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Beautifully Refinished: 1969 Pontiac Firebird

No, it’s not a Trans Am! Or a Sprint or a Firebird 400 or any other muscle car variant of Pontiac’s pony car entry, it’s just a very clean and original-looking 1969 Pontiac Firebird coupe. Its simplicity is what attracted me to it. This beauty is located in Camden, Ohio and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $18,200, reserve not yet met.

The details around this Firebird are light. The seller states, “Car was super straight when we started. We Installed lots of new parts and some fresh paint. Very nice car“. So assume that it has had quite a bit of refurbishment but it was a solid, initial specimen. But which Firebird model is this? Pontiac offered six for ’69, starting with the base Firebird, then moving to the OHC equipped Sprint, next up was the Firebird 350, followed by the Firebird H.O., ascending to the Firebird 400, and then, of course, the first year Trans-Am. This example appears to have started life as either a Firebird 350 or possibly an H.O., but a Firebird 350 seems most likely. Regardless, the new finish, which appears to be Code 65 Antique Gold, has been expertly applied  –  it’s a mile deep. But it’s the entire cohesive package that presents so well; all of it including the trim, glass, Rally II wheels, fender gills, body panel alignment, even the nose-piece gasket is perfectly aligned. It just needs some windshield wipers and it will be good to go!

A Firebird 350 was powered by a 265 gross HP, 350 CI V8 while the H.O. had the benefit of a four-barrel carburetor-equipped version of that engine, good for 325 gross HP. Our example reveals a “350-4” decal on its open-element air cleaner but the intake manifold, and probably the carburetor, have been swapped with non-OEM components. The Pontiac VIN was not informative on V8 engine matters at this point so it cannot be specifically identified. Unfortunately, no reference is made regarding this ‘Bird’s operating prowess. The transmission is listed as an automatic, so it’s probably a first-year Turbo-Hydramatic 350, three-speed unit – at least that’s what the ’69 sales brochure claims it should be.

There is only one visual of the interior included and it’s not very revealing. The matching color vinyl upholstery, what Pontiac referred to as Morrokide, is in great shape, it’s just not possible to spy it in its entirety. It is possible, however, to notice that the passenger door armrest is missing and the faux walnut console lid appears to have a tiny chunk missing from the driver’s seat side – all minor stuff.

Understated? You bet, that’s the standout feature of this Firebird and that may well be the draw for potential buyers too. I know later Firebird/Formula/Trans Am versions with stripes, scoops, fairings, and screaming chicken hood decals are all the rage, but this uncluttered and inconspicuous Firebird has a certain draw to it too, wouldn’t you agree?

Comments

  1. Avatar Dins74 Member

    I love these unassuming beauties. An attainable modest ride easy to maintain, parts are available and all the expensive stuff looks to be in great shape.

    This car would be a scream to score and cruise around in. I wish I had room in my garage.

    Like 8
  2. Avatar Steve R

    It looks nice, but there appear to be some naturally occurring seams between body panels that have been filled in. Combine that with fresh paint and being located in a rust prone state definitely raises some concerns. A thorough inspection should be considered a must for this car.

    Steve R

    Like 13
  3. Avatar oilngas

    As nice as this car looks, I don’t trust this seller. Even with only one interior picture I see worn console, incorrect, dirty steering wheel, gap between left rear armrest and door panel, part of left door panel laying in back seat, at least one missing armrest. Being an Ohio car with a seller hiding issues. I would need a bunch more pictures before biding.

    Like 6
  4. Avatar Mike Roberts

    “Morrokide” interior? The color sounds like a character that should have been in “The Lord of the Rings.” It does sound better than greenish gold.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Jim ODonnell Staff

      It’s not a color, it’s what Pontiac called the vinyl material that they employed.

      JO

      Like 10
  5. Avatar Rick WILSON

    I bought the car about a year ago and I’m very happy with it.

    Like 0

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