(Not mine)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12510867303...04ce%7Ciid%3A1
https://www.youtube.com/embed/LZKbcrmOygM?rel=0
1972 Firebird Formula 455HO automatic. Black on black.
VIN 2U87X2N525171
Born-with drivetrain though the trans is one number higher than the VIN. It actually is stamped "525172"
This was the actual car that saved the Firebird from extinction in 1972. Pontiac President Jim McDonald was all set to cancel the Firebird since he was not a fan of the car.
The Pontiac underlings hatched a plan to change his mind. McDonald always drove black cars as this was his preference. So they made him the ultimate Formula in black on black with every option possible. It was assigned as his company car. After he drove it he ended up loving it and his decision to cancel the Firebird was cancelled.
In 1972 you could not get a black Firebird as a factory color (without special ordering one). My old '72 was one of those two other known black cars produced with a "- -" paint code for black. This one was the third but it actually has a paint code for 14 Revere Silver because it was in production at the time when it was highjacked and made into McDonald's car.
From past conversations with the former owner, this car does need some major underside work as the rear frame rails need to be replaced as do the inner quarters. It's almost as it the same problems that struck my old car that affect this one - someone hand made inner rear trunk drop offs because the originals were not available in the 1970s. The rear rails rusted in various places at the low point where it holds water and in the rear sections under the trunk (a very common occurrence). But it is a piece of automotive history.
Here's a link to my old black car in case someone wants to see a similar car with similar problems before it was restored,
https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117705 It eventually sold for $165,000 at Mecum Indy 2020 lot S104 but for some reason no longer shows on the mecum site.
This is definitely one car that needs to be brought back to glory.