This 1969 Pontiac Firebird 350 demonstrates why we should never judge a book by its cover. It’s a sad and sorry sight, with faded paint and plenty of visible rust. However, below the surface hides its healthy numbers-matching drivetrain, while the seller includes much of the new steel required to return this classic to a rust-free state. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this promising Pontiac project.

The 1969 model year represented the end of the line for Pontiac’s First Generation Firebird. The badge had cemented its place in the market, although the sales volume dropped by nearly 20% compared to the previous year’s record. The history of our feature car is unknown, but time has not treated it well. Below the faded Burgundy paint is plenty of rust, consuming large areas of the floor, the rear quarter panels, and the lower front fenders. That initially sounds overwhelming, but this cloud has a silver lining. The seller recently purchased a pile of new steel, including rear quarters and floor pans, and also sourced a sound pair of front fenders. Installing those parts will go a long way toward returning the Firebird to a rust-free state. However, with so much cutting and grinding, and a fair helping of surface corrosion to address, dismantling this classic entirely would seem the most appropriate approach. Most of the trim should present acceptably after an attack with a polish cloth, while the seller also includes a new rear bumper.

The first owner teamed this Firebird’s Burgundy paint with Parchment interior trim, creating a classy look that would have turned heads. The photos are inconclusive, but it no evidence of rips or tears, the vinyl might present acceptably following a deep clean. The dash and pad look okay, although a new carpet set will probably find its way onto the buyer’s shopping list. It appears there is an aftermarket stereo mounted on the transmission tunnel. However, with the factory radio intact, reversing that change would be easy for those preferring a stock appearance.

As with the exterior, we shouldn’t judge this Pontiac’s mechanical health by the engine bay presentation. This beauty is a numbers-matching classic featuring a 350ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. The V8 would have produced 265hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. That was enough to launch this Firebird through the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds, a figure considered very respectable in 1969. The numbers-matching status isn’t the only slice of positive news, because this classic runs and drives. Everything under the hood requires detailing, but performing that work would be easy if the buyer selects the nut-and-bolt approach to the restoration.

There is no doubt that returning this 1969 Pontiac Firebird 350 to its original form will be a significant undertaking, with the images suggesting that entirely dismantling the car would be the best approach. However, with so much new steel and the healthy original mechanical components intact, it should be worth the effort. The seller listed the Firebird here on Craigslist in Ocean Gate, New Jersey. Their price of $13,000 looks quite affordable for a First Generation pony car, but the new owner will probably need to be hands-on with the build for it to remain financially viable. Is this a project you would consider tackling?