Enthusiasts typically view project candidates from dry locations favorably because rust is usually less of a problem than it is on a classic exposed to snow and salt. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird ticks those boxes, having spent time in both California and Nevada. The seller believes that the paint and interior are original, making it a rough-edged survivor presenting a rewarding restoration prospect. The seller has listed the Firebird here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The current high bid of $4,050 is below the reserve.
Its successor might have been waiting in the wings for its 1970 release, but Pontiac still gave its First Generation Firebird range a major restyle in 1969. The interior got a few tweaks, but the most obvious exterior update was the nose and grille, with the headlamps moved outside a split grille opening that was narrower than the previous year’s. The seller believes that this car’s Carousel Red paint is original, carrying the baked look typical of classics from dry climates. There is visible surface corrosion and a few minor bumps and bruises, but what isn’t visible in the listing images is penetrating rust. The engine bay and cowl also look clean, which might indicate that there are no hidden issues in the floors or rails. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, and the Firebird rolls on a varied selection of wheels.
The Firebird’s interior is essentially complete, and most critical hardware, including the seat frames and dash structure, could be reused during the restoration. However, almost anything made from vinyl or plastic raised the White flag years ago, making a complete retrim essential. The factory radio is AWOL, while the wheel and column-mounted tachometer are later additions. I believe the car originally featured air conditioning, but most of the engine bay components are long gone.
The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Firebird is numbers-matching, and there is a question mark over one mechanical component. It features a 350ci V8, but the automatic transmission could be either a two-speed Powerglide or a three-speed Hydramatic. The Firebird also has power steering, but no assistance for the brakes. The seller has coaxed the motor to life, indicating that the car moves in either direction. They say it isn’t roadworthy, but the engine bay images show a new carburetor and master cylinder, suggesting someone has been working toward that goal. If the Firebird is as structurally sound as I believe, returning it to active service in its current form as a genuine survivor could be a realistic goal for those preferring the “shabby-chic” look.
Some classics catch my eye, and this 1969 Pontiac Firebird is no exception. My interest isn’t because of its condition or mechanical specs, but because I want to climb beneath this beauty and see if it is as solid as the listing photos and its history suggest. If it is structurally sound and requires no steel replacement, it would be a tempting proposition for novices contemplating a first project build. Bidding hasn’t reached the reserve, but the situation could change. It will be fascinating to learn what our Barn Finds readers might be willing to pay to take this beauty home.
If the reserve is not much higher than the current bid, this could be a cool car to fix. It’s an a/c car and everything seems to be there, so it would be worth it for someone who is close by. I still have a car or two left in me to fix up, I’ve become a little more choosy on what car I would devote that time to.
Upon inspection this car could have a high ceiling depending on where you want to take it. Desirable, mostly there, apparently decent shape, and the owner seems to be an honest seller.
It’s always amusing to me when they make suggestions as to what a buyer could do with the car. Patina driver…Late 60’s muscle…C’mon. This car deserves better than that!
I have a sentimental feeling about old Firebirds. (particularly converts.) With the rusty steering wheel, I feel the California portion of its life was in a coastal region like Santa Cruze. So I would spend a lot of time inspecting the roof. I bought an SVO for parts that the roof was rusted through, but the rest of the car was 100% solid. I also looked at a VW type 2 (bus) that was in perfect condition from the belt line down. But above that I could put my fist through any of the sheet metal. Although it looks trashed. If I was in the market. I would drive the 5+ hours down to look at it.
I don’t think it was located on the coast, cars from Santa Cruz and Pacifica typically look like they were dipped in a salt bath, they rust from the top down. This looks more like it was stored in a confined area that was subject to humidity, like a garage that held a washer and drier that weren’t vented to the outside. Not enough to cause terminal rust, but enough to tarnish unprotected surfaces. I have a couple of friends that with that issue and had similar results.
Steve R
From pics, this car looks like has potential to be fixed up or restored. But at what cost (considering I am old & cheap…lol) I guessing original buyer did not order wanting powerful hot rod. New buyer should inspect closely & ask alot of questions. This could be flipper with alot of hidden expensive issues.
I think Paint Code 72 is Carousel Red which was a special order color on the Firebird in 69 and didn’t become available on the Firebird until around January or February 69. It’s the same paint as the 69 Camaro color, Hugger Orange. It’s a fairly rare color to see on a Firebird, and much more so than on a Camaro. I wish the seller had indicated if it was the original engine or not. I prefer the front end treatment of the 67 and 68 Firebirds, but this could still be a nice car to restore.
A friend has a 69 Firebird 400 Ram Air convertible in Carousel Rad with a Parchment interior. The car’s pretty rough but complete and has just about every possible option including a power driver seat (part of the Turnpike Cruiser option), something I’ve never seen in another first gen GM F body. The PHS report on the car indicates it was delivered to Pontiac so it must have started life as either an executive car, a press pool car or had some other promotional use, which would explain all the options.
To me, it looks like she has been beaten with barbed wire by a kid. Pushed beyond it’s limits. The missing compressor to me suggests someone thought they could get a wee bit more HP by taking it out. IDK, just musings.
That all being said, it could be pretty salvageable as a restmod and flipped. Shouldn’t take too much $$$ and effort to get it sharp again. But that’s predicated on the reserve being under 10k
Shouldn’t take too much $$$ to make this sharp??
I guess the amount of money is directly propotionite to the amount of money one has.
Whoever plans on restoring this better be wealthy! Cause it’s going to cost quite a bit of $$$.
i am sure the reserve is north of 10k. looks pretty ratty but better than most.
If the seller hauled this to a northern rusty state, they will make far more on this than the transport cost.
If you want to build a Trans Am clone with auto and AC this is a great start.
I really believe that i would rather drive this car as is than to deal with another bs paint job , bodyshop sob story , delays , excuses, shady work , wavy , bubbly and all the blah, blah that the drug & alcohol infused workforce can come up with …