Ford Motor Company discovered a good thing when it introduced the 1967 Mercury Cougar: people were willing to pay money for an upscale pony car. The Mustang joined suit in 1969 with the Grandé, and it seemed the rest of the industry followed in 1970. One of those me-too responses was the Pontiac Firebird Esprit, with our Pick of the Day being a 1973 Firebird Esprit. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in St. Ann, Missouri. (Click the link to view the listing)
When the 1970 Firebird was introduced in February of that year, Pontiac listed several models: base Firebird, Firebird Esprit, Firebird Formula 400, and Trans Am. The OHC-6 and 350 HO were gone, and the Formula 400 replaced the Firebird 400. Brand-new was the Esprit, a more luxurious Firebird that featured an upgraded Custom interior (which was optional on other Firebirds), faux woodgrain interior accents, and assist straps for the doors and above the glovebox door, plus extra brightwork, concealed windshield wipers, body-colored inserts for the door handles, a pair of body-colored side-view mirrors with left-hand remote, and trim rings for the hubcaps. Unlike the base Firebird, standard Esprit power was a V8, in this case a 350 two-barrel, with a 400 two-barrel an option (trivia: this was the first non-performance Firebird with an available 400).
By 1973, the automotive world had changed plenty due to federalized standards and even a strike that drastically hurt pony car production, but the Firebird pressed on. Standard equipment for the Esprit had been shuffled over the years but it was basically the same, with Deluxe wheel covers being a conspicuous tweak. This was the first year of the federally mandated front bumper but, for the following model year, the Firebird would receive a facelift and change its look forever.
This Golden Olive 1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit has only 35,360 miles under its belt. “Meticulously maintained from new!” says the seller. “Incredibly original!” The cabin features the rare Beige Prado Cloth interior, which matches nicely with the Beige vinyl top. Other features include three-speed automatic transmission with console, power steering, power brakes, rear window defogger, and tinted glass. Engine is the standard 350 two-barrel.
“With exceptionally low miles, gorgeous color combination, and like-new condition, this Pontiac is the perfect example to add to any premier collection,” adds the seller. The asking price for this low-mileage gem is $39,900, which includes the original owner’s manual, warranty booklet, spare, and jack.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Trying to evoke a 60’s aura in a 73 model via the red walls, and dual exhaust, which probably weren’t available in 73. All things said it looks like a nice clean Firebird.