Pontiac introduced the all-new Firebirds late, which hit dealerships in February 1970 after giving Chrysler’s new E-body a nice six-month lead. Nonetheless, Pontiac incorporated several changes for the 1971 model year that made the short-run 1970s unique.
That’s not to say the 1971 model year wasn’t unique for Pontiac. Notably, Pontiac lowered the compression of its engines, a year before the federal mandate to cater to unleaded fuel. Pontiac also watered down the Firebird Formula model to attract customers still in the cratering sporty car segment. In 1970, the Formula was strictly a performance model that came standard with a 400, but for 1971, the standard engine was a 350 two-barrel to broaden the Formula’s appeal. As such, the Formula 350 was a poseur, yet Pontiac was not unique in selling cars with a high-performance image but low-performance engine.
Mike Polito is the owner of this Canyon Copper 1971 Formula 350. Mike has the Buick Riviera we featured in a prior article, but this Poncho is his favorite to drive, no doubt due to several modifications (headers, Holley Street Avenger four-barrel, Edelbrock intake, etc.) to give it the muscle it deserves. The front fender vent was unique for 1971 and on this car, it is complemented by the optional D98 accent stripe, which was available in blue, black, silver, or gold.
Join Muscle Car Campy as he gives us a ride in this F-body and extols its virtues, both from the factory and the shade tree.
