1972 Firebird Formula 455HO - Famous PMD car

[njsteve]

(Not mine)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12510867303...04ce%7Ciid%3A1

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZKbcrmOygM?rel=0

1972 Firebird Formula 455HO automatic. Black on black.
VIN 2U87X2N525171
Born-with drivetrain though the trans is one number higher than the VIN. It actually is stamped "525172"

This was the actual car that saved the Firebird from extinction in 1972. Pontiac President Jim McDonald was all set to cancel the Firebird since he was not a fan of the car.

The Pontiac underlings hatched a plan to change his mind. McDonald always drove black cars as this was his preference. So they made him the ultimate Formula in black on black with every option possible. It was assigned as his company car. After he drove it he ended up loving it and his decision to cancel the Firebird was cancelled.

In 1972 you could not get a black Firebird as a factory color (without special ordering one). My old '72 was one of those two other known black cars produced with a "- -" paint code for black. This one was the third but it actually has a paint code for 14 Revere Silver because it was in production at the time when it was highjacked and made into McDonald's car.

From past conversations with the former owner, this car does need some major underside work as the rear frame rails need to be replaced as do the inner quarters. It's almost as it the same problems that struck my old car that affect this one - someone hand made inner rear trunk drop offs because the originals were not available in the 1970s. The rear rails rusted in various places at the low point where it holds water and in the rear sections under the trunk (a very common occurrence). But it is a piece of automotive history.

Here's a link to my old black car in case someone wants to see a similar car with similar problems before it was restored, https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117705 It eventually sold for $165,000 at Mecum Indy 2020 lot S104 but for some reason no longer shows on the mecum site.

This is definitely one car that needs to be brought back to glory.

[Billohio]

Neat car and still shines. Some of the swelling underneath is beyond my skills but neat car

[njsteve]

Yeah, there is also rust in the lower front firewall/cowl area in the ebay photos.

I have photos of the rear frame rail areas from the previous owner a few years ago when I was thinking of buying the car. But I just don't have the patience/temper to deal with a body shop any more without winding up in prison. (both body shop prison and eventually real prison)

:-)

[njsteve]

Looking at the PHS, this car has a bunch of rare options like the rear console, power door locks, and the super rare reflective side stripes. This is what the stripes would look like, in reflective white/silver on a black car.

[Pro Stock John]

"Rear console"

Got a pic of that?

[njsteve]

Here you go. The rear consoles were made of a cheap hard plastic with little interior support so if someone made the mistake of sitting on it just one time...it would fracture into pieces.

[A12pilot]

If only it was a 4-speed…..

Buy it Steve!! You know you want it!

Cheers
Dave

[njsteve]

Only if you do all the metal work!

[njsteve]

...and paint.

[Pro Stock John]

Wow I've never seen a rear center console, thanks for sharing.