There are terms that I dislike using when describing classic cars, and “time capsule” sits near the top of the list. However, there seems to be no better way to describe this 1974 Pontiac Firebird than with those words. From its sparkling paint to its spotless interior, it is easy to see why this Firebird immediately caught the eye of Barn Finder Mitchell G. Thanks so much for the tip, Mitchell G. I hope that I can do this classic justice. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. They set their price at C$36,000 with the option to make an offer.
Pontiac performed a facelift on its Second Generation Firebird range for the 1974 model year, comprising a new nose and the dreaded (and heavy) 5mph bumpers. The company continued to offer buyers four distinct variants during a record-breaking sales year. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the tally for this model year was that it was the last where the base Firebird outsold the more potent Trans Am. This Firebird appears to have a fascinating history. The first owner ordered the car in Fire Coral Bronze and used it regularly until passing away approximately a year after taking delivery. His family placed the Firebird into dry storage, and there it remained for fifty-one years. It has recently emerged with a mere 9,422 miles on its odometer. The seller states that a close inspection will reveal some age deterioration due to laquer cracking, but the car still shines nicely in its current form. The panels are straight, and the seemingly ideal storage environment means that this beauty is rust-free. The trim and glass are excellent, and this Pontiac retains its color-matched steel wheels and dog-dish hubcaps.
The interior is where this Firebird genuinely shines. The first owner teamed the Bronze exterior with Tan vinyl trim, and describing the condition as showroom-fresh wouldn’t be far from the mark. Five decades of isolation have protected it from UV exposure, with the dash, pad, and plastic in as-new condition. The front seatcovers are free from wear and other issues, while it appears that the back seat may never have seen occupants. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but the buyer will undoubtedly welcome the original AM/FM radio.
We’ve reached the point where some readers will immediately dismiss this Firebird. Lifting the hood reveals a 250ci six-cylinder engine producing a factory-quoted 100hp and 175 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies feed to a Posi rear end via a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic transmission, with the first owner also ticking the boxes for power steering and power brakes on their Order Form. This mechanical configuration is the least potent offered by Pontiac in 1974, a year when performance was already suffering under the double whammy of increased weight from tighter safety legislation and falling horsepower as manufacturers struggled with stricter emissions rules. The seller provides no information about the car’s mechanical condition, but the listing gives the impression that this Firebird is a turnkey proposition. The only off-putting aspect is the apparent fresh paint on the valve cover and the thermostat housing, suggesting someone sprayed a few areas with a rattle can to improve the appearance. It is minor details like this that always prompt me to recommend in-person inspections if there is a shred of doubt.
At the current exchange rate, the seller’s price of C$36,000 for this 1974 Pontiac Firebird is approximately US$26,350. That figure sits beyond the top end of the market, begging the question of whether it is justified. Many people will lift the hood, spy the six, and immediately dismiss this classic. However, the lure of a pony car with a four-digit odometer reading may prove an irresistible lure to others. The modest listing statistics suggest that this Firebird hasn’t hit a sweet spot in the market. Of course, it only takes one determined enthusiast to find this Pontiac a new home. Do you think that will happen?
What a wonderful car. Needs to stay the way it is, unfortunately, it is not priced for that. I see a built 400 in the near future, or at least a crate 350. Sad, so few are left, though the same thing can be said about those of us who actually remember cars like these.
If it finds a buyer at or close its current price no one is going to modify it. It’s too expensive to be the starting point of a build.
Steve R
I hope you’re right. I would really hate to see this turned into a Trans Am “tribute.” Park this next to a 1974 Trans Am at a car show, my attention is going to be on this!
26k USD doesn’t seem too horrible to me given the condition and rarity.
Just wondering about the gap on the hood
Maybe a little adjustments of stops, just as side to side of deck. The measurements were not very good at the factory or dealership in the days! But a very good and ounce of peace of history for vehicle that went to Kmart,Myers or Big Bear in 1974
Are you referring to the butchery directly above the front bumper?
I believe there is a trim piece that’s supposed to be there that’s missing.
Beyond that, as a veteran owner of two second generation F-bodies and with close friends who owned countless others, I believe this is the original miles. My guess is that missing bumper gap piece was made out of urethane and deteriorated. You could source it either used or with a 3-D printer if you had a used one to use as a template. I’m not sure if you can get those reproduction, though they make everything else for these.
Somethings odd. No ventilation controls at all? Just plastic? Defrost?
I noticed that, too. The engine pic shows heater hoses, though.
The heater controls are hidden in the photo by the steering wheel spoke. It can be clearly seen in the seller’s eBay ad. This car also has ventilation controls in the kick panels to let in outside air.
Been discussed here before. https://barnfinds.com/9422-original-miles-1974-pontiac-firebird/
(tuning harp) me,me,me,me, My, baloney has a 1st name,,,you know, it’s kinda fun to see what lengths some will go to make a sale, apparently, location resistant. Sorry, it’s 109K, but that shouldn’t automatically throw a red flag. Many of us remember when 100K, a car was shot. This was obviously a well cared for car, unusually optioned, but musclecar Firebirds got all the thunder, I bet more were equipped like this than you’d think. you want to believe the smooze, by all means, go ahead. I swear, the stories are pert near as creative as the cars. It’s 109K and 51 years not used, be a lot worse than this. To be honest, I don’t think I ever saw a Firebird with a 6. Great find.
Alas, the golden glow of memory dims with the passing of time; I could swear that I’ve seen this car listed somewhere (maybe another site??) recently, I just can’t remember exactly. Plain jane cars like this one don’t show up often. GLWTA!! :-)
Previously featured on Oct 2.
Use the magnifier to view image #9 in the eBay auction. The opening’s fit and finish isn’t even close to factory. Go to BAT for better images and search for 1974 Firebird. The images clearly show a one piece filler panel between the front fascia and bumper.
The ~$26K price is a puzzler. Hagerty values a concours 1974 base V8 Firebird at ~$24K and an excellent one at ~16K. There is a -30% caveat for a six cylinder.
The seller writes the ‘story goes’ which in itself raises doubts about any claims of originality. The front tag is from a 2022 event in a suburb of Winnipeg. That addition puzzles me if the seller’s story is even close to true. The ad has been up since 2 October so I’m not a solo doubter.
Not sure but looks like the bottom of the hood has over spray on it. If so why was the hood repainted with little thought of masking it off. But my eyes are not what the used to be.
cool to see a 6 banger. good colors too. price is a bit high then getting it back into the states. hope it stays the way it is. i would put the moon caps back on it
Jim Rockford called and wants his car back.. looks like a nice clean car with the I don’t really want to sell it price tag.
At least 10K too high .