If long-term ownership sits high on your list of priorities when searching for a classic to park in your driveway, this 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible deserves a close look. The seller has been its custodian for fifty years, sparing no expense to ensure that the car presents in an exceptional state. All good things must come to an end, meaning that this very frisky Firebird is destined to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Northport, New York. You could drive off into the sunset behind the wheel of this classic once you have handed the seller $40,000.
While Ford is often credited with creating the pony car sector with the release of the Mustang, Plymouth beat it to the punch by a few days with its Barracuda. Both companies caught General Motors flat-footed, and it wouldn’t respond with the Chevrolet Camaro until 1966, with the Pontiac Firebird emerging in 1967. Although I have never managed to identify why, I have always preferred the styling of the Firebird over the Camaro, but that is purely personal preference. You may feel differently, and if that is the case, I respect that. The seller has owned this classic for five decades, but it is unclear how extensive the work has been that has brought the car to its stunning level of presentation. Its Starlight Black paint looks deep enough to walk into, cloaking laser-straight panels. The Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum, while the underside shots confirm that this garage-kept beauty is rust-free. The bright trim sparkles perfectly against the dark paint shade, and there are no visible glass issues.
This classic is a Firebird 400. Therefore, there are no prizes for guessing the capacity of the V8 hiding under its hood. The factory Data Sheet for 1967 quotes a power output of 325hp for the 400, which feeds to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner equipped the car with power assistance for the steering and brakes, making maneuvering this gem in tight spots surprisingly easy. This Firebird would be pretty fast off the line, while cruising at freeway speed would be an effortless experience. The seller isn’t specific about the Convertible’s mechanical health, but one aspect of their description causes optimism. They are a retired mechanic, suggesting that any maintenance has been performed to a high level. Therefore, it would be fair to assume that this Pontiac is a turnkey proposition.
One aspect of this Firebird that surprises me is its interior. I expected a sea of Black vinyl, but the first owner selected contrasting Parchment trim. It allows the inside of this classic to stand out from the crowd and was also a brave choice since this trim type is prone to stains and discoloring. However, the buyer will be able to hit the road with the top down and their head held high because the overall presentation is excellent. There are no significant faults or imperfections, only the hallmarks of a classic that has always been treated respectfully.
Pontiac sold 82,560 Firebirds in 1967, which is a respectable tally since production commenced late in the model year. Of those, 15,528 buyers selected the Convertible variant. This is one of those cars, and it is stunning. The seller’s price isn’t pocket change, but it is realistic when compared to recent successful sales. It has only been on the market for a few hours, but how quickly do you think this Firebird 400 will find a new home?
Perfect
My 1970 Firebird Formula 400 Ram air III had 366 horse power. This 1969 rated at 325 would be conservative. This car is a great Pontiac. Someone will get an almost perfect car. It doesn’t come with better options. PS, PB , and a 4 speed.
I believe Pontiac installed a means, possibly a stop on the secondaries, to limit the Firebird to stay under the GM Corporate mandate of 10 pounds per horsepower. Savvy owners quickly defeated this to achieve the 366 hp rating. (Like shipping dual 4BBL Z28s with the manifold and carbs in the trunk to avoid the GM mandate that only Corvettes shall have multiple carbs after 1967.) None the less a tempting car!
The same engine in the 67 GTO was rated at 335 HP, versus the Firebird that was rated at 325 HP. The difference was GM policy and the secondary throttle plates did not open fully, but easy to modify. This also appears to be a Chevy carb, with the fuel inlet on the right side. No mention of the engine code stamped into the front of the block, or head casting numbers either. Anyone selling a collectible Pontiac should have PHS documentation. There should be a photo of the trim tag, as well as a photo or two of the trunk area. I do believe this is an original 400 car as evidenced by the factory traction bars, but is the drivetrain original? The description of the car is pretty slim, and the seller makes no claims as to originality. It is a nice appearing car for sure, I prefer the 67/68 body over the 69, I had a triple black 400 convertible with quite a few options… another one I should have kept…
Nice car, the white interior is a good idea. I have a 63 Impala convertible with a black interior. It gets really warm in the summer when the sun is out and the top is down. Fortunately in NW PA we don’t get much summer or sunshine, so it’s not usually a problem.
It was Honduras Maroon and I found the original owner, he told me he ordered it with a red interior. I wanted to ask him if he was color blind, but anybody who will take a phone call about a car he owned 30 years ago can’t be a bad guy. so I didn’t want to insult him.
I should maybe have gone with a light colored interior, but my Old English Sheepdog wasn’t good at cleaning her feet before she got in the back seat so I went with black.
I usually won’t change original colors, but I couldn’t stand maroon with a red interior and the car sat in a field in central VA for 20 years, but it was 43,000 miles and complete. So it was a project.
Color changes usually hurt the value of the car. Mine is probably one of one, it was special ordered that Chevy locked out. A crazy color combination with 327, Powerglide, POSI, full power and factory air can’t be normal. But it’s what I wanted so I’ll have it as long as I’m around.
The seller doesn’t say it is a Firebird 400. It is a Firebird, and very nice looking, that has a 400 CI engine in it now.
A good friend of mine is a Firebird collector, this must be the holy grail.
What a beautiful car! Is it too much to ask for A/C at that price?
It looks like the owner added some pretty heavy duty traction bars to this car. There are 3 pictures of them in the ad. Very nice early bird and worth the money.
Those are factory installed traction bars. The manual V8 cars were equipped with left and right side bars, an automatic would have only one on the right side. They were frequently removed and replaced with slapper style bars, Lakewood, etc. Yellow Lakewoods had some street appeal and bragging rights.
That’s a lot different setup than my 67 Camaro had, but it was only a 327 2 barrel. I never liked the slapper bars.
Suspect this Firebird was not born as a 400. There are unique features to a “born as a 400” that this vehicle doesn’t have. Also, note that the ad doesn’t profess to be a Firebird 400 in the title.
Missing the unique front bumper of a 400.
Great opportunity here and at a fair ask in my opinion. I’m a sucker for nice clean convertible classics like this. Nice Firebird.
Where’s the extra 40 grand when I want it? Well that’s the story of my life in a nut shell. I’m always seeing some old car I drool over but have no loot to purchase. The original buyer of this car must have been the same appreciation as me when they ordered this Pontiac. It’s got the right drive train and a drop top. We may have differed in color choices though. Triple black doesn’t work well in a hot climate where I lived in 67. Nevertheless I’d gladly park this beautiful ride in my garage.
God Bless America
I hear ya Johnny
Sweet!