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Rough Start: This 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula Is The Old Musclecar For Generation Z Drivers!


Rough Start: This 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula Is The Old Musclecar For Generation Z Drivers!

Ok…first off, I’d like to apologize for even using “Generation Z” anywhere in the title. It’s late and I’m running out of talent, but at least it makes sense. What is Generation Z and why would they care about a well-used mid-1990s Pontiac? Let’s start with the people themselves: you’ll hear and see many automotive outlets bemoan “Millenials” and how they don’t give one rat’s backside about cars at all. Sorry to kill that bubble, but I’m technically a Millenial, and Lohnes is very, very close to being one himself if he didn’t make the year mark. Generation Z are the kids that are getting their driver’s licenses right about now, so this is the twenty-year-old muscle car from back in the day for them. This is like finding $2,000 IROC Camaros when I got my license. So, why this particular Firebird for the newly-minted driver?

The Formula had all of the goodies of the Trans Am but none of the gingerbread. It had the open-snout front end instead of the twin foglights. It had the grunt, but the sex appeal of the V6 Firebird…which is why, if you ask me, they are more desirable. The “Formula” script was the giveaway, and that’s a sticker. The LT-1 V8 will still announce it’s intentions the moment the key is turned, but at 275 horsepower stock there’s enough power to keep Junior happy, but it’s not in stupid territory, like any late-model muscle car.

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There is also plenty that can be fixed up. The Formula isn’t in the greatest shape, so between the Optispark, teaching the kid the joys of changing plugs in a 4th gen F-body, and some interior cleanup, there’s room for the new driver to learn something about their car and to do something with it. Fix up the LT-1, LS swap it, do some bodywork, and drive it. Generation Z grew up with the recession and the post-9/11 world…keeping an older car running while learning how to fix things with their hands plays directly into their strengths. How do you create a gearhead for life? Show them that with time and sweat equity, some beat-up car can become something wicked and worth owning.

Craigslist Link: 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula V8

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