A lot of cars cross my desk here at the Pittsboro office of Barn Finds, and most of them are listed rather unemotionally, with some amount of details but little to no insights as to the seller’s motivation. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible is the exception to this rule as the owner clearly regrets having to sell it as they pursue their dream of a 1970-73 Trans Am. The car is listed for sale here on eBay and has a buy-it-now price of $39,500. While that may seem pretty steep, I would suggest looking the car over before judging too much. Surprisingly, this sun-welcoming, rust-free convertible is located in Buffalo, New York.
Perhaps you haven’t considered a first-generation Firebird as Camaros are so much more popular. Let me make the case for this car in particular! To begin with, it’s considerably rarer with only 87 400 HO (High Output) manual transmission 1969 Firebird convertibles produced. Not only that, but this particular car appears to be in truly exquisite condition. The window sticker illustrates a set of optional equipment that mirrors what I’d want on the car apart from air conditioning; of course, there are vendors that could help you add that now.
The hood-mounted tachometer was a $63.19 option in 1969! Maybe it’s not as practical as a dash-mounted one, but it’s way cooler! While I’m on the subject of cool, it was really cool of reader Larry D. to send us this tip and have me thinking about how nice it would be to own this GM drop-top!
The seller gushes about the condition of his Firebird and I can see why after looking at the pictures. While not being completely stock, the additions could be reversed if you wanted to (I wouldn’t) and appear to be executed well. More importantly, there is a distinct lack of the iron oxide I’m used to seeing on this generation of Firebird/Camaro.
Yes, I’d like to spend some time here. Perhaps take the aftermarket speaker grills down a bit with some flat black paint — but that’s being really picky.
Although the engine is not a numbers-matching one, unless you are competing at the national concours level does it really matter (aside from valuation)? If I had a car this pretty I’d be driving it every nice day. The 400 HO engine has been completely rebuilt by a race engine shop and the list of parts used is quite impressive. Be sure and let us know if one of you buys this great Firebird!
oops they forgot to put the PCV valve back on!
It’s not missing. The PCV is located in the valley pan on Pontiacs. Look for the 90 degree black hose just to the passenger side of the water outlet the goes to a fitting on the intake manifold. What’s missing is a breather hose on the valve cover.
Steve R
Jamie, the writers of these reviews often gush over the vehicle reviewed, implying that they would love to own the vehicle. How often do authors purchase the vehicles they review? Is it a regular, semi-regular, or once in a blue moon kind of thing?
Mike, it’s a regular thing, at least in my household. I’ve purchased two that I have written up, a 1987 Lister-Jaguar XJS and a 1993 Buick Roadmaster wagon here and here (both wonderful cars). In both cases, I invited readers to bid against me in my write-up. I do really like this Firebird but it’s way out of my automotive budget at the moment. In the past, I have been “just” outbid on numerous write-up vehicles, including a Willys pickup, Jaguar S-Type, a Jensen Interceptor, and numerous Triumphs. I try to acquire ANY front-engined Fiberfab Jamaican we feature, so far unsuccessfully. Jeff Lavery and Scotty Gilbertson have both featured and purchased vehicles, and of course, Jesse and Josh buy and feature stuff all the time.
Many vehicles, including this week’s Riley Kestrel (I love “airline” art deco British styling) and Rover SD1, are on my “I’d love to have one of those!” lists and therefore lead to conversations around the dinner table. Our bank account, my wife’s common sense, and my TR6 race car project mean that both of those conversations were moot, but you never know when the next one happens!
Thanks for the info Jamie.
What’s with the orange steering wheel? I’ll take black plastic over orange wood.
Pittsboro what state?
NC…I’ll see your Pittsboro and raise you 1 Efland.
Hi, neighbor!
Pittsboro, North Carolina.
Oh no, my credit card won’t allow this purchase. Lol. Orange steering wheel. Okay, it could be color changed to walnut to match the rest of the faux wood trim, but other than that I like the style. Drop top, 4 speed, 400 HO in a 69 Firebird I don’t think you could do any better.
God bless America
I had no idea you were in Pittsboro, NC. WE are about to build a house there and that’s why I’m forced to sell my immaculate 70 AAR.
I’d rather be homeless.
We’re just north of town off of 87 :-) Sorry about having to sell the AAR, though :-(
That area is exploding with growth as did Northern Chatham 25 years ago. When I moved to NC in 1975 (from NYC) you could buy an acre in Northern Chatham for $250. I bought a 65 3000 BJ8 for $2500 that needed an engine rebuild (which I did) and rust repair (which I did very poorly). Had I bought 10-20 acres in Chatham (for the price of the Healey and rebuild), I could have bought a finished 3000 with change left over. And if my grandfather had wheels he would have been a trolley car.
Hwy 64 and Hwy 421 and 15-501 expansions have fueled that growth for y’all. The Chatham Development (10,000 homes or something like that) is going to change the face of that area significantly, similar to the northern area of the county.
Think of Atlanta and drop it on the Triangle…about the same area and we’re getting there.
We’re lucky in that we’re West of all the growth (so far). Zoning in our area (unless changed) will prevent some of what’s going on to our East. Chatham Park will be interesting to watch. On a side note, I wish I still had my 100-6 and 3000 Mk. I. Sigh.
Jamie,
If you’re in Pittsboro, Indiana, I’ve got your Jamaican, basically in your back yard. Write me.
Unfortunately I’m in Pittsboro, North Carolina. But I’ll write you tomorrow anyway 😁. I’ve been further for cars…