The Firebird was in its second year in 1968, having joined what would become the pony car “wars” along with the new Chevy Camaro. First-generation Firebirds would run through 1969 and – even though ’69 had an extended production year – 1968 would be the best of the three years in terms of sales. This car was found sitting idle after an extended period and the engine and paint were refreshed some time ago. It otherwise looks like a nice survivor-quality car waiting for a new home. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana this ‘Bird is available here on eBay where the bidding is up to $16,800 but the reserve is still seeking further activity.
After building 82,560 Firebirds in ’67, Pontiac turned up the heat and 107,112 copies rolled off the assembly line in ‘68. 85% of those cars would be coupes like this one and the 350 V8 (replacing the 326 from the year before) was a popular choice. This Firebird was well equipped when new, including automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and factory A/C which still blows cold. We’re told everything works properly on the car except the gas gauge.
The seller describes this as a “good driver” with new tires, brakes, battery, and exhaust system. Though it presents well in the photos provided, we’re told the quality of the paint is a “10-footer” meaning you’ll find flaws if you get up close. And I can’t tell if it’s black or deep blue. On the other hand, the interior looks good, and the aftermarket radio will play almost any tune you want. Purists might want to tackle a restoration, but why bother right now if it drives as it should? It’s bound to get attention wherever it goes. The next owner will get to see the odometer turn over as it’s just a few hundred miles from that point.
This would be a fun car to own. Kudos to the seller for not calling it a survivor in the description as this car doesn’t meet the criteria.
Why would anyone rebuild an engine and not paint it? Those valve covers look like 1968 paint.
Probably the same people who think shabby chic, torn jeans and patina look good. I sure wish that old and worn out looked good on me.
Being a 1968, it’s safe to assume it has the 2 speed ST300 transmission since the TH350 didn’t come out until the following year.
Yes, the ST-300 would have been the correct automatic behind a 350-2 barrel or 4-barrel (H.O.) in ’68. The Firebird 400 would have been equipped with the Turbohydramatic 400.
I am huge Gen 1 Firebird guy. I am in the industry and I am an expert in the classic / muscle car market for 35+ years now. If you are not aware of where the collector car market is headed, you better get educated before you start spending TOO MUCH MONEY on a car that is NOT going to appreciate in value.
This specific car is decent BUT it is NOT worth half of the money currently bid. Unbelievable what these auctions churn up…..what is the saying…..”A fool and their money will be soon parted….” something like that. The photos are pretty bad and you can see a TON of imperfections, dings, rust , poor quality repaint on a small block auto trans nothing Firebird. I could keep writing but I am to frustrated to do so! UGH!
Better take a look at this one in person before you part with your cash, and if you don’t know, BRING SOMEONE WITH who knows what the heck your looking at when it comes to buying a classic vehicle!
Tom, I agree completely with what you are saying. Some of the asking and selling prices we’re seeing for average “old cars” is absolutely mind boggling to me. I would not want to be the last guy in line when the correction occurs. I have my own thoughts about where things are going, and I would like to hear more about your opinion based on your experience. Thanks!
HI sorry, have been working like a maniac! Hopefully you will circle back on this one. In a nutshell, all the guys that have been collecting for years are getting older and unfortunately dying off. The families are sending all the cars thru auctions by the dozens and hundreds and “taking what they get” for them. Couple that with the older guys like me (55) know the market is declining (classic cars are no longer an investment that will appreciate by in large). Couple that with the fact that the younger generations have either NO interest in these cars OR are say 25-40 (like my kids who love these cars) BUT they are buying their first home, getting married and having kids = no money for classic cars…..THEN throw in the massive amounts of college debt and they will likely never get a classic. When they are my age, these cars will be (a 60’s muscle car) 100 years old. shift gears. Anyone who knows the reality of a restoration of a car above #2 condition knows it took 6 figures to get there and when you are done it is worth HALF of what you put into it…..and that is on a poplar car like a GTO, Chevelle, Mustang, etc….forget the car that has a smaller audience. SO, these guys with the great collections that are going to auction….you can BUY a car pretty close to what you would have built, for HALF the Money. I just bought a 59 Chevy with about 70K invested in it for $17K. Now, I thank the LORD for this blessing but that is the way it is going. When I complete the restoration on this car, total investment in it from the previous owner and myself will exceed $100K. IT will be about a 98 point out of 100 driver ( I used to let cars sit under covers, I plan on driving them more and enjoying them !!) and it will sell for about 60% of what is invested in it NOW. Not sure about the future….meaning how much less, not more, it will sell for. I am hoping to restore 3 vehicles between now and my last breath so I can leave one each to my 3 kids. Just think of cars from the Model T to pre and post war cars up until the early 1950’s. Interest is falling because those who WERE interested are 75-100 years old. You can now buy these cars for like no money. Classic cars are more of a commodity these days THAN EVER, meaning, the supply is increasing (collectors dying off and collections going to auction), demand is down so the prices are coming down and it makes NO sense to do a FULL restoration (except on a car RARE find) that will cost 100-200% more than what the car will sell for. Don’t even get me started on these kids who don’t want to even GET a Drivers License !!! WWHHHAAATTT !! :)
Thanks for the reply Tom, and I get being busy and working like a maniac! I’ll be 60 in a few months and I’ve been in the “hobby” since I was 16. Again, I agree completely with the comments in your reply. I own a few muscle cars and they are all considered to be pretty desirable. My plan is to sell three of the four I own before the bottom drops out, and keep the one that I’ve owned for decades. It’s been part of the family for a long time and I’ve never planned on selling it, so the value means nothing to me. I recently saw a nice ‘74 GTO for sale for $35,000. Seriously??
My brother bought a very nice, original one with more desirable options two years ago for $14,000! At some point this insanity is going to stop and it won’t be pretty when it does!
Sounds like a good plan unfortunately! I will be 56 and built my first 69 Firebird at 18. Grew up in the car repair industry. Still in it. Sales were HIGH in the recession…..I sold my 59 El Camino, 67 Firebird 400 Convertible (1 of 4% of production with almost every factory option), my 72 Stingray 454 M21 car and my 98 Dodge Ram long bed to the recession along with my luxury home and my guitar collection! oh well. Now i am rebuilding to i can retire some day. SO, I am looking to buy a few cars when the bottom DOES drop out ! I was looking forward to buying muscle cars, taking them to the next level and selling them as a “hobby” when I retire…..looks like I need a Plan B.
Did the good scoops & good tech only come on the HO ?
Scoops did not come on the HO, they only came on the 400. Hood tach was a factory option and it was a “dealer installed” option.