At Barn Finds, we see plenty of cars for sale that sellers describe adequately, and this 1969 Pontiac Firebird Sprint here on Craigslist is no exception. However, ads often leave out one detail: why the seller is listing the vehicle, and that’s the case here. My Spidey-sense says that in a couple of weeks, the owner of this Poncho might tell his wife something like, “Honey, I tried to sell it, but nobody bought it”. Priced at $15,000, the seller says he doesn’t need to sell and is just testing the waters. It’s located in Spokane, Washington, if you’re feeling the notion to pursue this vintage F-Body. Curvette, thanks for finding this one and sending in the tip!
Fairly, the first-generation Sprint is a rare bird, since most buyers chose one of the available V8 models. Opting for the unconventional Sprint performance package upgraded the standard inline-6 from a 1-barrel carburetor to a Rochester 4-barrel, increasing horsepower from 175 in base form to 215 when paired with an automatic transmission, as this one is equipped. However, that number jumped to 230 on the 3-pedal examples. The only information provided here is that the engine and transmission are original, with no details on whether they still function or if the I-6 will still turn.
While many of the panels look like they could be straightened, the left quarter panel has taken a hard hit, and it may have also compromised the rear axle or possibly the frame. The owner says he expects a new quarter panel to arrive in the mail soon, so hopefully that’s all it takes to undo the damage in this area. There’s no mention of the platform, and no photos are included from underneath, so I’d at least ask about the bottom section before getting my hopes up that everything is fine down there. This Firebird also has mismatched wheels, which isn’t exactly a good sign either.
In addition to the bodywork, the interior could use refreshing, but it still appears mostly intact. Since this one didn’t come with a console, the automatic is operated by a column shifter, and I’m not sure why the steering wheel’s center hub appears in one photo but is missing in the others. I get the appeal of the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Sprint’s European-inspired vibe, but this one needs a lot of work, and it won’t be cheap to get it back on the road. Is fifteen grand, or close, a reasonable price to get started on this project?
Sure is sad the drek people are dragging out of the woods. I wonder if philosophers will have a field day in the future. I’m sorry to see people in such dire situations.
Be that as it may be, aim your rotten tomatoes squarely at image #2. Not literally, of course, this is the motor that started the whole timing belt fiasco. A pox be cast upon that. It was the one thing I never forgave DeLorean for. I can’t find any advantage to one, except to keep the mechanics busy. At least it’s not an interference motor. I knew a guy with a Tempest Sprint, and I must say, it certainly had the steam of a small V8, but began burning oil, and I think just a poor rendition of what could have been a great motor. The Europeans must have had a good laugh, foolish Americans, dabbling in areas they know nothing about, with OHC motors in Europe dating back to 1902, and they didn’t have a belt driven camshaft.