Not every project car arrives as a turn-key driver. Some, like this 1971 Pontiac Firebird listed here on eBay, are true blank canvases waiting for a fresh start. While it’s missing many of the essentials, including an engine, transmission, and interior, it still carries the foundation of one of Pontiac’s most recognizable muscle cars. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!
The seller notes that the body is “fairly straight,” and from the photos, it appears to be a solid starting point for someone ready to take on a long-term build. Finished in blue, the Firebird shows the kind of wear you’d expect from a decades-old survivor, but there’s no obvious evidence of terminal rust or structural damage that would scare away a determined restorer. The seller also makes it clear that the car comes with a clean and clear title, which is an increasingly valuable factor when dealing with classic projects of this era.
Of course, with no drivetrain or seats included, this Firebird isn’t going to move under its own power anytime soon. Instead, it’s a platform for a builder to take in any direction. Purists might see it as an opportunity to source the correct Pontiac V8 and restore it closer to original condition. Others may view it as a chance to go modern, an LS swap, a late-model transmission, and upgraded suspension could easily transform this shell into a fire-breathing street machine.
Projects like this always come down to vision. On one hand, the car could be rebuilt to resemble the Firebird that rolled off the assembly line in 1971, complete with the proper trim and factory-correct drivetrain. On the other, it could become a restomod that blends vintage style with modern reliability and performance. The fact that it doesn’t include those major components makes it easier to start fresh without worrying about removing old or mismatched parts.
While it’s clearly not for the faint of heart, there’s something appealing about taking a classic body and bringing it back to life piece by piece. Firebirds from the early ’70s are growing harder to find in any condition, and even a shell like this represents an opportunity that might not come around often.
Would you restore this Firebird back to its original glory, or turn it into a custom build from the ground up?
Sold on 9/24/2024 for a high bid of $1,975.
Steve R
The perfect car for someone that owns a Firebird tin worm farm. A nice condition shell is a,very nice place to start. It would have been nice to know where this car is. But our writer didn’t bother to mention it. I guess what’s important to some people doesn’t mean a thing to someone else. I don’t get leaving out the basics. Where is the car, the price, automatic transmission or manual (or how it was originally equipped as in this Firebird) and maybe how old is the listing or how many days left on the auction. I understand that sometimes that information is not provided in the ad. But in this case: location not given, days left on bid listing ( no way to know if it sells early and I understand that) we also now have no way of knowing (or even if it was originally provided) what transmission was originally installed. Etc. Just an disappointing write-up.
Can’t please everyone.
Now, I see the automatic transmission shifter in the console.
I believe someone got a heck of a deal, that car looks solid.