Original 326 HO: 1967 Pontiac Firebird

Occasionally a classic will appear on our desks here at Barn Finds, and we ponder what the car’s back story might have been. Such is the case with this 1967 Pontiac Firebird. It would have been a stunning car in its prime, but it has fallen on hard times. A restoration will represent a pretty significant undertaking, but with its 326ci “HO” V8 under the hood, that could make it worthy of consideration and a tempting proposition for the right person. Located in Gray Court, South Carolina, you will find the Firebird listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $6500, although it appears he may entertain offers or trades.

Tackling the restoration of this Firebird is not going to be a task for the fainthearted. Its original Verdoro Green paint has seen better days, and vast areas of it have disappeared, which has allowed much of the exposed steel to develop significant surface corrosion. There is also evidence of penetrating rust in the lower body extremities, but it is unclear how extensive this is or whether it extends into the floors or frame. The owner supplies some underside shots, but these aren’t clear enough to determine whether there is significant rust beneath this classic. Worryingly, it looks like some may be developing in the cowl. That is not uncommon, but repairing it correctly is one of those time-consuming tasks that the buyer needs to complete properly to avoid a repeat performance. Given its overall level of deterioration, it would seem that the next owner of this Pontiac will be facing a complete nut-and-bolt restoration if the car is to present at a high standard once again.

If I were to try and sum up what this Firebird’s interior needs, the word “everything” springs instantly to mind. It is complete and retains essential components like the gauges, radio, and some of the woodgrain highlights. However, the upholstered surfaces and pad have deteriorated beyond repair, while the carpet and wheel are in a similar state. While hardware items like the seat frames and dash are salvageable, the buyer faces a complete re-trim if this interior is to present at its best once again. That means that they can add approximately $2,000 to the restoration bill for this classic. That’s a significant chunk of change, but it also represents a one-off cost in a restoration of this type.

Occupying this Firebird’s engine bay is its original 326ci “HO” V8 that would have pumped out 285hp. The rest of the major mechanical components include a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering. This combination would have allowed the Firebird to gallop through the ¼ mile in 16.8 seconds in its heyday. I’m sure that none of you will stagger around, clasping your chest in shock if I tell you that this car doesn’t currently run or drive. It isn’t clear when it last accomplished either feat, but the words “a long time ago” will undoubtedly feature somewhere in the answer. The owner provides no information on the state of this engine, so it isn’t clear whether it turns freely. I always worry about engines of this type when I see an open carburetor because that is a perfect place for foreign objects to find their way inside a perfectly good motor. Given the level of visible corrosion, there is a possibility that the inside of this V8 may wear a similar coating. That could mean that a rebuild will become a significant part of this restoration. The further we go with this car, the more money the buyer will be spending if it is to return to its former glory.

As I have previously mentioned, restoring this 1967 Pontiac Firebird will not be a task for the fainthearted. It will be a significant undertaking, and it will consume equal amounts of time and money to return this car to its former glory. Its financial viability will depend on how much cutting and welding of steel will be involved before the vehicle is structurally sound. If the buyer can perform much of that work themselves, that could tip the scales in its favor. Its cause is further aided by that V8 under the hood, and I won’t be surprised if this car finds a new owner pretty quickly. Will you?