1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

A powerful rival for the Ford Mustang, the Pontiac Firebird saw daylight in 1967 when the US company rolled out both the 2-door coupe and the 2-door convertible. Even if it was based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird had numerous different parts, starting with the design and ending with the engines. If the most significant appearance change is the body-integrated front bumpers, more differences could be found under the hood as the first generation Firebird came with a choice of many engines, from a 230ci inline 6 and a 400ci V8, producing 165 and 325 horsepower respectively.

For consignment, a restoration from the late 1990's and the beneficiary of an interior & mechanical redux over the course of the last 3 years, still in need of some TLC on the body and paint front but still a great drivable project. The beauty of it is once you've given it the once over you will be the proud owner of a car that is something other than a Mustang or Camaro. Our consignor has owned this car since 2018 and before that his brother owned it for 18 years. Sparingly driven by our consignor, it has sat in a garage ever since. Ripe for the picking, a chance to own a second year classic Pontiac Firebird convertible.

Exterior
Dressed in red pigment, the coating is good however there is evidence of orange peel, chipping and some rust bubble through. With close inspection there is very little rust to be seen, mostly faults in the paint. A tan convertible top is on and moves up and down smoothly thanks in part to new hydraulics for the top system. It has one minor tear and the rear plastic has light hazing that can easily be corrected. Chrome trimmings on the car are good and the design of the time used thin horizontal and vertical bars for the taillights and rear quarter accenting. Upfront a chrome surrounding grille bumper is on and houses dual headlights and the iconic Pontiac beak is in the center. Red painted Pontiac Rally II wheels are now on all 4 corners and are wrapped in raised white letter Mastercraft tires.

Interior
Parchment white vinyl covers the door panels and seats which are low back bomber style buckets up front and a rear bench and all are new. The seats are showing no wear and look as good as the day the factory assembled them. In the center is a stylish console that houses a glovebox and the T handled automatic shifter. New veneer has been installed on the top of the console and is looking just fab. An inward angled dash has a new wood appliqu center panel, and deeply inset round gauges in front of the driver. An aftermarket AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo is now installed in the wood applique and a trio of gauges hang below. New black carpeting is on the floors and a plaid vinyl mat covering is in the trunk.

Drivetrain
Long gone is the original V8 and now between the fenders resides a 400ci Pontiac V8. This very clean mill has an Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor on as well as chrome valve covers and a mesh style air cleaner assembly. There is a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission now bolted to the mill and a 10-bolt rear axle finishes things out. The engine compartment is very well detailed and looks great with shiny bits and pieces as well as soft supple hoses.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust and an abundance of patina for the undercarriage is noted. Invasive rust has crept up in both trunk drop offs as well as the floor pans with the latter having been patched with sheet metal plating but still having the original rusted floors present. The unibody rails while surface rusted are structurally solid. We see independent coil springs upfront and leaf springs on back. Power drum brakes are all around and dual exhaust with turbo muffler snakes its way rearward.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and good driver on our test track. Acceleration was very nice and braking, even being power assisted, was adequate but still drum brake technology. We note that this was a factory equipped A/C car, but the parts have been removed, otherwise all functions were operational during our drive.

As noted, a car in need of some TLC but still up to par. A brand spanking new interior and presentable paint lead the way for this 1st gen Firebird. I'm sure this bird will fly out the door fast as we always have F-body fans on the lookout for another to add to their nests.

VIN DECODE
223678U126747
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
67-2 Door Convertible
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
126747-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
12A-1st Week December Build
ST 68 22367-1968 Firebird Convertible
BDY LOR2813-Lordstown Body #
TR 262-Parchment Buckets
PNT Q1-Verdoro Green, White Top

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.