1967 was the year that Chevrolet and Pontiac entered the pony car game. Both the Camaro and the Firebird got off to good starts, with the latter selling more than 82,000 cars in its first outing. This convertible, which could be one of less than 3,000 produced, has been locked away for 15 years and has the dust bunnies to prove it. It’s located in Clayton, Indiana (near Indianapolis) and available here on craigslist for $7,500. Our thanks go to local_sheriff for turning up this lead for us!
As the Mercury Cougar was to the Ford Mustang, the Firebird was to the Camaro, i.e. a little more upscale version of somewhat the same car. The pony car market was catching fire then, two years after the Mustang was launched and — by the end of the decade — everyone would be in on the act. We’re not given a great deal of information about this particular Firebird and the photos are limited to just four. It’s a red convertible with a white top; if it’s a “standard” ragtop, Pontiac built about 3,000 of those for ’67 or if it’s a “custom” convertible, 6,000 or so were made. Either way, not mega numbers.
(Source: TransAmWorld)
The seller tells us this car was parked about 15 years ago and has not been touched since. We’re told that some bodywork will be needed, but we don’t know or see what that could be. The top is said to be good and the seller has some new chrome bits for the car, although we don’t know what they are, either. On the other hand, at first glance, the interior looks pretty nice and matches the exterior in color.
A 326 cubic inch V-8 with a 2-barrel carb is under the hood (we think), mated to an automatic transmission (2-speed?). 40,000 of the 1967 Firebirds came with V-8 power. As we don’t know the mileage of the car, we can’t determine whether getting the car running again will be a simple matter or if it will involve a rebuild. According to Hagerty, Firebird resale values can be pretty brisk, north of $40,000 for a primo example. At $7,500, is this a diamond in the rough? We just don’t have enough data to make that call.
My favorite Firebird. Just had more zing than the Camaro, a Pontiac exclusive. Apparently with the patina fad, nice appearance isn’t required, and still playing that “as found” condition card. Red with a white ragtop was probably the nicest color combination, and here it looks like crap. Regardless, a great find, provided it’s not too wasted underneath and I’d take that SkiDoo Elan next to it, as well. They were tough sleds.
I knew you’d comment on the Elan Howard. It was their bread and butter model, bought for utility and back woods work. I rode one way way back when and although it wasn’t a trail burner it went through anything and was tough and stable to boot. If you want to have an old sled around the northwoods property for emergency travel this is it. Easy to work on, dependable and durable. Nice call buddy. First 2 years of Firebirds are my favorites BTW.
… and extremely light, by today’s standards!
Gone! Apparently someone thought it was a good deal.
At 7500 I would have been a buyer.
Russ, you mentioned that Hagarty says that “Firebird resale values can be pretty brisk.” Would you please expand on that? I’m not clear on what you mean. Are you referring to data on recent sales? If so, what data? Thanks in advance.
Gone….
I know the car is sold, but it would have been nice id the seller would have taken the time to clean up the exterior and taken “AFTER” pictures so we could have seen what a gem it was. maybe the new owner will submit some pictures after he cleans it up so we can relive history.
At 7500, its not a wonder it sold lickity split.
I will place a gentleman’s wager that we will see this car in the near future for a kings ransom.
My crystal ball is split down the middle whether it just fets flipped with nothing done to it or it gets a bath and a quick freshening to be a runner.
Looked like a great find and buy, as mentioned i was running for the phone when i first saw the car and price point.
I alway liked the Pontiac Firebird more than Chevy Camaro styling. Sure the Chevy engines revved higher with more HP, but the Pontiacs were also strong running, with more TQ down low.
Not close to being an expert on Firebirds, but don’t the molded armrests /door panels indicate a custom interior?
Yes
I would have been a buyer too, practically sight-unseen even with the limited pictures. You just don’t see unmolested 67s with a drop top in the right color combo anymore. This is the car Dad would have bought, had he not fallen for a loaded 69 and traded in his 67 hardtop which I loved. It was a 326/auto/deluxe interior in white.
I’ll take the Elan..they are a great snowmachine, go anywhere.