1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit

2dr Hardtop Coupe

8-cyl. 400cid/265hp 2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$24,700 CAD*

-6.4%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$5k$10k$15k$20k$25kOct 2024
Pricing adjustments
-30% for 6-cyl.
Adjustments are in USD
-30% for 6-cyl.
Adjustments are in USD

Forecasted valuesBeta

We have forecasted how much values for the 1970-1981 Pontiac Firebird will change over the next year.
Unlock this insight by joining Hagerty Drivers Club.

Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1970-1981 Pontiac Firebird stats
Highest sale
$632,214 CAD
Lowest sale
$703 CAD
Most recent sale
$93,516 CAD
Sales
3357

Photos

44 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hardtop Coupe Courtesy of Hagerty Media
insurance

Protect your 1971 Pontiac Firebird from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit values

Model overview

Model description

The muscle car boom was winding down when 1971 models launched in August 1970. Compacts made up the new battlefield. Pontiac wouldn’t have an economy car until the arrival of the Ventura in March of 1971, and that was no more than a Chevy Nova with a split nose.

In preparation for lead-free gas, compression ratios were lowered with a corresponding loss of horsepower. The calculation of horsepower also changed to SAE net figures instead of gross horsepower at the crankshaft. For 1971, manufacturers quoted both net and gross power output, though the net numbers were discouraging. Pontiac had bumped the Trans Am’s 400-cid HO V-8 to 455 cubic inches for 1971, but it still only delivered 305 net bhp instead of 335 bhp under the old system.

Pontiac Firebird sales had been crippled by production delays and the GM strike in 1970, and held to only 48,739 units over a shortened cycle. But the 1971 total of 53,125 units was proportionally worse, and foreshadowed the shape of things to come.

Top dog on the engine front was now a 455-cid V-8, good for 325 bhp (255 net) in normal trim and 335 bhp (305 net) in HO form. There were no high-performance Ram Air III and IV packages available, but Formula 400 hood scoops were functional and the Trans Am had a rear-facing “shaker” scoop attached to the carburetor.

Base Firebird production broke down into 2975 six-cylinder hardtops and 20,047 V-8s. A total of 20,195 Firebird Esprits sold, along with 7802 Firebird 400s. Only 2116 enthusiasts stepped up for a 1971 Firebird Trans Am.

Standard equipment on the 1971 Trans Am included bucket seats, rally gauges with clock and tach, engine-turned dashboard, honeycomb mag wheels, front and rear spoilers, front and rear wheel opening flares and functional extractor on the front fenders, dual exhaust, shaker hood, heavy duty 4-speed or automatic transmission.

Prices rose slightly with the base Firebird beginning at $3047, the Esprit at $3416, the Formula 400 at $3445 and the Trans Am at $4594. As before, options could add $1,000 to the cost of a new car. To simplify production luxury options were now combined and averaged about $500 for the different models, offering savings over a la carte ordering.

Exterior paint options for the 1971 Pontiac Firebird diminished to just 15, including Cameo White (11), Nordic Silver (13), Starlight Black (19), Adriatic Blue (24), Lucerne Blue (26), Limekist Green (42), Tropical Lime (43), Laurentian Green (49), Quetzal Gold (53), Sandalwood (61), Aztec Gold (59), Canyon Copper (62), Castillian Bronze (67), Cardinal Red (R), and Rosewood (78).

Vehicle specifications

  • Shipping Weight3423 lbs
  • Vehicle Length191.6 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches108 in

Equipment

  • StandardOptional
  • Transmission3-Speed Manual Transmission
  • BrakesFront Disc BrakesPower Front Disc Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM/FM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • Manual Cruise ControlSpeed Control
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • SeatsBucket Seats
  • TachometerYes

Equipment

Standard

  • Transmission3-Speed Manual Transmission
  • BrakesFront Disc Brakes
  • SeatsBucket Seats

Optional

  • BrakesPower Front Disc Brakes
  • Power SteeringYes
  • TiresWhite Sidewall Tires
  • EntertainmentAM/FM
  • Air ConditioningYes
  • Manual Cruise ControlSpeed Control
  • WindowsPower Windows
  • TachometerYes
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,050 USD for a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit at auction over the last three years was $54,827 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit at auction over the last three years was $28,882 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 4 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprits sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit was $54,827 CAD on March 09, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.