Same here hoss. The other day I had the worst day ever and was literally praying that Bill put out a video and he did. It was the only thing that cheered me up and made the day ultimately wind up being ok.
Can't get enough of Bill and his reviews. So much more knowledgeable than some other youtube channels, and doesn't speak over stupid music or something.
Back around 2006 I was at a car show in McHenry County Illinois and encountered a 74 yellow sd-455 Formula with the shaker scoop and side accent stripe. It was a real X code car but had a column shift automatic and no tachometer.
Pontiac done a fantastic job integrating those bumpers..in my opinion, the 74s and 75s were both great looking cars. This is an incredible car. Your friend has an amazing collection.
Yeah especially when you compare to the Camaro, where they just ibstalled a slab of steel in front with close to zero integration with the rest of the design.
Growing up when the 2gen fbodys were new. I always preferred the Formula trim over the Trans Am. This car really POPS. color, honey comb wheels, SD.. Who ever speced that car had great taste!
I did drive the 74 firebird 350, trans am 400 and firebird formula 400 in the 70s. They were wonderful machines at that times. I did not had the chance the drive the trans am 455.
Hi Bill, I bought a 1974 SD 455 dark blue, I forget the official name of the color. Auto on the column as you mentioned, white int, baby blue rug and dash no flying chicken. Had Hosmer Pontiac Medford ma. Put in a am,fm radio for 50 bucks. No air. 4,850, total. 120 a month 3 years. That was alot then. Car sat at dealer for 6, months, gas crisis. Story was some guy ordered it, but took too long to come in, he went down the street and bought a 442. I was 20, years old. Took it home in pouring rain a day in April playing Band on the run. Next day showed my uncle. Somethings wrong, put it in R, whole car shaker shook. Put it in D, worse. We thought motor mounts were loose from factory. Took it back to service department. Guy jumps out from his desk. Says your the one who bought this, what's wrong. I showed him. He said "kid you bought a monster, that's the tourk." I was embarrassed. He said don't worry not too many people know about this.
I always think back to when I was a kid and our neighbor got a early 70s T/A when he turned 16. He peeled out literally every time he left the driveway, which I loved and my parents hated. After only a couple months one morning we saw it parked across the road with the perfect imprint of a pole in the back quarter.
Turns on radio. "Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin comes on. "Nothing I want to hear"... drives off in 1974 Firebird. Oh dear. Not too chipper here from the back seat, Bill.
@@clintonflynn815 I remember that Classic TV show with James Garner as Jim Rockford. He drove around the streets of Los Angeles in a gold color Firebird Esprit
In '73 and '74 there were still a couple of powerful cars for sale, the 455 SD was the top of the heap for sure but, not the only game in town yet. The 351C 4 speed was available in Mustang, Cougar and Gran Torino with 245-255hp, Hurst/Olds 455 250-270hp, the Buick 455 stg1 270hp, the Corvette and Chevelle/Laguna S3 454 245-270hp and a few hold over Mopars with the E58 360 245hp, E68 400 260hp and E86 440 285hp. None of them could touch the Pontiac but they were out there and could all be readily modified.
"The Canadians can have a 70s Marijuana Tryst in the back seat".....LOVE IT...Laughed my Ass Off. Bill you are now my Prozac, I cannot get through a day without your videos. Keep them coming..... :) :)
As per the SD 455 Registry where there are a total of 28 1974 SD 455 Formulas registered and a total of 58 were produced by GM, (where the bulk of the remaining ones are is mostly likely the junk yard through attrition). There are a total of 2 yellow cars known to exist or that were built (I expect that the other car does exist). One car had black standard interior with a Turbo 400 transmission sold through Schoon Motors as this one was, while the other one is a yellow, black custom interior with a 4 speed. One item of interest is that in the SD 455 registry, both of cars that are registered were stated to have rally wheels (which I like much better) and my guess is that this one had them changed to the honeycomb style wheel.
Thank you for this one, Bill! Really made my day. I recently referred your channel to one of my friends. I know they will never be disappointed here. 👍🏻😁
We've watched several of your commentaries Bill, really enjoy your vids. Factual, mixed with whimsical memories of the day. Your candor, sense of humor, delivery and voice resonance reminds us of one of our favorite FM radio DJ from days gone by, before they got "programmed".
All those gauges are aftermarket. The three of those gauges to the right were where the ac vents were. The two to the left were factory gauges but they look replaced to match the rest.
Don't forget that this is a non-gauge package and non-AC car. So the area of the dash to the right of the speedometer had nothing there, so was a blank canvas for a previous owner to add those 5 aftermarket gauges.
