Although it isn’t an ultra-desirable Trans Am, this 1974 Pontiac Firebird is a genuinely special vehicle. Its impressive presentation is unsurprising, given that this Firebird has a genuine 9,422 miles showing on its odometer. If Pontiac still existed, it wouldn’t look out of place on a showroom floor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this amazing survivor listed here on eBay in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The seller set their price at C$36,000, which equates to approximately US$26,200 at the current exchange rate.
Pontiac updated its 1974 Firebird range to comply with evolving safety regulations. Cosmetic changes included a new nose and taillights, giving the car a more modern, svelte appearance. The story behind this Firebird is interesting, helping to explain the odometer reading. The first owner ordered the car in Fire Coral Bronze, utilizing the vehicle sparingly before passing away when the Firebird was barely a year old. Their family immediately placed the car into dry storage, with the Firebird occupying that spot until its recent liberation. A lack of exposure to harsh weather conditions and UV rays has preserved the Pontiac extremely well. The seller states that close inspection will reveal some paint cracking, but the exterior still shines nicely for a survivor of this vintage. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and this beauty is rust-free. The trim and glass are excellent, and the vehicle retains its factory steel wheels and dog dish hubcaps.
Some readers will be disappointed to learn that popping this Firebird’s hood won’t reveal a V8. However, it appears the first owner sought a relaxed driving experience. They selected the 250ci six, a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission, a Posi rear end, power steering, and power brakes. The 250 produces 100hp and 175 ft/lbs of torque. When combined with the self-shifter, that makes this the least potent Firebird that money could buy in 1974. Although the seller emphasizes this Pontiac’s mechanical originality, it appears that someone may have attacked the motor with the dreaded rattle cans. The seller supplies no information regarding the car’s mechanical condition, but their approachability and willingness to provide additional photos and videos suggest the news should be positive.
Trimmed in Saddle vinyl, the Firebird’s interior doesn’t have much to criticize. Piecing together the supplied images reveals that the front seats are wear-free, and I doubt anyone has ever sat in the back. The carpet and woodgrain trim are in as-new condition. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions or evidence of UV deterioration. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although the AM/FM radio will relieve boredom on long journeys. Overall, the new owner should receive plenty of positive feedback when people discover its originality.
Although it isn’t perfect, this 1974 Pontiac Firebird is a survivor in above-average condition. The low odometer reading helps its cause enormously, making the car a special vehicle with a fascinating backstory. Thankfully, its long slumber has ended, and it is ready to provide its new owner with classic motoring pleasure. That makes me wonder what the future holds for this Firebird. I would like to think that the buyer will enjoy the car as its creators and original owner intended, but cars like this often write their own rules. The odometer reading is one of the primary reasons why the seller’s price is well above the market average, and every additional mile will negatively impact the value. Therefore, I believe that if this Pontiac finds a new home, it will spend most of its time squirreled away in a warm, dry garage. Do you agree?
3rd time the charm? We’ve seen this car twice, all with sliding prices, which is a shame nobody wants this. I can say without reservation, the Firebird is by far the most represented car here. This car will go down as the most unorthodox Firebird, I bet the line workers couldn’t believe it either. I’ve seen real plain Camaros, but Firebirds just didn’t attract the kind of person that would order this. Maybe not much has changed in that regard. It’s certainly the real deal.
It’s just not particularly compelling. There was a reason not many were built like this.You would have the novelty of something this clean with this few miles but it would not be fun to drive beyond that novelty factor.
Cue the Jim Rockford comments!
Ya but Rockford’s had the 400 cu in….
Rockfish!
6 cylinder? Would a Priest even drive/buy this car when new? :)
It was considered a secretary’s car at the time.
And with posi rear end to handle those 100 horses? Just too funny to me Shuttle Guy.
Definitely interesting, uniquely low mileage, and it appears clean. But $26K US as optioned?… I’m not seeing it. GLWS anyway…
I know you’re out there.
Bolt a turbo on and a shift kit and start racing.
So 100 ponies and an automatic with pollution control. I understand the low miles as imagine driving it up a steep hill and stopping halfway to let the passengers out to finish the climb made folks keep it corralled. (Kidding).
The price is steep for an entry level basic drive train. If one drives it then the price drop in a “pay by the drink fashion” of devaluation.
Good luck with sale…. My garage of classics have muscle within that are fun to drive and let loose going to a cars and coffee cruise in…..
this has been for sale since the beginning of the year. clean but being a -plain jane priced a bit too high
The posi rear is an interesting choice given that 175 lb-ft through a THM350 and a highway friendly rear end probably couldn’t even spin one of the tires in the rain.
Posi for the snow in Canada!
Tire chains for snow in Canada! :-)
I know it is original right now, but do some reversable hot rodding to the engine. Intake, carb and a header.
Just a thought….
The seller has it priced as a V8 – it’s an interesting car with some interesting options (the posi/6 cylinder is a strange combo – but interesting doesn’t make it valuable and that is quite an ask.