Every now and then, a listing pops up that stops you in your tracks, not because it’s a wild restomod or a high-dollar show car, but because of how unusually original and well-optioned it is. That’s the case with this 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400, offered by a private seller in Bothell, Washington. It’s described as a super-original, special-order car that has remained with the original family until the current owner purchased it. Listed here on craigslist, it’s showing 78,000 miles, it retains its factory 400 V8 and automatic transmission. Thanks for the tip Curvette!
The seller says this Firebird may have more factory-ordered equipment than any other ’69 Firebird out there, and the list is impressively long. It was originally finished in Palladium Silver with a black vinyl top before being repainted dark cherry at some point. Backing up the story of how heavily optioned it is, the seller has both PHS documentation and the original window sticker, which reportedly shows the car costing more than a new 1969 Firebird Trans Am when it was sold new.
Among the factory-ordered equipment are notable comfort and convenience features that were far from common in 1969. Highlights include air conditioning, AM/FM high-fidelity stereo, factory 8-track player, deluxe interior, fold-down rear seat, power windows, power antenna, rear window defrost, center console, shoulder belts, power steering, power disc brakes, tilt steering, Rally II wheels, and a low-fuel indicator light. The seller notes there are even more options not listed in the ad but accounted for in the paperwork.
The Firebird runs, drives, and shifts well, and the steering has been upgraded with a high-quality Redhead steering box. Two items will need attention: the power brake booster and the starter. Fortunately, both a brand-new booster/master setup and a new starter are included with the sale. The seller takes the car to local shows, where it draws compliments and has already earned some awards during their four-year ownership. A clean title is in hand.
This Firebird checks the boxes for originality, documentation, desirable powertrain, and rarity of options—a difficult combination to find today. For someone who values originality and wants a well-equipped ’69 that stands apart from the crowd, this could be a standout opportunity.
Would you preserve this heavily optioned Firebird as a time-capsule cruiser, or refresh it in its original Palladium Silver and black vinyl top?
I love the fold down seat option. Not useful for much but I have only had one bird with that option. That was a 67 which also had the super rare 4 piston caliper disks on front. I am not really digging this plum color but the car is cool. Wished there were more pics because there is something about that side view of all purple that just looks odd. Maybe I am just expecting a Verdoro green or the ole Gold one. Love the note about this costing more than a 69 T/A. That is crazy to think about, considering a TA will probably bring 4X what this might. Thanks for sharing. Cool Cool.
Just consider what a similarly equipped 69 Camaro costs. I personally like maroon but wish it was the original silver. One thing they don’t show is that it has a column shifter which to me is a little weird since it has the console. I still think it’s a pretty good value at the asking price. Great write up Elizabeth.
I would guess the column shift is due to (believe it or not) the 8 track player.
How is this car “one family from new”? Too many sellers make false claims about original owners and mileage to drive up the asking price, this seller is clear he bought it from the original owners family. It’s bad enough dubious claims go unchallenged, worse when they are injected into a featured writeup.
Steve R
Steve- You bring up a good point. I rely on available provenance when trying to prove the “1-family-ownership” claim.
My first car was a 68 Firebird 400 HO convertible. Indestructible Deluxe interior, automatic on the column, no console, fold down rear seat, and the four piston disk brakes up front. Punchline is the 2.56 posi rear. A real odd mix of options. Very expensive to own. Very fast.
Looks like some rat !
Back about 5 or 6 decades ago I bought a bright yellow with black vinyl roof and American Racing Torque Thrust wheels 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 from a used car lot for $2200.00. It was equipped with a/c, power windows and front power disc brakes. It was a fast car which I raced often. Topped out at 147 MPH as clocked by the California Highway Patrol on I-5 in Northern California.
God Bless America
Been there! Did the Chippy cite you or did he want to go for a ride!
Neither. I stopped and waited for them to catch up. There were 4 officers in the car, they pulled up behind me, one came to my car and asked why I was going so fast. I told him I just had the car tuned up and wanted to see what it would do. He said they clocked me at 147 MPH. Then he asked why I stopped? I said it was the way I was raised. He said have a great day and slow down.
John
That was an expensive ticket! Did you do any jail time because of that “little” infraction of the law?
How can a car be original if it’s been repainted?
Wow! That’s one of the best, reasonably priced, good looking, well optioned, well cared for and desirable cars to grace this site in a while.
Had a ’67 Bonneville wagon with the same power train, it was great, at 200,000 miles still did not burn oil. But it ate water pumps every 40,000 miles, would not start when very hot since heat would make starter bind, and had, at the same time, a ’69 Camaro, another great car. Rust killed both of them. If the Camaro body had survived wanted to transplant the Pontiac power train, but underneath there was nothing to weld anything to, anymore, at the end. Would have had this result, but would be pretty worthless as a mongrel.
That starter just needed the Pontiac approved starter shim. (Or shims) common issue on pre’85 Pontiac V8s
Great car! Wish it was mine!
Wish someone had told me that in 1973 when I bought it. Did not dare turn it off when putting gas in, in the summer. Otherwise it was a great powerful car.
I always like the Phoenix quarter marker lights. Best looking quarter lights ever made.
would rather see it in silver than resale red. 36k is a stiff # in my opinion. he is not from the original owner’s family, so it’s had a couple owners no big deal. needs more tlc to ask that kind of money
I’m wondering if the power antenna is an aftermarket add-on. I’ve seen GTOs, and full-size Pontiacs with a p/a, but never a Firebird or Camero for that matter.
“high-fidelity stereo”
High-Fi = 1 channel
Stereo = 2 channels
????
I always liked the looks of the ’69 Firebirds, a little more than the ’67/’68 ones due to the front end. IMHO, this car would look better in the original silver – this dark cherry is too dark. If I had it, I would have it repainted in its original color. It’s also a shame – I lived in Renton, and would have given this car serious thought, but I’m now in Panama, and I wouldn’t subject such a beauty like this to the streets here! This is the first Firebird I’ve seen with a column shift – I’ve seen a Camaro with one, but not one of these. It would be a conversation piece for sure, like seeing a first-generation Mustang with bench seats (and I’ve seen two of those!)!
How bout this – 1 of 2 built with column shift …
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1131106/1969-pontiac-trans-am-ram-air-iv/
Just as odd is any 2nd gen t/a with column shift.
Look for the 1 of 2 ’69 T/As built with col shift auto & Ram Air IV !
A 2nd gen T/A with col shift & SD-455 is just as rare & bizarre.
I noticed the steering wheel was left out of the photos. Was that on purpose to not bring attention to the column shift?
He says in the right up that it comes with some new parts . for the price you would think he put them on .. Overall a good looking car.
There is a new Craigslist ad for this car and the price is now $30000.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/mill-creek-1969-pontiac-firebird-400/7895174034.html
This car is now listed on Craigslist with pictures showing the column shift and a price drop from $36000 to $30000.