1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit 350 V8 – Unrestored Arizona Survivor – Barn Find

Offered here is a 1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit that has spent many years in Arizona and has been in storage for approximately 12+ years. This is an unrestored, largely original car that hasn't been cleaned up or cosmetically restored for sale. What you see is what you get.

The Firebird came from the estate of its previous female owner, who was the car's one long-term owner and has since passed away. It was eventually placed into storage, where it remained for more than a decade.

What makes this car interesting is how complete and unmodified it remains. Many second-generation Firebirds have been modified, converted into Trans Am or Formula clones, or restored several times over the years. This one appears to have simply been used, enjoyed, parked and left largely alone.

It retains its Pontiac 350 V8, original automatic transmission and console, power windows, vinyl top, white interior and spoiler-free body. The exterior is believed to still wear its original Buccaneer Red finish.

The odometer/mileage is approximately 140,000 miles.

Mechanical Condition: The car is currently not running.

The engine does turn, but we have intentionally not attempted to start it after its long period in storage. Rather than simply adding a battery and fuel and seeing what happens, we felt it was better to leave the recommissioning to the next owner.

Anyone purchasing the car should plan on going through the normal systems associated with bringing a vehicle back after long-term storage.

The car will need to be transported by trailer. It rolls and steers freely, but again - it has not been started and is not currently a driver.

Body & Exterior

The Firebird presents very much as an unrestored survivor.

The body still has the clean early second-generation Firebird shape, including the Endura-style nose, and importantly has not had a rear spoiler added.

The paint shows its age, as does the vinyl top and exterior trim. There is some rust/deterioration around the lower passenger-side door area along with other age-related cosmetic imperfections.

We have made an effort to photograph these areas rather than hide them. This isn't a car that has received a quick repaint or cosmetic makeover to make it photograph better for an auction.

The underside, engine compartment, exterior and problem areas are all shown in the photos so bidders can make their own assessment.

Interior

The interior is surprisingly complete considering the car's age and years in storage.

It retains the white bucket seats and rear seat, center console, original-style dashboard and interior appointments. The car is also equipped with power windows, which is a nice option on an Esprit of this era.

The seating itself remains quite good, although there is age-related deterioration to some of the plastic and pillar trim and other interior components.

Again, nothing has been restored or disguised for the sale.

Equipment / Highlights
1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
Pontiac 350 V8
Automatic transmission
Center console
Power windows
Approximately 140,000 miles
Believed original Buccaneer Red exterior
White interior
Vinyl top
Original spoiler-free rear body
Largely original and complete
Approximately 12+ years in storage
Arizona car
Clean title
A Good Candidate to Preserve or Restore

This is an honest old Firebird that has survived more than 50 years without being heavily modified or turned into something it wasn't.

For someone looking for an early second-generation Firebird, it offers several possibilities. It could be mechanically recommissioned and enjoyed with its survivor appearance, gradually improved while retaining its originality, or used as a very complete starting point for a full restoration. Please feel free to contact with questions or requests.