The prototype appears to have removable dummy T/A-style fender extractors in the usual location. It is likely the proposal was being considered with and without the T/A fenders and extractors as a possible cost-cutting meas-ure. The dummies gave designers an idea of what the proposal would look like in both config-urations without going to the trouble of swap-ping fenders and then matching paint and stripes. Like the LeMans, the Firebird Formula X used white accent stripes on the taillamp lenses and color-keyed wheels. It was finished off with a set of chrome dual exhaust extenders.
What Happened to the Formula Xs? - Why the Formula X Pontiacs didn't make it is one of the countless stories in GM's history of continuing marketshare erosion. "We really did our research and the cars cliniced very well," Schinella says. "It was a great example of the studio and dealers working together. When they were done, we went to dealers with them and the response was very positive-everyone loved them."
As with so many promising projects, the Formula Xs were canceled. "It was a clear-cut case of NIH-Not Invented Here," Schinella says. "There were a lot of 'do-gooders' out there, older executives who were mad that we were doing these sorts of things. Much to our chagrin, they won. We were very disappointed."
But the designers at GM's Pontiac Studios saw some potential in two of these cars. The Ventura was carried over virtually intact and became the '74 GTO. The approach used on the LeMans morphed into the '74 Grand Am All-American showcar and was largely carried over to the '77 Can Am. The Firebird? It already had all the right stuff.
As for the ultimate disposition of the patriotic trio of Pontiacs, it's anyone's guess. While it's most likely they were scrapped, it's at least theoretically possible that they could have been sold, as they were not altered structurally and retained stock drivetrains.
Though the Formula X Pontiacs never made it to production, they did eventually get their day in the sun, albeit in slightly revised form. Their contribution to Pontiac's performance history is significant, though they had to wait more than 30 years to get the credit they deserve.
The author wishes to thank John Schinella, Jeff Denison, and Tom Peters from GM Design Center, and Tom Goad for their help with the preparation of this article.
The Formula X Firebird was...
The Formula X Firebird was an unusual combination of Formula and Trans Am, using a Shaker hood but no T/A front air dam or rear wheel spats. The turn signals were moved to the grille, creating openings in the bumper that were made into brake cooling ducts.