- Seller: Chris S (Contact)
- Location: Dayton, Ohio
- Mileage: 79,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 223678UI43640
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350 cui V8 4-Barrel
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
UPDATE – The seller has added more photos and video below.
A floor-shifted three-speed manual isn’t the transmission most people expect behind a V8 in a first-generation pony car, and that unusual combination gives this Firebird much of its personality. The seller says its 350-cubic-inch V8 is topped by a four-barrel carburetor and backed by the three-speed, with dual exhaust completing the package. This 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible is offered here on Barn Finds Auctions from Dayton, Ohio, with a clean title.
The seller has owned the Firebird for many years and describes it as roadworthy, running very well, and capable of being driven just about anywhere. They report that a mechanic replaced the rear leaf springs less than a year ago and supplied a letter identifying the engine and transmission as original to the car. The engine bay has also picked up some dress-up pieces over the years, including a chrome air cleaner, finned valve covers, and red ignition wires.
An odometer close-up shows 78,399.3 miles, which agrees with the seller’s description of the reading as just under 79,000 miles. As with any five-digit odometer, photographs alone can’t establish total mileage. Inside, the car retains black bucket seats, a center console, woodgrain trim, and its AM radio. The upholstery looks serviceable in the photos, while the console and other frequently touched surfaces show the sort of aging expected in a driver.
The red paint gives the Firebird plenty of curb appeal, especially with its Cragar wheels and wide BFGoodrich tires, but this is not being presented as a freshly restored show car. The hood shows visible swirls and finish wear, there is corrosion along the inner trunk-lid lip, and the seller discloses other paint flaws and areas of spot rust. They believe it will eventually deserve a repaint. The seller rates the black convertible top an eight out of ten; its inner surface shows age and discoloration, so the detailed photos are worth studying closely.
This seems like the kind of Firebird you could enjoy immediately while addressing its cosmetic needs a little at a time. The 350, manual gearbox, and convertible top make a strong case for keeping it on the road instead of taking it apart for years. Would you preserve its honest driver character, or treat it to a full cosmetic restoration?
Bid On This Auction
Chevy guy bid $9,000.00 2026-10-16 08:48:56
John W bid $8,500.00 2026-10-16 08:00:08- Chevy guy bid $8,000.00 2026-10-15 14:59:23
Dobyhighway bid $7,500.00 2026-10-15 14:25:39
Vadju bid $7,000.00 2026-10-15 08:14:02- Chevy guy bid $6,500.00 2026-10-14 17:22:11
- John W bid $6,000.00 2026-10-13 07:47:06
Bill bid $5,500.00 2026-10-11 07:59:00
freeman bid $5,000.00 2026-10-10 17:05:22
Slb0151 bid $1,500.00 2026-10-10 15:00:50
Brian Hoogerhyde bid $1,000.00 2026-10-10 14:00:33
dbux bid $300.00 2026-10-10 11:11:08
Well, what can you say. It’s pretty sweet just the way it is. But it does need some cosmetic work. Sure would love to drive it around though. I bet it sounds fantastic and is very fun to drive.
not a bidder .trying to log in
This is a nice car I like it just the way it is. The only thing that makes me wonder is the fact it’s in Ohio. That’s not exactly a snow and salt free area. Other than that I think it’s great.
In agree. All rust belt cars require a thorough under side rust inspection. I love Old ‘Birds and the convertibles have a sentimental appeal to me. If a solid car, I would bid on it if I was in the market. NOTE TO OWNER: PUT IT ON A LIFT FOR GOOD UNDERSIDE PICTURES. Your $ bids will increase quite abit!
Interesting mix of options: Spring for the expensive Deluxe Interior (one of Pontiac’s best of the era) but pass on a four-speed.
Nice car.
I like it. One less gear for Howard to shift too. Ha ha
Back in 71 I was the second owner of a 68/442 with the factory hurst shifter 3 on the floor, heavy duty Ford transmission. It had a compition clutch that ate throw out bearings. The theory was one less shift when street draging. 1st, 0-45. 2nd, 45-80. So much torque from the 400 / 4 bbl it could burn rubber into 2nd.
Pontiac installed lots of 3 speeds back in the day; so did Chevy. Insurance rates were lower for 3 speed than 4 speed cars, I remember several high school friends who had them. Even a Judge! My first car was an 3 speed Firebird with 350 2b. Easy enough to swap in a 4 speed later! By the way…a Ford tranny in a 442? Seems pretty unlikely.
Starting in 1964 Pontiac started using Ford 3 speeds behind the 389. As GM did not have a 3 speed to withstand the torque/horsepower of a big cube Pontiac, Buick, or Oldsmobile. Hence the “Dearborn” (read Ford) 3 speed transmission. So yes, a 3 speed Ford/Dearborn transmission in a 442.
Pontiac also borrowed hood scoops, and the name “Super Duty” from Ford trucks
That’s a really hot car in a great color. if I live closer, I would definitely consider that.
Vary nice care , looks like it would be fun. Needs some work to the paint and chrome . If I was closer I would go look at it .
nice looking Bird , I’m thinking of bidding on it .