Our Barn Finders are an eagle-eyed bunch, and you often spot some pretty amazing classics for us to feature on our site. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Rocco B. for pointing us in the direction of this 1973 Pontiac Firebird. It might not be a Trans Am, but its stunning paint shade guarantees that it will draw as much attention. It presents well, featuring an engine that will offer a comfortable and effortless motoring experience. The seller listed the frisky Firebird here on Craigslist in West Point, California. They set their price at $18,000 OBO, which seems competitive for a car of this caliber.

Nobody realized at the time, but the Pontiac Firebird range came close to extinction in 1972. Industrial action during that year significantly impacted production totals, and General Motors came close to retiring the badge. However, it granted a last-minute reprieve, a decision that proved to be wise. The sales volume increased by 50% in 1973 and continued climbing as it established new records for the rest of the 1970s. The seller doesn’t indicate what color this one-owner Firebird wore when it left the factory but confirms that it received a color change to the current stunning Black Cherry Metallic in the 1990s. The color possesses the “wow” factor, and finding anything to fault is virtually impossible. The paint retains an impressive depth of color and shine, and the panels are laser-straight. The Firebird has been garage-kept since Day One, avoiding the rust problems that often plague these classics. The trim is in good order, the glass is clear, and the Rally II wheels are a recent addition.

A 350ci V8, a three-speed Turbo 350 transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. That sums up this Firebird’s mechanical configuration in a nutshell. The 350 should generate 150hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable performance that would fall well short of the more potent Trans Am’s numbers. However, the buyer still receives a beautiful V8 exhaust note, and a car that will cope equally well in heavy city traffic or life on the open road. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 106,000 miles showing on its odometer, which is far lower than average. They don’t supply information regarding the mechanical health, but the visual indications are positive.

The Red vinyl interior works nicely with this Firebird’s custom paint shade, creating a classy overall impression. The condition suggests that this Pontiac has always been treated respectfully. The vinyl looks excellent, with no wear or other problems. The lack of UV damage seems to support the seller’s garage-kept claim, although it appears that the carpet sports some marks and general deterioration. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player, but the original 8-track player is intact. The buyer also receives air conditioning, but the first owner passed on such luxury touches as power windows and cruise control.

This 1973 Firebird isn’t a desirable Trans Am, and it probably would have slipped below the radar in its original form. However, its stunning paint shade guarantees that it will draw crowds, and its mechanical configuration ensures an effortless driving experience. It has only been on the market for a few days, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly as a late Christmas present. Would you pay the full price for this classic, or do you have a lower figure in mind?