Ah yes, that strumming, earth tone background music. I think that was a CD of house music given to Bill, for being the #1 customer at the Naples asian massage parlor. 🤗
I loved that music I’ll never forget it haha. So chill and relaxing , hearing that melody and then Bill’s raspy voice saying “GOOD morning” a few moments later, like honey poured over gravel, and then, another CLK...
Wouldn’t be my first choice color-wise, but I love these SD-455’s... this is a monster motor, and I like the styling of the earlier second gens such as this much more than the later ones. Also, you had Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” come in in the radio, and there was nothing you wanted to listen to?! That was PERFECT for the era this car came from!
Great video, Bill, I love your work, and your passion really comes through, especially in a car like the legendary 455 SD Super Duty. Many people don't realize that unlike the standard 455, an engine that you could get on the Pontiac Safari station wagon, the 455 SD was a full on racing engine. I was too young for that one, but I did have a 1979 TRANS AM with the 6.6 Litre, which was actually an Oldsmobile engine, the 403. The 400 Pontiac T/A engine was reserved for the 4 speed manual for some reason.. Mine was that bright electric blue metallic color with the turned dash, and had other civilizing options such as delay cycle windshield wiper, electric windows and door locks, T-tops, tilt steering wheel and cruise control. Mine also had the WS-6 package, which included 60s all around and four wheel disc brakes and some other odds and ends. What a great great car that was, and what great times those were.
Those Stewart-Warner gauges are aftermarket and were added later. If it had factory gauges it would've had a tach too. It's weird to order a SD455 without a tach
The HP on the SD 455 must have been way under rated- i have seen a few of those smoke some darn fast cars on the drag strip- low 13s high 12s with low gears and slicks they were really fast for a big heavy car- i had a 78 camaro w a pretty hot 454 that ran 13.0 @106 and to think a stock factory car was even faster is quite amazing- it seems like everyone i meet had a car or their dad had a 10 second car - but they never showed up on test and tune at Bandimere to run with us - Hmm imagine that - a 10 second costs big money and are not too common - - i know the new fuel injected muscle cars like hell cat and camaro or mustang are fast as hell but building an old school muscle car and making it run 10s requires skill and money- especially at the high altitude of Bandimere in Morrison CO - which i believe is shut down as of last year - thats is a bummer - pontiac built one hell of a strong and powerful 455-
Great review of the SD history, this true SD has the unique PCV valve on the oil filler cap and the “bolt stretch” measurement for the rod bolts on the unique SD valve cover sticker. The SD exhaust manifolds were much less restrictive than the standard 455 manifolds by the way. Almost every part of the SD engine was different from the std 455, I know because I built one from scratch by ordering the parts after I bought my buccaneer red ‘73 too late in the year to get the SD with the car. It took 3 years and cost more than the car did. God bless my brother who worked in the parts department at the dealership. I was 27 then, I’m 74 now and still own the car, which has 67,000 happy miles on it. Thanks for doing this Bill.
SD 455 was serious hardware. It even had provisions for dry sump oiling cast into the block. A little tuning and you had a car that could run 13's on pump gas through the mufflers...with air conditioning!!
Thank you for sharing this video and this car! I love the wheels, color and no A/C and no hood decal "screaming chicken". Also the interior is very nice = love the pleat pattern on the seats and what looks like custom installation of the Stewart- Warner small gauges = very tasteful. Just a great car by Pontiac and really rare!
Had a friend in the 80s who had one of these- 74 yellow 455SD Formula. Who knows, could be the same car! he drag raced it regularly and drove it on the street. He let me drive it once. He did not order it, he told me there were several on the dealer lot at the end of the 74 model year. super nice car
Best car review/Pontiac history video I've ever seen. Had an '81 Corvette my junior and senior years in high school (and for 16 more years afterwards). But wanted a Firebird Formula or Trans Am. Thanks for making this fantastic video. I laughed out loud several times and I can really appreciate your enthusiasm as you went (drove) down memory lane. '70-'73 and '79s are my favorite years for Pontiac Firebird Formulas and Trans Ams. This '74 is a definite classic in every sense of the word. ☮
Cars like this really take me back to my youth. They really built exciting cars and built them right. Man, it's videos like this that make me wanna come back and watch everything Bill throws in front of the lens. Thanks again man...
Bill, absolutely love your channel. Looking forward to many more reviews. Especially super rare cars like this and not just ones for sale. Keep up the great videos.
