It is fair to say that Ford caught the rest of the motor industry by surprise when it unveiled the Mustang. Considered by many to be a niche vehicle, its sales tally proved jaw-dropping, forcing other manufacturers to follow. Pontiac’s response was the Firebird, a car that was a worthy adversary. This 1968 example is the desirable Firebird 400, a vehicle that blurs the line between pony and muscle cars. Its presentation is stunning following a 2013 restoration that included an engine rebuild that unleashed more power. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Firebird listed here on Craigslist in Silverdale, Washington. The seller set their price at $55,800 for a classic that appears to need nothing.

Pontiac released the Firebird in February 1967, with the final cars leaving the factory in January 1970. While it shared much in common with its Camaro cousin, its unique nose and taillights helped it to stand apart from the Chevrolet product. The seller confirms that this 1968 example underwent a restoration in 2013, including a repaint in its original shade of Nightshade Green. It appears to have led a sheltered existence during the following twelve years, because it still presents exceptionally well. The paint holds a consistent shine, with no evidence of patchiness. The panels are laser-straight, with tight and consistent gaps suggesting a fine eye for detail. I can’t spot any signs of rust, and although the underside shots aren’t the best, they tend to suggest that this beauty is rock-solid. The trim and glass are equally impressive, as are the Rally wheels.

As the model designation suggests, this Firebird is powered by Pontiac’s beautiful 400ci V8. Pontiac quoted power and torque figures of 330hp and 430 ft/lbs in 1968, which fed to the 3.36 Safe-T-Track rear end via a four-speed M21 manual transmission. Performance was all that you might expect, with few buyers complaining about a lack of power off the showroom floor. The first slice of positive news is the seller’s claim that this Pontiac is numbers-matching. The 2013 restoration included rebuilds for the engine and transmission. The 400 benefited enormously from the TLC, with dyno sheets confirming that it now pumps out 350hp. The car comes with PHS documentation, a Build Sheet, Owner’s Manual, and a reproduction Window Sticker. It is in excellent health and can be considered a turnkey proposition.

Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Firebird’s interior appears virtually perfect. I can’t spot any significant wear, the seatcovers haven’t stretched, and the faux woodgrain is free from fading and other problems. The first owner equipped the car with a console with an integrated factory clock, along with an AM radio. There are no aftermarket additions that can spoil the purity of this interior.

While the First Generation Pontiac Firebird and the Chevrolet Camaro share much in common, I have always believed that the Firebird holds a styling edge. That is a personal opinion, and I respect it if yours differs from mine. Diversity is one of the hallmarks of the classic world, meaning that the variety of vehicles that have received restoration or have been preserved for future generations is enormous. That is a good thing, especially when we examine the list of iconic marques that have slipped into the pages of history books. This Firebird features the design purity that defined early pony cars, and appears ready to provide its new owner with decades of motoring joy. I can think of few cars that would become a better family heirloom, making it worth more than a passing glance.