Although I have always admitted a weakness for classic cars wearing the Blue Oval badge, I’ve always longed to park a First Generation Pontiac Firebird in my garage. I believe that Pontiac struck a sweet spot with the styling, and with a V8 under the hood, they provide pretty respectable performance. This 1968 Firebird Convertible might have been a contender under different circumstances, but I’m not in a position to give it a new home. It presents superbly, featuring a 350ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Firebird listed here on Craigslist in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $ 45,000 with no indication of flexibility on that figure.
After its successful 1967 debut, Pontiac made minor changes to the Firebird in 1968. Some were designed to comply with federal regulations, while the decision to eliminate the door vent windows resulted from the company’s introduction of Astro Ventilation. The first owner ordered this Convertible in Meridian Turquoise with a power top in contrasting White. It is a classy combination, enhanced by the Rally II wheels and the desirable hood tach. The car’s presentation is extremely impressive, with no major cosmetic shortcomings. The paint’s depth of color and shine will turn heads, and the seller confirms that rust isn’t an issue. The power top functions correctly, while the trim and glass are excellent. So far, this beauty appears to tick many boxes for potential buyers.
The first owner equipped this Firebird with a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power steering. The seller admits they performed an upgrade, replacing the car’s original two-barrel induction system with a period-correct four-barrel setup. The motor would originally have delivered 265hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. However, the improved breathing should have pushed those figures close to the “HO” engine’s 320hp and 380 ft/lbs. The seller states that apart from the improvements, the Pontiac is numbers-matching. They include PHS documentation confirming the car’s details and specifications. The 350 roars to life at a twist of the key, and the Firebird runs and drives perfectly.
Teaming Meridian Turquoise paint with a Parchment interior was an inspired decision by the first owner. The seller states that the interior is original, and its condition is impressive if that is correct. The vinyl shows slight aging and discoloration in places, but it is generally clean and free from major stains. There are no rips or tears, and no overall issues that would justify a retrim. It would undoubtedly receive respect as a survivor-grade interior. The CD player mounted above the console is the only visible addition, with the Convertible retaining its original factory radio. The dash and console look excellent, and the purposeful Hurst shifter will allow the driver to swap cogs confidently.
This 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible is a stunning classic, and as you will see from this YouTube video, it is more than a pretty face. It starts and runs beautifully, ready to provide its new owner with immediate motoring pleasure. It needs nothing and would command respect wherever it goes. Its next journey could be to your home. I admit that if you park this Firebird in your garage, I will be envious. However, I will also know that it will be treated respectfully and cherished. That sounds like a fair compromise to me.
Beautiful!
Fantastic car. Back in 1968 I worked in a parking lot where people came in and I parked their cars. I had a photographer customer with a white 68 convertible. He was one of the customers I wanted to come in every day so I could park that Pontiac. Thumbs Up on this one.
This is in great shape, would be fantastic to drive around on a sunny, summer day. I like the front end design of these, they subtly imply a bird’s beak. The body fits the car like a custom-tailored suit.
I’ve never had a custom tailored suit, but would be totally on board if it made me look as awesome as this Firebird.
In case you’re wondering, it wouldn’t.
“desirable hood tach”… back to 1970 in the Army…. I had a buddy who told me that in his hometown a guy with a Pontiac with a hood tach started chasing a gal whose boyfriend had a temper. The boyfriend found the car in a parking lot and using an axe, removed the tach and the windshield….
I had a1969 with ram air III loved it!!
What a stunning Firedbird! Always liked the Pontiac symbol shaped rear side marker lights on these when I was a kid. Much nicer than just square or the really cheap reflector only on all 68 Ford products!
Very nice Adam and Z-duster! Nice and 99% original. Gorgeous colors.
Sweet. I’ll bet you’d feel younger just sitting in it.
Passed on one like this, same color, 400, 4 speed. Needed top replaced, and new tires. No dents, dings, needed buffed out. 1973, 18 years old…400 bucks. Did not want to spend the extra money. Duh-Oh!
$45k seems a bit optimistic. Only a few steps away from original… the outside mirrors, steering wheel, valve covers and air cleaner. The top boot doesn’t fit very well, and of course, the air cleaner sticker and the “Hurst Equipped” cheap plastic emblem has to go. None of which is a major demerit. But $45k?
Drooling…my first car, bought before I could drive was a 68 Firebird. Black on black, Camaro spoiler, Cragars, 350 2b, 3 on the floor, duals with Cherry Bombs, great looking and sounding car. Unfortunately 16 yr old me wasn’t very smart with it. Ended up getting rear ended cruising town with it which totalled it, covering up all the other damage it had suffered but it still ran well so I took the insurance money, sold it cheap and moved on. Would dearly love to have one like it now but they’re rare enough that I’ll never find one in my price range. Nice to see one like this though!