Thank you for the video of this amazing car- i am 55 and was in high school in the 80s and these kind of cars were still on the road in large numbers- but many guys unfortunately wrecked some beautiful cars- luckily i never wrecked my 77 cougar - it only had a 302 but it was silky smooth and was very comfortable - i miss the good old days
Excellent video, been a Pontiac fan forever. Currently working on a 1975 Firebird Esprit, with a 1973 front clip and ram air hood. Equipped with a bored 1972 455 HO, M-21 four speed. I love Pontiacs, unique machines and these engines are torque monsters. The Formula here is just badass. Beautiful, it's cool to see clean examples of these cars. Really enjoy your work. 👍👍🏁🏁
Love the 'Fun Facts" that you provide.....Never knew about the lower gears causing belt issues or why they closed off the shaker scoop..Keep up the great work!!
Ditto on that "shaker." Look- It's Alive!! And, yeah, the sounds of that 455 take me back to my teen years and driving my mom's Electra that had that gorgeous, growly 455-4 in it. I'd always pop the hood and turn the air cleaner cover upside-down (interesting how it just happened to be designed to still seal all around the filter in that configuration, while being otherwise wide open, haha!) to let more of that air in and more of that thunderous sound out, when tearing out through the town with my buddies. Keep 'em coming, Bill! I'm sure Peter knows how lucky he is- there's not a better or more effective auto sales presentation out there than Curious Cars, and the value you bring to those of us who tune in for both education and entertainment's sake, as well as to distract us for an hour from this downright foolish world and its ridiculous shenanigans, is downright invaluable. A big thank you for that.
Bill makes me laugh while showing off a beautiful car (s) I love when he talks about the goats and in this video "the woodpeckers can pick right in your brain " 🤣
Beautiful car my first car was a 74 firebird 350 3sp. The gauges on the rt are not original. 75 was the last good quality year for f bodies. The doors didnt sag and the door handles were solid. I had a 77 bandit T.A. and like your 79 everything sagged and broke. I also had a 75 T.A. 455 ho 4sp. And a 69 GTO JUDGE RA3 4SP. All I have now are the memories. Loved those cars.
Love these videos! I've really learned so much information about these classic cars. I've got models of most of them because I cant afford the real cars but I can still dream! Keep up the great work Bill! Love your sense of humor and your personality. Will always watch these! Peace brother!
These were the last of the Greatest ERA of Muscle cars from the Factory, underrated at 290hp in 73-74 by PMD. also rated at net beginning in 72 by Federal mandate, NHRA rated them at about 370 or so. Pontiac's best flowing heads I believe.
My Dad had 5 T/As when I was in High School in the early 80s I drove a Gold 78 6.6 4 speed of his he also had a 73 455 SD 4 speed a 77 Black 4 speed gold trim and all and Mom drov a non T-Top white auto and a black 79 Black Auto, For some reason he wouldn’t let me drive his 73 SD to much. Keep the 70s and 80s cars coming the bring back some great memories
Well folks…. I personally know person long ago who had a 74 formula SD in midnight blue like my SD. It had both formula “ram air” non functional, and the shaker. It was a bit weird. Today a real urban legend. Hope it did not end up in the crusher. He bought it new in Dayton Ohio. His like my 1974 SD Trans Am also had 1973 SD heads out of the Norwood (Cincinnati OH) production plant. He could keep up with me on the street, he had honeycomb wheels like mine, premium interior and power everything like mine. Anyway, lost track of him as I got older. I met Herb Adams twice. Second time when a buddy of mine and I added all the Herb Adams aftermarket bits to his no-air stripper 4 speed 1974 Z28. Made a huge difference now the Z handled better than my the heavier in the front end SD. Oh, during my ownership, I was able to secure the factory dry sump add on. After it was put on, I think it added almost 40HP due to reduced parasitic losses. I do not know of anyone with this added to their street versions.
Wonderful. Also my younger wilder days. Had, at the same time, a 74 Formula firebird with a legit twin snorkel hood and a SD455 bored 60 over Trans AM with legit shaker. I hate I ever let them go.Thanks for the blast from the past.
Jesus Bill, I've always wanted one of these, in Buccaneer Red, Firethorn Red, or Black. The Yellow doesn't suck either! Love the channel and the cars, I had a '79 in high school back in '83, Canary Yellow, 403 T-Tops 350 Turbo-Hydromantic with 3:23's. No T/A 6.6 4 speed but the girls still loved riding in it and I loved driving it. Selling it was a big mistake, wish I had it back today!
Met a guy at a car was who commented on my 1976 400 T/A. His was white and blue. He was happy that he just left FSU and was going to play Football in Canada. Stayed in contact as he kept the car all the way to the WWF/WWE. Ron Simmons. Kept mine for over twenty years with 595,00 miles on it.
Recently discovered this channel. It checks all the boxes, insanely impressive knowledge, awesome content, and funnier than anything Eddie Murphy ever did.
