Kelly’s 1978 Original Rockford File Firebird Formula 400
Written by Jim Suva
After The Rockford Files shut down production in January 1980, James Garner bought this 1978 Firebird Formula 400 from the show. Mr. Garner drove this Firebird personally till May 27,1981, Garner sold this car to Mr. Richard Nailling, Program Manager at a local TV Station WGGT (Channel 48) in Greensboro, NC. This Firebird was later raffled off by Coca-Cola on March 3, 1982. The car was presented to the winner by NASCAR Driver Richard Petty at a local Circuit City store.
The winner was a lady named Frances Cambell. Frances had forgotten about the contest, so Richard Petty had to call her to notify her that she won the Rockford car. Unfortunately during the time she owned the Firebird, she chose to have the car repainted a darker color, and she had the seat covers replaced. Francis owned and drove the Firebird until she sold it in July of 1989.
A gentleman named Lloyd Kidd bought the Firebird from Frances. Frances had advertised the Firebird for sale in the newspaper ,where Kelly his daughter saw the ad. Kelly's mom Kay had Lloyd call Frances up and was surprised that it was still available and purchased the Firebird. Lloyd was a huge James Garner fan and entered the contest hundred's of times. He rarely drove the car. In fact, most of the time that he owned the Firebird, it was in storage. Lloyd died in 2003.
Lloyd’s daughter, Kelly Brietbach, is now the owner of the Firebird. On August 29, 2009 I had the honor of meeting Kelly in person in Iowa. I took great pleasure in photographing and then actually driving the Firebird. The Firebird is all there, including the holes drilled to run recording wiring. Kelly even has a plug-in plate with five jacks for microphones. The car also has a skid plate mounted to the frame to protect the engine and transmission from any damage from stunts. This Firebird is a rig car (sound car) used for close-ups while driving. I believe it is also a stunt car. Kelly has a letter from James Garner that was sent to the Program Manager at Station WGGT. The letter identifies this car as an actual screen-used Firebird Formula 400, and that he drove this car during the filming of the Rockford Files. Unfortunately, the letter does not state the car's VIN number.
One interesting note is that this car has power windows. The plastic plugs for the power windows in the door panels can be seen in “Material Difference”, "Love is the Word" and the “Big Cheese” episodes. This Firebird was used during the last two seasons. Pat (another Rockford Firebird expert) and I are 99% sure this is an actual Rockford File Firebird.
If anyone has any information on any other Rockford File Firebirds or Rocky’s GMC pick up truck, please email me at jimsuva34@aol.com. My goal is to own an original Rockford File Firebird someday!
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