When I put together the concept of Rough Start finds, one of the main things that I’ve rarely swayed from was the need for the vehicle in question to run and drive. Small repairs that were honestly presented were one thing, but if a trip or two to the local parts store didn’t get the target vehicle up and moving, it was time to pass and locate a new target. Make no mistake, most of the Rough Start gems I’ve located as potential projects or fun second vehicles are easily confused with “desirable”. They are cast-offs, third choice items or off-the-wall finds that don’t come around everyday. But for today’s find, I’m breaking the non-running rule simply because of what it is.

The ad says 1975 Pontiac Firebird, and even with it wearing a 1974 nosecone (no turn signal lights in the upper grille areas) I can promise you it’s at least a ’75. The tell? The big back window, which had been enlarged for 1975. Specifically, the claim is that this is a 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. There are items that suggest that’s true: the 160 MPH speedometer, the tachometer, and the twin-snorkel hood all indicate something good is going on here. The claim is that the car has been sitting for about thirty years and that it’s time to move it down the road to someone who can put it back on the road. Make no mistake, this is project material, but there’s an engine in the bay and everything short a carburetor, air cleaner and radiator is supposed to be present. A big-cube Firebird Formula is worthy, even if it’s not a ’73 Super Duty or a black-and-gold 1977 Trans Am. Two grand gets your foot in the door…do you think the other three thousand dollars can get this bird running and driving again?

Craigslist Link: 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400