Ring Ring!This is Jim Rockford.At the tone leave your name and message. I'll get back to you! Hi Jim.Please transport me back to 1974 ASAP! Good job as always Bill.Kudos to the car collector who has these gems for us to enjoy.
1974 was the last good year for the Trans Am and Formula. 1975 was the beginning.of the catalytic converter on all cars. It's hard to believe Pontiac offered the 455-SD engines in 1973-74.
Dude!! You killed Zepplin!! But you do a fine job of "Ramblin' on..." lol! Great stuff my man! From gory woodpeckers to old school nerdy EGR cheat codes! And that tire chirp cherry on top!! Cheers!
Nice to see one of these without the "screaming chicken" plastered on the hood. I'm actually a Ford guy but this bird's really sweet. No need for a radio with that awesome sound coming from that engine.
Awesome review as always! Brought back some great memories as I graduated high school in 1979. Friends of mine that were twins had a 74 4spd 455 SD Trans Am in red. I loved the sound and look of that car. I had a 67 GTO which was a fun car but it wasn’t an SD Trans Am. That Formula is gorgeous and truly a rare bird. Love the chirp in second!
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![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Please never stop doing these. Many days, it is literally the only happiness I experience. God bless you brother.
Same here hoss. The other day I had the worst day ever and was literally praying that Bill put out a video and he did. It was the only thing that cheered me up and made the day ultimately wind up being ok.
@@fitfogey Ditto!
:(
I agree with you.
@@fitfogey I agree with you.
I'm just gonna keep replaying that second-gear chirp over-and-over-and-over again .... best memories ever.
Can't get enough of Bill and his reviews. So much more knowledgeable than some other youtube channels, and doesn't speak over stupid music or something.
I like how he also puts a bit of the culture going on at the time around the car, and a bit of sarcasm always welcome with that culture 11:31.
Gotta love the "honeycomb" style wheels. So much interesting information as well. Pretty car!
What????pretty you said ???
@@ateebali7371 its a darling doll of a car . . :o)
Back around 2006 I was at a car show in McHenry County Illinois and encountered a 74 yellow sd-455 Formula with the shaker scoop and side accent stripe. It was a real X code car but had a column shift automatic and no tachometer.
Good timing Bill just poured myself a large Jim Beam, hope you've had a good weekend.
I don’t have any whiskey, but I’ll burn a Marlboro.
I just learned how to adjust my rear end ratio! His videos are so informative!
@@mikeskipworth856 love my Marlboro cigarettes 👍
Gotta have that Corona whiskey!
Jack Daniels in the house
I had a '73 brewster green trans-am. It wasn't a SD however, it was equipped with the standard 455. I really regret selling that car 😞.
So...
Pontiac done a fantastic job integrating those bumpers..in my opinion, the 74s and 75s were both great looking cars. This is an incredible car. Your friend has an amazing collection.
Indeed. They did way better than Chevy with the Camaros those years.
Yeah especially when you compare to the Camaro, where they just ibstalled a slab of steel in front with close to zero integration with the rest of the design.
Growing up when the 2gen fbodys were new. I always preferred the Formula trim over the Trans Am.
This car really POPS.
color, honey comb wheels, SD..
Who ever speced that car had great taste!
I did drive the 74 firebird 350, trans am 400 and firebird formula 400 in the 70s. They were wonderful machines at that times. I did not had the chance the drive the trans am 455.
My Dad bought a new Trans AM in 76. That pocket under the radio housed the factory 8 track player.
Rockford FIles turned me on to the Firebird, love that car and that Show.
Hi Bill, I bought a 1974 SD 455 dark blue, I forget the official name of the color. Auto on the column as you mentioned, white int, baby blue rug and dash no flying chicken. Had Hosmer Pontiac Medford ma. Put in a am,fm radio for 50 bucks. No air. 4,850, total. 120 a month 3 years. That was alot then. Car sat at dealer for 6, months, gas crisis. Story was some guy ordered it, but took too long to come in, he went down the street and bought a 442. I was 20, years old. Took it home in pouring rain a day in April playing Band on the run. Next day showed my uncle. Somethings wrong, put it in R, whole car shaker shook. Put it in D, worse. We thought motor mounts were loose from factory. Took it back to service department. Guy jumps out from his desk. Says your the one who bought this, what's wrong. I showed him. He said "kid you bought a monster, that's the tourk." I was embarrassed. He said don't worry not too many people know about this.
Admiralty Blue!
I've never heard about the Indian war of 74...learn something new everyday...I had a 74 442 with a 350rocket..it wouldn't hang with a SD...
I always think back to when I was a kid and our neighbor got a early 70s T/A when he turned 16. He peeled out literally every time he left the driveway, which I loved and my parents hated. After only a couple months one morning we saw it parked across the road with the perfect imprint of a pole in the back quarter.
