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?