The Sprint was an interesting twist on the popular Pontiac Firebird “pony car.” For example, in 1969, rather than using the 175 hp version of the 250 cubic inch OHC inline-six like other Firebirds, the Sprint’s version kicked out 230 horses thanks to a 4-barrel carburetor. Fewer than 2,000 of them were produced for the 1969 model year, with 75% having a 4-speed manual transmission. So, these are rare finds today, including the seller’s car which was found after its prior owner passed away. It’s been sitting for some time and needs a lot of love, but a 1969 Sprint like this is scarcer today than a hen’s teeth.
Like the Chevy Camaro, the Firebird had a 15-month production run as the all-new 1970 “ponies” were delayed in getting ready to go. So, the crispier styling the cars received for 1969 stayed in dealer showrooms until February 1970 or longer – giving some dealers two versions of the Firebird to sell for a time. The most noticeable feature of the 1969 Firebird may have been the use of the new Endura plastic front which served as both a bumper and a housing for the split grille. Given how few Sprints were built that year, the extra asking price was nominal – just $121 got you the spunkier engine and a sportier suspension package.
We’re told this Firebird was a daily driver until the rear window “blew out” (how did that happen?). Then the car apparently languished for a time until the owner eventually passed away. Unable to find the title, the family sold it to the seller on a bill of sale which is how the next purchaser will have to take possession. If the vehicle wasn’t rare enough, it was equipped with a stacked gauge package, Rally steering wheel, and Pontiac Rally wheels. The hood was rusted out and some photos show it off the car, but the seller has a spare to replace it. The buyer will have to source a new rear window.
The rear floorboards were shot but have since been replaced. But there is still more bodywork to be done and the seller does not refer as to whether the Pontiac runs at all. The seller is selling the car due to an Illness in the family and would consider an even trade for a 4X4. If you’re looking for an unusual project to restore, perhaps this Pontiac is one as not many Sprints are likely to even turn up at Pontiac car events. From Mukilteo, Washington, this Poncho is available here on craigslist for $8,000, Kudos to Rocco B. for this cool tip!
As interesting as these where, the 326 made more sense. Still, it should be restored as is because of the rarity.
The 350 2bbl was the base V8 in ‘69
I like this firebird. I also like the overhead cam 6. Now I have seen this a lot one person sells a car to another for a reasonable or cheap price and when the buyer gets it home they immediately want to flip it for way more money. This being America that’s ok but it often makes a restorable car not worth restoring as the restoration will put you upside down. So potential buyers do your home work well. This car in this condition for $8000.00 what will it be worth when restored???? Good luck to the seller and to the buyer enjoy. Oh yes check your state first about getting a title.
Isn’t parts availability a problem with the OHC 6?
Check with egge machine in CA a number of years ago I needed some engine parts I couldn’t find locally and they had them. I will bet they have them for this engine.
I saw one of these at a local car show. It still had the OHC six but highly modified. He had a dyno sheet proving 400+ HP. I was impressed.
The Sprint option was a cool idea, however, the OHC 6 was/is prone to top end problems- similar to the situation with the Jeep OHC 6 several years earlier. Rusty car with questionable power plant, and no title…pass
I owned a 69 sprint with a 3 speed on the floor, my little brother had one too but a 4 speed at the same time.
An Aunts boyfriend had one of these. Talk about torque monster. My cousin would surprise alot of sportier cars in street races.
This is all I need by the time I put thousands in to get it ready an all the hours I would have in it I would probably die right after I completed it my wife would sell it dirt cheap just to get it out of th garage..
At $8,000.00 you’d have to do all your own work to have a chance to break even.
Not much there for the price. IMO Pontiac ruined the Firebird when they put the endura front on them. Original bumper was the one for me. It separated it from the Camaro so much better.
I met Herb Adams back in the 80’s. As I recall he was directly involved in the hi performance version of the ohc 6. He and his son Matt started a company named VSE. Some trick things came out of there like 180 degree headers (!)
Still John DeLoreans’s baby; need we say more?
Back in the late 60s my father was general manager of a Pontiac dealer in Henderson KY. They sponsored him a 69 for 1/4 mile. Yes it was the 6 banger with a considerable amount of modifications/work done. I was just a wee lad, but have the pictures and newspaper articles from the time . He gave all the V8 s more than they wanted and then some. And set 2 records with its. The OHV 6 has a lot of potential!!
Must be a typo. I’m guessing you meant OHC 6
I believe the engine had 230 ci not 250 and the horsepower with the 4 bbl carb was 215!!! Iiii
I remember back in the 70’s, one of the car mags decided it would be a good idea to replace an E type Jag’s engine with one of these. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but in retrospect, not now…