1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula

2dr Coupe

8-cyl. 350cid/225hp TPI

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

$16,700 CAD*

+3.1%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph07/2410/2401/25$5k$10k$15kApr 2025
Pricing adjustments
+5% for orig Mercury 239/100 engine.
Adjustments are in USD
+5% for orig Mercury 239/100 engine.
Adjustments are in USD
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1982-1992 Pontiac Firebird stats
Highest sale
$19,040,290 CAD
Lowest sale
$445 CAD
Most recent sale
$821,980 CAD
Sales
10000

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1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
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Model overview

Model description

The 1988 Pontiac Firebird received subtle changes, but the biggest change was the departure of the carbureted 5.0-liter V-8 engine. A new 5.0-liter throttle body injected V-8 was introduced to replace it, making 170hp. All engines were now injected, and the engine bay received a new serpentine system. The range-topping 350 cid V-8 now made 225hp.

Trims for the ’88 Firebird included base, Trans Am, Formula and GTA. The Formula came standard with the WS6 package, including upgraded hood design and the Aero spoiler from the Trans Am. The GTA featured the 350 cid V-8 and various other upgrades.

The ’88 Firebird Formula got the 16x8-inch WS6 wheels, and the GTA received new 16-inch wheels. The Firebird Trans Am also received a own unique line of wheels, which were available in black, charcoal, red and white. Inside, the Firebird received a new steering wheel design and updated radio options.

In 1988, Pontiac offered the unusual GTA “notchback.” It replaced the large glass rear window with a smaller fiberglass trunk with a small glass panel. Some even called this the “Ferrari Back” due to its vague resemblance to the rear windows of the mid-engine Ferraris of the day like the 328. These Firebird notchbacks were not well promoted and were thus pretty obscure. The fiberglass would also easily blister, and many owners had to bring it in for service multiple times. The notchback would not return for 1989.

The Firebird Convertible continued to be offered, but was still a third-party build. It was constructed by ASC, and just 104 were built for 1989. Pontiac built 9,765 GTA models for the U.S. An extremely small number of them were the Notchbacks. Considering their rarity and blistering issues, a GTA Notchback in good condition is the top choice in terms of production ’88 Firebirds.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,800 USD for a 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula at auction over the last three years was $19,040,290 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 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula at auction over the last three years was $445 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 10,000 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formulas sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula was $821,980 CAD on April 10, 2025 by SOMO.

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, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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