Pontiac launched the all-new Firebirds late, which hit dealerships in February 1970 after giving Chrysler’s new E-body a pleasant six-month lead. Nonetheless, Pontiac integrated a number of adjustments for the 1971 mannequin yr that made the short-run 1970s distinctive.
That’s to not say the 1971 mannequin yr wasn’t distinctive for Pontiac. Notably, Pontiac lowered the compression of its engines, a yr earlier than the federal mandate to cater to unleaded gas. Pontiac additionally watered down the Firebird Formulation mannequin to draw clients nonetheless within the cratering sporty automotive phase. In 1970, the Formulation was strictly a efficiency mannequin that got here normal with a 400, however for 1971, the usual engine was a 350 two-barrel to broaden the Formulation’s enchantment. As such, the Formulation 350 was a poseur, but Pontiac was not distinctive in promoting vehicles with a high-performance picture however low-performance engine.
Mike Polito is the proprietor of this Canyon Copper 1971 Formulation 350. Mike has the Buick Riviera we featured in a previous article, however this Poncho is his favourite to drive, little question resulting from a number of modifications (headers, Holley Avenue Avenger four-barrel, Edelbrock consumption, and many others.) to offer it the muscle it deserves. The entrance fender vent was distinctive for 1971 and on this automotive, it’s complemented by the elective D98 accent stripe, which was accessible in blue, black, silver, or gold.
Be part of Muscle Automobile Campy as he offers us a experience on this F-body and extols its virtues, each from the manufacturing facility and the shade tree.