finesse and almost italian design that the formula has. I have NEVER seen a hood more gracious and beautiful then a formy hood. Especially, since they WORK. All the round lines line up so well, I think without a spoiler the lines are even better pronounced. I enjoy a spoiler, but I takes away the 'hip' lines the car so beautifully enhances.....A dark exterior (black/very dark blue/dark red), with either a custom black or saddle/tan custom interior, again, with every option imaginable (rear seat console f.e.), and a beautifull set of Rallye 2's with the chrome outer ring, and the red PMD center cap, makes a breathtaking ride....

I'd take BOTH. no doubt.....If it were a 3rd or 4th gen, it would only be the t/a. if it would be a 1st gen, only the firebird 400. 2nd gen....Both.

So actually, I couldn't make a choise. But I wouldn't mind either one, as both do





I couldn't choose both above.....I'd guess it be the formula in the end though XD

[The Boss]

Formulas

[RAFormulas]

I wouldn't kick a TA out of my garage, unless of course it was to make room for another Formula.

[lighthouseman]

70 Formula with a 4 speed is it!

[bird72]

OK, I've owned four TA's, so it's not like I hate them...... I never owned a 70-73 that ran though, had a 73 TA I let go years ago. Had two WS6, W72, 4 speed 78's.... but after many years of these F bodys, the 70-73 always was my favorite and dream to own style. Also over the years, the Formula grew on me. The no flares, no vent, no stickers look grew on me. The Trans Am was a look into the future..... The Formula was more a throwback to the past..... combination road car with a muscle car mix..... Chrome emblems still.... A wild hood and exhaust tips as the only mandatory concession to what it was..... keep it simple, keep it business. Option as wanted and more colors.

[ramairthreegto]

I like the shaker hoods, and I like the original further up the hood twin scoops.

Either on a GTO or FB I actually have never been a fan of the pair of scoops all the way by the front.

Just a personal looks preference.

[schalmat]

Looking at the 69 t/a one cant help but wonder if the second gen formula hood would have been the T/A hood had it not been for clearance issues on the circuit cars.

[cliffhanger]

it WAS supposed to be the t/a hood, with the t/a spoiler ground effects, and the 69 t/a colour scheme......

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by cliffhanger

Without a doubt , one of the best looking cars ever built. Why don't they build new cars this good looking ?

[keith k]

Well, lets just say I'm a bit indecisive on this point... so I've resolved the dilemma the only way I could think of

[71 T/A]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

Without a doubt , one of the best looking cars ever built. Why don't they build new cars this good looking ?

I ask myself this question all the time. It's why I prefer the old Pontiacs. The older ones have more character and fun built in.

I would say that the 455 HO decal on the Formula engines is the best engine decal Pontiac or any car maker ever produced.

[oldbirds]

In 1970 I spent a long time looking at the new Camaros and Firebirds - they were amazing cars for the time and made all the other muscle cars look old fashioned by comparison. I finally decided on a Formula 400 - loved the sleek design and the twin scoop hood. I wanted a particular color combo and tried to order one in August, and the salesman just laughed - too late, can't be done. Broke my heart. Then he offered a great deal on a TA - which somehow I had completely overlooked, didn't even know they made them. Like you, my first reaction was too much stuff - stripes, spoilers, shaker scoop - and didn't like it. Then I drove it, got a huge grin on my face and bought one a week later (blue/blue/4 speed) for a really good price - they were just sitting on the lots and the two dealers I talked to were very, very eager to sell them at big discounts. Within a week it had become the greatest car I ever had, and the Formula was forgotten along with the 69 Mustang Mach 1 I had traded in.

About 30 years later I bought and restored another blue/blue/4 speed 70 TA, and currently have a 70 Formula and 71 Formula. Gotta say I still like the styling of the Formula better, but the TA is still the greatest car I ever had - all that "stuff" really grew on me - especially watching the flapper on the hood scoop open right in front of you. Tough call, but if I have to choose one it would be the TA, if for no other reason so I could watch the hood scoop open.

I think Keith has the best idea - get one of each.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

Without a doubt , one of the best looking cars ever built. Why don't they build new cars this good looking ?

They could come close......

[71 T/A]

If you can get a Formula with all T/A options, it's tough to beat a Formula. Formulas were a tad lighter and with the same engine, are faster than a T/A and in my opinion, look better.

[webrunner]

My preference is the Formulas as well. To me it's one of the best looking cars. Oh, I like the rear spoilers, but none of the other stuff.