While the Camaro vs. Mustang vs. Barracuda/Challenger battle pretty much defines the golden age of the pony car wars, the fighting inside General Motors was just as fierce. This ’69 Firebird was a foot solider in that battle. It’s located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is listed here on Craigslist with an asking price of just $3,500.
This photo makes it evident why the price is low – it’s a “roller” with no engine or transmission. According to the seller, “This is a pretty complete roller”, and from looking at the photos that seems basically accurate. No underhood photos were provided so we will just have to imagine what that empty space looks like and what accessories, if any, are still there. The seller believes the differential is a posi-traction unit. Slapper bars bolted to the rear axle could indicate this car made some hard launches during its life.
The lack of hood scoops and center grill emblem means it was likely born with the capable but under-appreciated Pontiac 350 powerplant. The seller notes it had a manual transmission. No, the front bumper is not missing – these never came with one.
Obviously the main consideration with a project car like this is how badly it has been attacked by the tinworm over the past 49 years. The seller mentions “Frame rails are nice, floors are nice” and “Doors open and close nice as well as the trunk”. Unfortunately there aren’t any close-ups or underbody photos in the ad to verify this.
The body panels and rear bumper look pretty straight and most of the trim seems accounted for. Is that an original 1971 Michigan license plate?
The interior likewise appears pretty complete from this photo, although all of the rubber and vinyl looks cracked and in need of replacement. Fortunately, the healthy availability of repro parts means most are just a few clicks (and a credit card) away.
With a reasonable price of $3,500 (the seller notes he is probably not going to budge on that), and the plentiful supply of both restoration and go-fast parts, this might be the ideal basis for a winter project. But given it’s Michigan heritage and the typical abuse most of us inflicted on these cars back in the 70’s, a closer inspection would certainly be recommended. Would you consider giving this tired bird a new set of wings?
Already gone! That ’69 Firebird looked like a great starting platform to either build something more or less stock or a beast of a Poncho.
Engine or no engine, that was the most realistically priced (for the condition) early Firebird or Camaro I’ve ever seen here.
One of the quickest sales of a vintage muscle car on Craigslist ever.
Just needs 4WD.
In case some missed it,,,
https://barnfinds.com/four-by-f-body-1969-pontiac-firebird-4×4/
NOOOOO!!!! lol.
Pretty hard to go wrong there…be on the look out for twice the price at auction. Won’t be the last time BF readers see this bird.
Aaaaaaaaand………… It’s GONE!
The article mentions that there is no front bumper. Incorrect. The 69 Firebird was the first year the Firebird moved towards the Endura bumper. The surrounds around the headlights were the Endura plastic with a rubber piece behind it. The center chrome bumper surrounds the grills. The 3 piece front bumper along with the Firebird marker lights on the quarter panels make the ’69 an unique year car.
That was a steal. I’d bring a trailer & make the drive with cash in a Heartbeat to tow it home for a few grand anyday
I have owned Camaros and mustangs but always lusted after the Firebirds of this vintage. I got to drive one in high school with a 400 ci and the old Rochester quadra jet 4 bbl and a 4 speed, beautiful car and power to burn, tires that is!
There is one of this vintage here in Mexico for sale. The ad says something along the lines that it wouldn’t take much to convert the front end to a Camaro.
I thought, WTF, who would want to do that!