Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

36k Original Miles? 1968 Pontiac Firebird

The owner of this 1968 Pontiac Firebird claims that it has a genuine 36,000 miles showing on its odometer. Time has not been kind to this classic, and it will require some restoration work. However, a collection of parts is included in the sale that should help things along. The Firebird is located in Darien, Connecticut, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. There is a BIN of $5,669, although there is also the option to make an offer.

Examining the photos that the seller supplies of this Alpine Blue Firebird reveal that it might not be experiencing its first run-in with rust. It appears that the passenger-side rear wheel opening has been replaced at some point, and while it could be the result of accident damage, I’d be inclined to believe that rust was the culprit. There is plenty of it in evidence now, and someone is going to need to be handy with the welder and grinder to get the body back to its best. The floors are particularly bad, although a new set of floors will be included in the sale. Since there is no rear window, there is a fair chance that water has found its way into the trunk. The owner doesn’t mention any problems in that area, but he also doesn’t mention any of the exterior rust that is visible in the photos. This has impacted the lower rear quarter panels and rockers, so there will be a few busy days ahead for the buyer. As well as the new floors, it appears that some new lights will also be included in the sale.

The presence of leaf litter and bird, er, “deposits,” suggests that the Firebird has not been weather or vermin-proof during its time sitting around. That has to raise questions about potential rodent infestation and the state of seat foam and wiring. These are two items that tend to find their way onto these little critters’ diets, and it is a headache for some people. The interior does appear to be largely complete, but there is a lot of work required. The rear seat cover looks quite good, but exposure to the elements will place a question mark over the foam beneath. It is safe to assume that a full trim kit will be required if this is going to present at its best once again.

Unfortunately, the Firebird is not a numbers-matching classic. It does have a 400ci V8 under the hood, but the block code on this is YD. That makes it a 290hp version from a 1969 Pontiac. The vehicle also comes equipped with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. It isn’t clear when this engine last fired a shot in anger, but the accumulated debris suggests that it was a while ago. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the engine turns freely, so we are flying blind on that front. He does maintain his claim that the Firebird has a genuine 36,000 miles showing on the odometer. He doesn’t indicate whether he holds any evidence to verify this, and I’m not sure how relevant this would be given the original engine’s absence.

We’ve seen quite a few Firebird project cars over the years here at Barn Finds, and while some of them have represented relatively straightforward projects, some have been beyond salvation. I tend to think that this one lands somewhere in the middle. The loss of the original engine will potentially hurt its value once restored, and that is something that has to be considered when assessing its financial viability. It is possible to buy some pretty tidy ’68 Firebirds that have undergone engine transplants for around the $30,000 mark. When you look at the asking price on this one, that does leave a fair amount of room to move on any restoration work. However, it would depend on what a potential buyer might find when they open the trunk or poke their head under the car. If it is essentially sound, then it could be a winner. Do we have any readers who are interested enough to inspect this classic?

Comments

  1. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    I don’t for a second believe the low mileage claim; this one’s been around the clock at least once. Lot’s of aftermarket items on this Firebird and the non-original motor leads me to think this is a car that’s been driven/flogged hard. All of that plus significant rust and a ratted out interior would make this sorry example a hard pass in my book. Look for a better project, this one will put you in the poorhouse.

    Like 21
  2. Avatar Stephen Miklos

    You would have to pay me to take this bird away.😂 Way way too much work. God’s know what the frame looks like up close. This is a gut job.🤦

    Like 6
  3. Avatar Steve R

    Lots of money for a parts car that was left sitting in an overgrown yard without a rear window. The last time the seller listed it on eBay the ad included different pictures, which are worth viewing. They did what sellers do and raised the price for this to round. If the pictures aren’t enough to dissuade potential buyers, maybe the nearly 10% negative feedback will.

    Steve R

    Like 17
    • Avatar Ted Miller

      I thought it looked familiar!

      Like 1
  4. Avatar CCFisher

    Seller is banking on that one buyer who ignores everything he sees and buys into the 36,000 mile lie. He then proceeds to do a driver-quality restoration, and displays it at shows with every trophy he’s ever won and a sign proclaiming that he bought it at 36,000 miles. After all, it’s the previous owner’s lie, not his.

    Like 8
  5. Avatar NovaTom

    I would be embarrassed to claim this thing had 36K original miles.

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Bruce curry

    236,000? 336,000? No way 36k or 136k

    Like 12
  7. Avatar Vince H

    Pedal wear is a lot more than 36000.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar LMK

    There is a point where low mileage or any mileage doesn’t matter anymore…This car is one of those where it doesn’t matter…

    Like 9
  9. Avatar Karl

    I agree with LMK the claim of low mileage if it’s even true only goes so far! This car has seen at least 2 lifetimes of abuse and neglect not any kind of candidate for restoration in my book!

    Like 2
  10. Avatar Bob Mck

    This poor old girl is a parts car at best. Perhaps the crusher will give $150.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar theGasHole

    I have a sneaking suspicion those are not the original wheels and steering wheel. Just a hunch.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar John Oliveri

    So…. This particular car with only 36,000 miles is a rusted stripped wreck, with a non #s matching motor, I have a bridge, it’s located at the foot of Staten Island, it’s called Verrazano, the Italians floated it over from Napoli, it’s for sale, it’s one owner, not too much use

    Like 3
  13. Avatar TimM

    Driven hard put away wet and has been wet ever since!!! I got a low mileage bridge for sale!!!

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Russ Ashley

    He says it has a genuine 36K miles on the speedometer. He doesn’t mention if miles were put on a quarter mile at the time. Non original engine and the shifter looks like it should be in a drag car, and the patched quarters make me think the fenders were cut to make room for slicks. In my opinion he would be better off to try to get a thousand for it, and take the first offer someone makes.

    Like 3
  15. Avatar curt wichman

    there is no way on EARTH this Bird only has 36,000 miles, I’m not sure I believe its 136,000, from the overall state of it, more like 236,000. Isn’t worth the BIN on its best day.

    Like 1
  16. Avatar Ftc80521

    Maybe 336,000 miles. low mileage cars don’t get this trashed.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar 3Deuces

    36K original miles? No way, José!

    Like 1
  18. Avatar Alan Carpenter

    All highway miles – through the sulphurous pits of hades, at the speed of sin.

    Like 1
  19. Avatar Peter Krischunas

    I’d like to see what’s in the trunk. Probably a body when they ditched the car in a river.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to theGasHole Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.