Long long time ago😈😈😂😂😂
Could not be more excited about this one. Absolutely love firebirds. My favorite of all the muscle cars
Turns on radio. "Ramble On" by Led Zeppelin comes on. "Nothing I want to hear"... drives off in 1974 Firebird. Oh dear. Not too chipper here from the back seat, Bill.
Play the Rockford Files theme
Yeah, I really thought he would fine tune Ramble On.
He had Rush playing on the radio in one of his videos and didn't even point it out :( lol
@@clintonflynn815 I remember that Classic TV show with James Garner as Jim Rockford. He drove around the streets of Los Angeles in a gold color Firebird Esprit
@@theschof96 should have played The Rockford Files theme.
In '73 and '74 there were still a couple of powerful cars for sale, the 455 SD was the top of the heap for sure but, not the only game in town yet. The 351C 4 speed was available in Mustang, Cougar and Gran Torino with 245-255hp, Hurst/Olds 455 250-270hp, the Buick 455 stg1 270hp, the Corvette and Chevelle/Laguna S3 454 245-270hp and a few hold over Mopars with the E58 360 245hp, E68 400 260hp and E86 440 285hp. None of them could touch the Pontiac but they were out there and could all be readily modified.
I love this guy. We speak the same language
"The Canadians can have a 70s Marijuana Tryst in the back seat".....LOVE IT...Laughed my Ass Off. Bill you are now my Prozac, I cannot get through a day without your videos. Keep them coming..... :) :)
I would of been very chipper in the back seat of this beauty
Awesome review! I, like you had a late year muscle car...'72 Ford Grand Torino sport! What a great spin around the return to our youth.
As per the SD 455 Registry where there are a total of 28 1974 SD 455 Formulas registered and a total of 58 were produced by GM, (where the bulk of the remaining ones are is mostly likely the junk yard through attrition). There are a total of 2 yellow cars known to exist or that were built (I expect that the other car does exist). One car had black standard interior with a Turbo 400 transmission sold through Schoon Motors as this one was, while the other one is a yellow, black custom interior with a 4 speed. One item of interest is that in the SD 455 registry, both of cars that are registered were stated to have rally wheels (which I like much better) and my guess is that this one had them changed to the honeycomb style wheel.
This is the nicest Firebird I think I've seen. Back in the h.s. days I was always drooling over the '78 TransAm w/ the 6.6 on the scoop.
I’m back watching your videos and bravo brother! Very nice car. Very good review.
Bill, man was this a fun one to watch your review on. What a beauty. Thanks!!
When you leaned over to open the window ... the memories 😂
I had genuinely forgotten I had to do that.
Thanks Bill! You listened! I love hearing those secondaries open up! Music to my ears. Please keep it up 😃
Thank you for this one, Bill! Really made my day. I recently referred your channel to one of my friends. I know they will never be disappointed here. 👍🏻😁
OMG Posh Spice! You never cease to surprise me Bill! Much love!
Wished Bill did a walk around with engine running. Would’ve loved to hear that SD455 exhaust.
He does it in some of his reviews but not others for some reason 😔
This car is outstanding. Love it! The way this car is sitting it looks to have one beefy suspension underneath. Those honeycomb wheels are so cool.
Great car! Great video! Discontinuing the Pontiac Division was absolutely criminal!!
Bill l'd love to see a video where you talk about all the cars you've owned. Bet you got some cool stories to tell!
That would be sweet! Maybe do a live stream QandA and talk about his best and worst car.
Live Q&A would be awesome!
Being as Bill is an actual car dealer, I would imagine that he has owned quite a few interesting cars.
Just kidding; this is a really good idea
Absolutely bad ass second gear chirp, an the foe barrel sound , I just got the feeling all ova again
Bill I really love the new longer videos. Very educational, and still very funny!🤣
We've watched several of your commentaries Bill, really enjoy your vids.
Factual, mixed with whimsical memories of the day. Your candor, sense of humor, delivery and voice resonance reminds us of one of our favorite FM radio DJ from days gone by, before they got "programmed".
The best car channel ever Bill man you are a school with all the informations you’re giving thanks Bill...AHMED FROM BAGHDAD IRAQ
All those gauges are aftermarket. The three of those gauges to the right were where the ac vents were. The two to the left were factory gauges but they look replaced to match the rest.
Shut up 🤡
Don't forget that this is a non-gauge package and non-AC car. So the area of the dash to the right of the speedometer had nothing there, so was a blank canvas for a previous owner to add those 5 aftermarket gauges.
Last time I was this early, Bill still had background music going.
