When the production consisted of just over 53,000 units in 1971, the basic Firebird was the star of the show. Since the Trans Am was still in its infancy, it was unable to have a significant effect on Firebird production; as a result, sales of the base model and the Esprit remained strong.
While Pontiac produced about 20,000 Esprits, over 23,000 Firebirds in the base version came off the production lines. There were barely 7,800 units produced by the Formula and perhaps 2,100 by the Trans Am.
Most Esprits left the factory with an automatic transmission, as just 947 units were fitted with a manual gearbox.
A 1971 Firebird Esprit made its way to earlier this week, trying to convince someone to take it home and refresh it for a return to tip-top shape.
A US Navy Captain originally purchased the car. His family owned it until September 2009, when his daughter sold it to a couple in Arlington. The Esprit made its way to several car meetings, where it became quite a star thanks to its impressive shape. The family that bought it from the dealership properly cared for everyth ing, so the Firebird spent its entire life in a garage.
They bought the Firebird with the intention of creating a Formula clone, but they soon gave up when they realized how authentic it remained even after all these years. The radio and dual exhaust system are the only modifications, but it should not be too difficult to return it to its original configuration.
It should come as no surprise that this Firebird isn’t a perfect 10, as it still requires a number of repairs, including metal work. The car has some minor rust issues, such as on the passenger’s rear quarter panel, and the paint is a little old, with some body bubbles. It is better to view it in person to have a more realistic picture of everything, as it also need repairs for the air conditioning system because the internal fan is broken.
The owner says the 350 two-barrel under the hood starts, runs, and drives, with the odometer indicating a little over 93,000 miles. The reading is correct, as the car has never been restored or molested.
The Firebird is a solid candidate for a collectible, especially because it’s 99 percent original, and all parts are in place.
The vehicle is parked in Aldie, Virginia.