1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455

Description

Shifting market trends and increasingly stringent emissions regulations in the early 1970s presaged the end of the muscle car era on the horizon. However, a handful of dedicated engineers at Pontiac led by Special Projects Engineer Herb Adams were determined to deliver one last high-performance engine to Pontiac performance fans before the era came to a close. Reprising the “Super Duty” name from the revered Pontiac V8s of the 1960s, the new Super Duty 455 cu-in V8 was an engineering marvel. It utilized a four-bolt main block, dry sump oiling system, forged steel connecting rods with larger bolts, and forged aluminum pistons. A reinforced camshaft with an oversized distributor gear, larger-capacity intake manifold, and higher-capacity Quadrajet carburetor further contributed to the Super Duty’s claimed 290 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. Offered for just two model years, SD 455-equipped cars now represent a select group of very rare and highly collectible Firebirds. 

The 1974 Firebird Formula presented here is one of only 58 Pontiac Firebird Formulas equipped with the optional Super Duty 455 cu-in V8 for the 1974 model year. The car comes from a recent frame-on restoration during which much of the sheet metal was repaired and subsequently refinished in Ascot Silver while retaining the original interior, suspension components, and the all-important PHS-documented, numbers-matching drivetrain. This freshly restored Firebird now presents an enticing opportunity to acquire and drive a numbers-matching example of one of the rarest high-performance offerings of the muscle car era.

Highlights 

• One of just 58 Pontiac Firebird Formulas equipped with the Super Duty 455 cu-in V8 for the 1974 model year 

• Three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic transmission 

• Engine and transmission are numbers-matching as per the Pontiac Heritage Service (PHS) documents and photographs of the VIN stampings 

• Subject of an extensive frame-on restoration completed in 2022 

• Finished in Ascot Silver over a Deluxe Black Vinyl interior 

• Specified from the factory with the following optional equipment: 

  • C60 - Air conditioning 

  • JL2 - Power disc brakes 

  • U63 - AM radio 

  • W98 - Rally II wheels 

  • D80 - Rear air spoiler 

  • G80 - Safe-T-Track differential 

  • B80 - Roof drip moldings 

  • B96 - Wheel opening moldings 

  • B84 - Vinyl body side moldings 

  • B85 - Window sill & hood edge moldings 

  • C24 - Concealed windshield wipers 

  • B93 - Door edge guards 

  • D55 - Console 

  • WW8 - Rally gauge cluster, clock and tachometer 

  • NK3 - Formula steering wheel 

  • U80 - Rear seat speaker 

  • B32 - Front floor mats 

  • B33 - Rear floor mats 

  • A01 - Soft Ray glass, all windows 

  • QRZ - GR70 x 15 white letter steel belted radial tires 

• Desirable Formula model originally featuring: 

  • Shaker hood scoop 

  • Dual exhausts with chrome extensions and muffler 

  • Firm control shocks 

  • High-rate springs 

  • Front and rear stabilizers 

• This 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455 is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just over 61,700 miles, which is believed by the consignor to be the original mileage 

Features 

• “SD 455” decal on shaker hood scoop 

• Remote mirror control 

• Bucket seats 

• Wood-grain instrument panel 

• Locking glove compartment 

• 3.08:1 rear axle ratio 

• Dual exhaust outlets 

Known Imperfections  

• Finish on steering column is faded 

• Dash cowl needs repainting/refurbishment 

• Cracks present in the front bumper paint 

• Windshield washer is inoperative 

Included  

• Digital copies of the Pontiac Heritage Service (PHS) documents 

Ownership History

The consignor reports that this 1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula SD-455 was in static storage for 24 years prior to embarking on a careful frame-on restoration in 2021. Comprehensive documentation of the restoration demonstrates the consignor’s efforts to maintain the car’s high degree of originality, including its factory Deluxe Black Vinyl interior, original suspension components, and numbers-matching drivetrain.