Ah yes, that strumming, earth tone background music. I think that was a CD of house music given to Bill, for being the #1 customer at the Naples asian massage parlor. 🤗
I loved that music I’ll never forget it haha. So chill and relaxing , hearing that melody and then Bill’s raspy voice saying “GOOD morning” a few moments later, like honey poured over gravel, and then, another CLK...
Love your work bill. I always tune in when I need a boost for the day
Very nice rare super duty firebird you can obviously see the 5mph regulation bumper very beautiful hidden jem
Wouldn’t be my first choice color-wise, but I love these SD-455’s... this is a monster motor, and I like the styling of the earlier second gens such as this much more than the later ones.
Also, you had Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” come in in the radio, and there was nothing you wanted to listen to?! That was PERFECT for the era this car came from!
This car was so beautiful. When James Garner drove a similar one in The Rockford Files, I was an instant fan of the show!
it takes a great deal of talent to talk non stop for any length of time on any subject - and stay interesting! Wow this guy is astounding!
Great video, Bill, I love your work, and your passion really comes through, especially in a car like the legendary 455 SD Super Duty. Many people don't realize that unlike the standard 455, an engine that you could get on the Pontiac Safari station wagon, the 455 SD was a full on racing engine. I was too young for that one, but I did have a 1979 TRANS AM with the 6.6 Litre, which was actually an Oldsmobile engine, the 403. The 400 Pontiac T/A engine was reserved for the 4 speed manual for some reason.. Mine was that bright electric blue metallic color with the turned dash, and had other civilizing options such as delay cycle windshield wiper, electric windows and door locks, T-tops, tilt steering wheel and cruise control. Mine also had the WS-6 package, which included 60s all around and four wheel disc brakes and some other odds and ends. What a great great car that was, and what great times those were.
Those Stewart-Warner gauges are aftermarket and were added later. If it had factory gauges it would've had a tach too. It's weird to order a SD455 without a tach
The HP on the SD 455 must have been way under rated- i have seen a few of those smoke some darn fast cars on the drag strip- low 13s high 12s with low gears and slicks they were really fast for a big heavy car- i had a 78 camaro w a pretty hot 454 that ran 13.0 @106 and to think a stock factory car was even faster is quite amazing- it seems like everyone i meet had a car or their dad had a 10 second car - but they never showed up on test and tune at Bandimere to run with us - Hmm imagine that - a 10 second costs big money and are not too common - - i know the new fuel injected muscle cars like hell cat and camaro or mustang are fast as hell but building an old school muscle car and making it run 10s requires skill and money- especially at the high altitude of Bandimere in Morrison CO - which i believe is shut down as of last year - thats is a bummer - pontiac built one hell of a strong and powerful 455-
I love the long reviews with the history of any of the cars.
Had no idea that was an amazing year for movies. Wow!
Great review of the SD history, this true SD has the unique PCV valve on the oil filler cap and the “bolt stretch” measurement for the rod bolts on the unique SD valve cover sticker. The SD exhaust manifolds were much less restrictive than the standard 455 manifolds by the way. Almost every part of the SD engine was different from the std 455, I know because I built one from scratch by ordering the parts after I bought my buccaneer red ‘73 too late in the year to get the SD with the car. It took 3 years and cost more than the car did. God bless my brother who worked in the parts department at the dealership. I was 27 then, I’m 74 now and still own the car, which has 67,000 happy miles on it. Thanks for doing this Bill.
I too own an SD 455, couldn't be happier everytime I look at it, 23,000 original miles. Special they are
Omg, I think this is the first time bill hasn't complained about the god-awful windshield work. I never thought I'd see the day.
Dalton lol
It wasn't Dalton. Dalton worst jobs don't match that one
No the 70;
Blue and white spricel
No the blue and white spricel
SD 455 was serious hardware. It even had provisions for dry sump oiling cast into the block. A little tuning and you had a car that could run 13's on pump gas through the mufflers...with air conditioning!!
Thank you for sharing this video and this car! I love the wheels, color and no A/C and no hood decal "screaming chicken". Also the interior is very nice = love the pleat pattern on the seats and what looks like custom installation of the Stewart- Warner small gauges = very tasteful. Just a great car by Pontiac and really rare!
Had a friend in the 80s who had one of these- 74 yellow 455SD Formula. Who knows, could be the same car! he drag raced it regularly and drove it on the street. He let me drive it once. He did not order it, he told me there were several on the dealer lot at the end of the 74 model year. super nice car
Great vehicle reviews, and great anecdotes. Keep them coming! As a not-so-young-anymore person myself, the anecdotes spark lots of memories for me.
