by cammerjeff » Sun Feb 09, 2020 8:29 am
It sounds like a well equipped Astre Safari, but without the "66" on the trim tag, I doubt it is a Formula, Also a Formula Safari would have the rear air Deflector.
As for the Chrome Valve cover on the Iron Duke engine, it seems all 1977 Iron Dukes received them, I have never seen an Astre with the 2.5 that did not have a Chrome valve cover, and originally have the "Formula 2.5" sticker on the air cleaner. I have owned 3 Astre Formulas (all HB's) and at least 5 non Formulas 1 wagon 3 HB's & 1 Sedan and they all had the chrome valve cover & Formula 2.5 air cleaner sticker, I even saw a 1977 Pontiac Ventura with an Iron Duke at a local cruise in, this is the only other model in 1977 that Iron dukes were put in, It had the chrome air cleaner, not the Formula 2.5 air cleaner sticker. But it used a more conventional air cleaner with a removable filter element.
All 3 Formulas I owned (again no Wagon) Had the rear spoiler, Power Steering , Tilt Column, Blacked out grills, Headlight Buckets, and side window surrounds, all 3 had Sport Mirrors, 2 of the 3 had the Mirrors painted Charcoal the White and Silver ones, 2 of the 3 had the Formula Steering Wheel, again the White and Silver ones. All 3 had the Rally gauges, 2 had rally wheels, ond 1 had optional snowflake wheels. The only car that did not have all the signature details is my current Yellow car, it was built on the 1st day of production for the Formula option, in December of 1976, it had the door window bright work installed, and it had body colored sport mirrors on it, not Charcoal. Also the original owner paid $17 to not have a Formula Steering wheel installed, but the 3-spoke Custom Cushion Wheel. All 3 cars did have the "66" on the trim tag.
So I can't say you car is Definitely not a Formula model, I am very Skeptical. Post some Pictures they would help us see if all the included parts are there & the 2 required options.
Jeff R
1971 Catalina Freeway Enforcer
77 Astre Formula, some day soon powered by a 215 Buick V-8
1973 4-speed Lemans Safari STOCK!!!!! 1978 Catalina Safari
2006 Mallet Solstice, 6.0 LS2, 6-speed manual
2009 Solstice Coupe, 2.4, 5-speed Manual