The Pontiac Firebird was in its third year in 1969, having been launched in 1967 along with the Chevrolet Camaro to do battle with the Ford Mustang. It was the third most popular entry in the pony car market yet at only about a third of the sales of the Chevy. This 1969 Firebird has a 400 cubic inch V8, a step below that of the Trans Am, yet is non-running and rusty. Located in Wayland, Michigan, this project is available here on eBay where $7,500 is the top bid thus far. Mitchell G. continues to keep us busy with tips like this!
Both the Firebird and Camaro got a styling refresh in 1969 even though a redesign was coming the following year. Because of delays in getting both cars ready for introduction in 1970, the ‘69s saw a 15-month production run. While that helped increase 1969 Camaro sales slightly, the Firebird oddly saw a decline of nearly 20%. So, if you like the looks of the ‘69s better than the prior two years, the Firebird might be the way to go due to its lower supply. We couldn’t find much information about that rear spoiler, but we can’t help but wonder if it was a factory addition. Can anyone here enlighten us about Firebird wings?
For unknown reasons, this ’69 Firebird 400 went dormant at 75,000 miles. The drivetrain is said to be numbers matching and the engine turns freely, but further investigation is needed. The companion transmission is the TH-400, an automatic. At a rated 330 hp from the factory, this Firebird was likely quite a bruiser back in the day. The photos suggest this car has been sitting outdoors for a while, which adds up to rusty floorboards (even see-through) and more.
The Verdoro Green paint is a goner and some of the black vinyl top has been peeled off. The trunk is full of parts and pieces, which may explain why the Pontiac looks incomplete. This Poncho comes with front disc brakes, a good option with such a once-powerful engine. The Firebird will need loads of work and is one of the 11,532 400s to go into “regular” Firebirds in ’69. After 56 years, how many could be left?
I don’t care how many are left. Unless the buyer is able to do all the work himself this is going to be a six figure restoration. Sorry, I don’t see the value there.
I like the reclining passenger seat option. They installed the sun roof upside down though, in the floor.
That’s the little publicized, no charge time-delayed see through floor option.
This is a mess. As for the rear wing, they’re a relatively popular addition to the 69 Firebird and have been available through the aftermarket for decades, they currently sell new for between $250 and $300.
Steve R
To the best of my recollection, the only 1969 Firebird model offered with a factory installed rear spoiler airfoil (“wing”) was the Trans Am. (also introduced on the GTO Judge the same year)
They clearly know what they’ve got. It’s the little known “Space Shuttle” variant of the Firebird and as rare as hens teeth…or Firebirds teeth. Only a few are known to exist and can be identified by 3 things: 1-Trunk storage of weighty items like the console and grill in the aft cargo locker 2-The custom wing to help with stabilization during stage 2 of rocket booster separation and 3-the properly positioned passenger front seat in recline/gravity mode to handle the G’s.
But seriously, love these cars, a 400 is sweet, love the verdoro green on these cars. Only thing missing is the hood tach and this would’ve been **it**! As it sits I think it’s a 3-5k car really, rust through everywhere. New hood, quarters, roof, floor, trunk…etc. But if the market will bear 7k+, good for the owner!
Someone must want to spend 30k plus on sheetmetal because the only thing that may be savable is the inner roof, the rest is junk
One of those pesky farmers south of Grand Rapids probably found that Firebird in the back forty, out past the pucker brush. What a sad state of affairs that car is in. Plenty of road salt to rot away the best parts, other than the engine, which might be terminal as well. A moment of silence for the departed.
I recall buying one just like this with a 4 spd back in 1976 for $350. It was already qiite rusty but ran (sometimes). When it did run it was very quick off the line. I let a friend drive it. He expressed his surprise in how quick it was off the line. I responded that it was especially surprising given he started in 3rd gear!
It sure is nice to dream but the reality is still there
One can be delusional but we don’t have to support it !
The floor rust is obvious but the thin sheet metal is not but this one has it everywhere, as one noted , only the roof structure may still be good
I like /love firebirds but this bird’s fire went out many moons ago
YOLO
Oddly, i have never seen 1 of these delux pontiac steering wheels crack – in the rim! Is it smaller in diameter than those used on ’67-68 birds & camaros, & can a ’69 steering wheel be simply bolted onto a ’67-’68 f-body steering column?