Best car review/Pontiac history video I've ever seen. Had an '81 Corvette my junior and senior years in high school (and for 16 more years afterwards). But wanted a Firebird Formula or Trans Am. Thanks for making this fantastic video. I laughed out loud several times and I can really appreciate your enthusiasm as you went (drove) down memory lane. '70-'73 and '79s are my favorite years for Pontiac Firebird Formulas and Trans Ams. This '74 is a definite classic in every sense of the word. ☮
Zep "Ramble On" - Oh Man - perfect song from that era and you shut it OFF ! :(
Love the videos. Its nice to know what kind of guns will fit in various vehicles. That cracks me up.
Really enjoyed that. Thank you. I like the photo overlays. Nice addition the the video.
Hi Bill love the car's you share with us.
I'm waiting for a 77 Cutlass Supreme Brome. I loved that car. It was my high school ride. Class of 86!!!
Cars like this really take me back to my youth. They really built exciting cars and built them right. Man, it's videos like this that make me wanna come back and watch everything Bill throws in front of the lens. Thanks again man...
My friend in HS had one. He let me drive it on my first date. I stood up the date and drove this car until midnight.
Your commentary is amazing, thanks for the walk down memory lane.✌
Nice, extremely rare & brutally fast...👍🏁
Bill, absolutely love your channel. Looking forward to many more reviews. Especially super rare cars like this and not just ones for sale. Keep up the great videos.
There was soooo much info in this review Bill , that my head is going to explode !
Canary yellow firebird. Sweet ride Bill!! Takin a spin in my dreams.
Awesome car and video. Love the Nixon reference. The only difference between him and other politicians is that he got caught.
Also Nixon was more competent than most of today's politicians.
Thank you for the video of this amazing car- i am 55 and was in high school in the 80s and these kind of cars were still on the road in large numbers- but many guys unfortunately wrecked some beautiful cars- luckily i never wrecked my 77 cougar - it only had a 302 but it was silky smooth and was very comfortable - i miss the good old days
Excellent video, been a Pontiac fan forever. Currently working on a 1975 Firebird Esprit, with a 1973 front clip and ram air hood. Equipped with a bored 1972 455 HO, M-21 four speed. I love Pontiacs, unique machines and these engines are torque monsters.
The Formula here is just badass. Beautiful, it's cool to see clean examples of these cars. Really enjoy your work. 👍👍🏁🏁
Bill the tire chirp speaks volumes , a time when cars were real cars. Thanks for great videos.
Awesome Bill. Keep up the good work. I always wanted one of these!!
Love the 'Fun Facts" that you provide.....Never knew about the lower gears causing belt issues or why they closed off the shaker scoop..Keep up the great work!!
Ditto on that "shaker." Look- It's Alive!! And, yeah, the sounds of that 455 take me back to my teen years and driving my mom's Electra that had that gorgeous, growly 455-4 in it. I'd always pop the hood and turn the air cleaner cover upside-down (interesting how it just happened to be designed to still seal all around the filter in that configuration, while being otherwise wide open, haha!) to let more of that air in and more of that thunderous sound out, when tearing out through the town with my buddies.
Keep 'em coming, Bill! I'm sure Peter knows how lucky he is- there's not a better or more effective auto sales presentation out there than Curious Cars, and the value you bring to those of us who tune in for both education and entertainment's sake, as well as to distract us for an hour from this downright foolish world and its ridiculous shenanigans, is downright invaluable. A big thank you for that.
That floormat brings back memories of being a little kid in the mid 70's. Kicked a lot of those.
Bill makes me laugh while showing off a beautiful car (s) I love when he talks about the goats and in this video "the woodpeckers can pick right in your brain " 🤣
Beautiful car my first car was a 74 firebird 350 3sp. The gauges on the rt are not original. 75 was the last good quality year for f bodies. The doors didnt sag and the door handles were solid. I had a 77 bandit T.A. and like your 79 everything sagged and broke. I also had a 75 T.A. 455 ho 4sp. And a 69 GTO JUDGE RA3 4SP. All I have now are the memories. Loved those cars.
Love these videos! I've really learned so much information about these classic cars. I've got models of most of them because I cant afford the real cars but I can still dream! Keep up the great work Bill! Love your sense of humor and your personality. Will always watch these! Peace brother!
These were the last of the Greatest ERA of Muscle cars from the Factory, underrated at 290hp in 73-74 by PMD. also rated at net beginning in 72 by Federal mandate, NHRA rated them at about 370 or so. Pontiac's best flowing heads I believe.
Cheers to all the 70's Birds! Some of the coolest looking coupes of all time🍻.
My Dad had 5 T/As when I was in High School in the early 80s I drove a Gold 78 6.6 4 speed of his he also had a 73 455 SD 4 speed a 77 Black 4 speed gold trim and all and Mom drov a non T-Top white auto and a black 79 Black Auto, For some reason he wouldn’t let me drive his 73 SD to much. Keep the 70s and 80s cars coming the bring back some great memories
Awesome!! You presented this Poncho in the best way possible my friend! well done. Cheers from a Canadian Pontiac fan.
