![]() According to John Schinella, only 6 Firebirds left the factory in this color and they were all Formulas. This paint color was initially approved for 1977 but was canceled by GM brass as production started. ![]() John Schinella was a big proponent of Nautilus Blue and fought GM to introduce Nautilus Blue on the Firebird in the mid 1970’s. It is a dark blue that is close to Nocturne blue but does not have as much metallic flake or green in it. To many, Nautilus Blue is one of the most beautiful colors ever developed by GM. The data tag on the cowl indicates that the upper and lower colors were Code 29. The most obvious is that it was painted Code 29 Nautilus Blue from the factory. There are several things special about this car. The Trans Am was the more popular car in terms of sales but the Formula was not limited on external colors and provided a bigger canvas that could be customized by the buyer with multiple performance and luxury options. The Formula would have dual scoops and the Trans Am would have a single rear facing shaker scoop. However, due to the popularity of the shaker scoop, Pontiac decided to offer two performance models. According to John Schinella, Bill Davis and Herb Adams who attend the Trans Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio annually, Pontiac originally wanted to use the dual scoop hood for the Trans Am. The Formula could be optioned with all the performance options that came standard on a Trans Am but the Formula looked more reserved and not as flashy. A buyer could go into a Pontiac dealership and order the base Firebird, Esprit, Formula or Trans Am. Pontiac introduced the Formula as an option of the Firebird in 1970. ![]() The car that is the subject of this article is a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula that I just purchased from Nevada. It was bone stock but just sitting in the passenger seat watching the shaker hood at idle hooked me instantly. The car was equipped with the base L78 400 engine and automatic transmission. ![]() It was Cameo White with a black interior. My older brother, Paul, drove home one day in a super clean 1976 Pontiac Trans Am. What originally attracted to me to Pontiacs happened when I was 14 years old. Whether it was developing a more powerful engine (HO455, SD 455 or the W72 400), special handling packages (RTS and WS6) or exceptional design (GTO, Can Am, Trans Am), Pontiac was at least trying into the 1970’s when other car manufacturers had thrown in the towel. Pontiac didn’t produce the most cars and not every car was a success but looking back at some of the things that Pontiac did makes one appreciate their effort. Even before John DeLorean took over Pontiac as its general manager, the Pontiac Motor Division sought to stand out by offering something special to the car enthusiast. ![]()
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