It can sometimes be unwise to judge a book by its cover, which is the case with this 1967 Pontiac Firebird. It undeniably needs some cosmetic TLC, but a heart of pure gold beats beneath the tired exterior. The current owner has transformed it into a classic that should offer a rewarding driving experience. No area of the drivetrain has escaped their attention in the bid to create a complete package. The Firebird needs a new owner willing to add the finishing touches, so the seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Plano, Texas. They have set the price at $28,950 but will entertain trades. That list is extensive, extending from motorcycles to some classic cars, a Rolex, or even a plot of land!

This Firebird doesn’t make a great first impression thanks to its tired and flawed Cameo Ivory paint. When you look beyond that shortcoming, you realize that while its panels carry a few bumps and bruises, they are rust-free. The positive news continues below the surface, with the floors and rails telling a similar story. The car will benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but this could occur as time and circumstances allow. The seller removed much of the exterior trim, but it is in good condition and is included in the sale. The glass looks excellent, and the new 17″ wheels and tires add a sense of purpose. They also hint that there may be more to this classic than meets the eye.

We’ve reached the point where this Pontiac’s story really begins. Lifting the hood reveals a 1969 Chevrolet COPO Police Interceptor 396ci V8. It presents in as-new condition, doing so for a good reason. The seller rebuilt the big-block with a mild cam, roller rockers, ceramic headers, a Flowmaster 2½” exhaust, and an Edelbrock air gap intake. They topped the intake with an MSD adaptable self-tuning fuel injection system. The result is a V8 producing a healthy 425hp. That power feeds through a four-speed Super T-10 manual transmission with a new Hurst shifter and linkages to a 3.42 Yukon Posi rear end. Performance potential would be pure speculation, but this classic should easily produce a sub-14-second ¼-mile ET. If you crave more, this Firebird can deliver. It features a new stainless steel fuel tank with an integrated fuel sensor and EFI pump. Every hose, pipe, and belt is new, as are the alternator, water pump, and four-core aluminum radiator. The suspension received a host of updates, including a Made In USA coil-over setup, tubular suspension arms, and power rack-and-pinion steering. Stopping power comes courtesy of enormous four-wheel power disc brakes. The seller says the engine sounds sweet, and the car is amazingly driveable. It appears it is a turnkey classic with no further mechanical needs.

The Firebird’s interior needs some TLC, but there’s more good news on that front. It currently features an aftermarket driver’s seat, but the owner includes the original. The photos and description are slightly vague on this aspect of the car, but it looks like some new interior trim components could be included. I can spot a new set of door trims, and I also believe there may be new seatcovers. The dash looks okay, and the carpet is new. The seller says the white headliner is in good order, and the seller replaced all the seals and rubbers. It isn’t easy to be sure, but it looks like it would take little effort to return the interior to a spotless state.

When you look beyond the tired paint, your first impressions are that it would take little effort to transform this 1967 Firebird into a stunning-looking classic. However, its current beauty hides below the surface with its potent mechanical configuration. The engine updates appear carefully considered and should provide enough power to satisfy most enthusiasts. The addition of fuel injection, combined with the brakes, steering, and suspension upgrades, would offer safety and handling prowess beyond the dreams of the good folks at Pontiac in 1967. Cooler weather is fast approaching, but that could be to the buyer’s advantage. Can you think of a better way to spend the winter months than in your workshop treating this car to the cosmetic love it deserves? I can’t.