While Ford is credited with creating the pony car segment with the Mustang, the vehicles produced in response by General Motors were worthy opposition. The 1968 Pontiac Firebird is a prime example because its variants could go toe-to-toe with almost anything the Blue-Oval offered. This car is a classic the seller uses as a daily driver. The buyer could continue that trend, although they may find lifting its presentation to a higher level too tempting to resist. The frisky Firebird is listed here on Craigslist in Ortonville, California. It could be yours for an affordable $10,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for spotting this classic.

Initial impressions with this Firebird are positive, although there’s no denying its Meridian Turquoise paint looks tired. The seller acknowledges there’s rust, which is mostly superficial in areas like the trunk lid and lower rear quarter panels. The state of the floors, trunk pan, and rails is unclear, but some worrying spots require careful attention. The worst isn’t clearly visible in the long shots but becomes apparent in the photo below this paragraph. The top of the passenger-side A-Pillar, where it meets the roof has significant rust that could compromise the car’s structural integrity. It wouldn’t concern the new owner most of the time, but it is a weakness that could prove catastrophic in an accident. It is not the type of repair that an amateur should tackle, requiring a specialist with the ability to perform high-grade repairs. The rear bumper sports a dent, although the remaining trim looks acceptable. The glass seems fine, but the aftermarket wheels might not appeal to all tastes.

The seller describes the Firebird’s interior as decent, and I class it as serviceable. There is a visible split on the driver’s seat, but the remaining Black upholstered surfaces look okay. Further assessment is impossible due to the single low-quality interior shot. What can be seen of the console shows promise, but this is another aspect of the Firebird requiring an in-person inspection.

Lifting the hood reveals one of this Firebird’s key strengths. The engine bay houses a 400ci V8 that should produce 330hp. It feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with the original owner also ticking the boxes beside power steering and power brakes. There were faster offerings within the Firebird range, but this car’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds means it is hardly an automotive slug. After the disappointment regarding potential rust issues, the mechanical news appears positive. The seller indicates this classic runs and drives well. They use it as a daily driver, suggesting the buyer could do the same. If an inspection confirms the Firebird is structurally sound, it could prove a fun way to commute to and from work.

Finding an affordable and driveable classic pony car with a V8 under the hood within the price range of this 1968 Firebird can prove challenging, but that is the opportunity that seems on offer here. It isn’t perfect, and the rust at the top of the A-Pillar is a concern. That would motivate me to perform an in-person inspection to confirm this classic is structurally sound and will not become a financial black hole. It will require specialist attention to remain safe. Would you be willing to pursue it further to determine whether it’s right for you, or are you going to sit out this dance?