There are many reasons why a classic spends years in hibernation. This 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 has occupied this spot since 1971 after its recovery from a theft. It is missing its hood but is an otherwise complete classic that could represent a great revival or restoration project. The “400” designation indicates the capacity of the V8 occupying its engine bay, meaning it once possessed the performance to match its looks. The seller has listed the Firebird here on eBay in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They set their price at $20,000 with the option to make an offer.

The seller hasn’t attempted to rinse away over five decades of accumulated dust in most of the supplied images, although the final photo in this article reveals what is hidden beneath that dust. The first owner ordered it in Champagne, with the paint retaining a warm glow. It isn’t perfect, but if the new owner chose to tread the “survivor” path, it looks acceptable. It is unclear whether the hood went missing during the theft, leaving the buyer to secure a replacement. Otherwise, the body is complete. There are a few minor bumps and bruises requiring attention and a couple of areas where rust is emerging. That poses a question that is impossible to answer. The supplied information is far too brief, meaning we can only speculate on the state of the floors, trunk pan, rails, and other crucial areas. I always recommend inspecting any classic before spending hard-earned cash, so reaching out to the seller would be an excellent starting point.

The shortcomings in this listing move beyond the written description because there are no close-up engine shots. We know that this classic features a 400ci V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. That engine generated 325hp and 410 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, allowing this frisky Firebird to storm the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds. This was a genuinely fast car in 1967, which might be one reason why someone decided to liberate it from the owner’s garage. One interesting point to ponder is the “Item Specifics” section in the listing. It quotes an odometer reading of 45,000 miles, and if this Pontiac has hibernated for so long, that figure should be genuine. The new owner will need to perform a mechanical revival, and it is unclear how complicated this might be. The seller hasn’t fitted a battery or touched the car’s drivetrain in any way. That is good news because more than one owner has done untold damage by not performing that type of work properly. At least it means that the buyer can attack it their way, which is how most enthusiasts prefer it.

Considering the life it has led, the condition of this Firebird’s Gold vinyl trim isn’t a huge surprise. It saw little active service before being parked, meaning that there is no visible wear or signs of abuse. The dash and pad are clean, there are no issues with the painted surfaces, and the console appears perfect. I can’t spot any modifications or changes, with the factory radio occupying its rightful place.

The frustration with this 1971 Pontiac Firebird 400 is the lack of crucial information supplied by the seller. They haven’t attempted to coax its engine back to life, which is a positive. There is rust emerging in a few spots, and what appears to be some heavy corrosion in the engine bay. That begs the question of what might be hiding below the surface. An in-person inspection would seem warranted, or would you roll the dice and hope for the best?