Wow! Talk about unattainable just don't see these .You absolutely kill it on the testimony down memory lane. A Real treat Thank
Well folks…. I personally know person long ago who had a 74 formula SD in midnight blue like my SD. It had both formula “ram air” non functional, and the shaker. It was a bit weird. Today a real urban legend. Hope it did not end up in the crusher. He bought it new in Dayton Ohio. His like my 1974 SD Trans Am also had 1973 SD heads out of the Norwood (Cincinnati OH) production plant. He could keep up with me on the street, he had honeycomb wheels like mine, premium interior and power everything like mine. Anyway, lost track of him as I got older.
I met Herb Adams twice. Second time when a buddy of mine and I added all the Herb Adams aftermarket bits to his no-air stripper 4 speed 1974 Z28. Made a huge difference now the Z handled better than my the heavier in the front end SD.
Oh, during my ownership, I was able to secure the factory dry sump add on. After it was put on, I think it added almost 40HP due to reduced parasitic losses. I do not know of anyone with this added to their street versions.
Wonderful. Also my younger wilder days. Had, at the same time, a 74 Formula firebird with a legit twin snorkel hood and a SD455 bored 60 over Trans AM with legit shaker. I hate I ever let them go.Thanks for the blast from the past.
Had the same red 79 Formula as you. Fun times! Drove it from 79 to 92.
Bill, damn you are a good man. There is nothing like these muscle cars of yesteryear.
Jesus Bill, I've always wanted one of these, in Buccaneer Red, Firethorn Red, or Black. The Yellow doesn't suck either! Love the channel and the cars, I had a '79 in high school back in '83, Canary Yellow, 403 T-Tops 350 Turbo-Hydromantic with 3:23's. No T/A 6.6 4 speed but the girls still loved riding in it and I loved driving it. Selling it was a big mistake, wish I had it back today!
Nothing sounds better that a 4 barllel quad kicking in...
Met a guy at a car was who commented on my 1976 400 T/A. His was white and blue. He was happy that he just left FSU and was going to play Football in Canada. Stayed in contact as he kept the car all the way to the WWF/WWE. Ron Simmons. Kept mine for over twenty years with 595,00 miles on it.
Wow you met Ron Simmons. That’s awesome. Always heard he was a nice guy.
Another Amazing video, Bill!!!!!
WE LOVE YOU ❤️
Recently discovered this channel. It checks all the boxes, insanely impressive knowledge, awesome content, and funnier than anything Eddie Murphy ever did.
Being a 74 myself this is one of my dream cars 💛🇦🇺
Ring Ring!This is Jim Rockford.At the tone leave your name and message. I'll get back to you!
Hi Jim.Please transport me back to 1974 ASAP!
Good job as always Bill.Kudos to the car collector who has these gems for us to enjoy.
1974 was the last good year for the Trans Am and Formula. 1975 was the beginning.of the catalytic converter on all cars. It's hard to believe Pontiac offered the 455-SD engines in 1973-74.
Dude!! You killed Zepplin!! But you do a fine job of "Ramblin' on..." lol! Great stuff my man! From gory woodpeckers to old school nerdy EGR cheat codes! And that tire chirp cherry on top!! Cheers!
Bill only likes George Jones
There are about five to ten Zepplin songs I don't need to hear anymore, and they are all of the ones which crappy corporate radio plays incessantly.
Thanks Bill we really enjoyed watching that , we was doing something similar today in our slk’s 350-230k.
From Perth Western Australia!
After leaving my God forsaken job every morning I look forward to your videos-for the love of God never stop making them!
Nice to see one of these without the "screaming chicken" plastered on the hood. I'm actually a Ford guy but this bird's really sweet. No need for a radio with that awesome sound coming from that engine.
But We like our chicken down here. Mustang lickin good.😁👍
Couldn't get a bird on a Formula.
@@superduty4556 So tru
@@superduty4556 ... thats a T/A hood on a Formula - why if so '''rare''' (lol)
... the term used that started back in 68 was 'thunder chicken'
Awesome review as always! Brought back some great memories as I graduated high school in 1979. Friends of mine that were twins had a 74 4spd 455 SD Trans Am in red. I loved the sound and look of that car. I had a 67 GTO which was a fun car but it wasn’t an SD Trans Am. That Formula is gorgeous and truly a rare bird. Love the chirp in second!
Really enjoy your content, took a minute to get your style of delivery and your cultural remarks are spot on. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Bill! A step back in time.