400-Powered: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

Finding the ideal classic can be challenging, but this 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible could be a contender for those seeking a vehicle combining stunning looks with plenty of power. Its Triple-Black paint and trim combination will win many admirers, while the V8 lurking beneath the hood will place abundant power at the driver’s disposal. It is a rock-solid, turnkey proposition, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Convertible listed here on eBay in Brooklyn, New York. The seller set their BIN at $35,000, and it appears that figure could be fairly firm.

After its 1967 introduction, Pontiac’s First Generation Firebird range enjoyed a relatively brief production run. The final examples rolled off the line in 1969, and this Convertible is one of them. I’m typically not a fan of Black classics, but with the first owner ordering it with a matching power top and interior trim, it is a winner in many eyes. The paint shines like glass, cloaking panels that are as straight as an arrow. The seller’s underside shots confirm the car is rust-free, with the floors protected by a layer of undercoat. The power top is new, and fits as tight as a drum, while the trim and glass are in good condition. The Rally wheels raise one interesting question. There appears to be a mismatch in spoke color between the front and the back. It could be an illusion, because the seller doesn’t mention the difference in the listing text. Overall, this Firebird makes a positive first impression.

The stunning interior is only the entree, because it is time to move on to the main course served by this Firebird. It features a 400ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. It is unclear whether the V8 is original to the car, but the “XN” block code appears to support the seller’s claim that it is a high-performance variant. That means the buyer could have at least 335hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque beneath their right foot. If you crave a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, this Pontiac should deliver. The seller states that the motor sounds mean, a claim that I find very believable. The car runs and drives extremely well, ready to cruise with the buyer behind the wheel.

The interior trim is the final part of this Firebird’s Triple Black puzzle. Trimmed in vinyl, the seats and other upholstered surfaces look excellent. The same is true of the dash, pad, and faux woodgrain. Its only apparent weaknesses are the column and the wheel, both of which exhibit cosmetic deterioration. It isn’t the end of the world, and addressing the problems would be easy and inexpensive. Interestingly, this Convertible features a column-change transmission and no console. The first owner equipped it with a fold-down back seat and air conditioning. The A/C compressor isn’t installed, but is included in the sale.

If you admire this 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible, then you’re not alone. The listing statistics confirm it has garnered attention, but what’s not to like? It presents extremely well, has no apparent rust, and the V8 will provide impressive performance. The big question is whether anyone will hit the button to take it home. The listing still has three weeks to run, meaning that interested parties might have plenty of time to consider making their move. Of course, someone could hit the button far sooner, making it a case of “he who hesitates is lost.” I always advise caution when contemplating a classic purchase, but are you tempted to throw caution to the wind? Considering all this Pontiac seems to offer, I will understand if you do.