One of the attractions of First Generation pony cars was their enormous scope for personalization. Buyers on a strict budget could drive away in a stunning vehicle at an affordable price. However, those with more money in the bank could choose from an enormous list of factory options. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible reflects that fact and presents superbly following a rotisserie restoration. No area escaped the builder’s attention, resulting in a classic that will turn heads and produce impressive performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Firebird listed here on eBay in Bay City, Michigan. Of course, classics of this type are never cheap, with the seller setting their price at $100,000 OBO
The 1969 model year marked the end of the line for Pontiac’s First Generation Firebird. However, the badge went out in a blaze of glory, with the iconic Trans Am joining the range for the first time. As was the case with the original Camaro Z28, the Trans Am was an unplanned secret that sold in limited numbers. However, the Firebird 400 suffered no such issues and was the go-to for buyers seeking excellent performance. This “400” is a Convertible that presents beautifully following a rotisserie restoration. It features Starlight Black paint that looks deep enough to walk into. The panels are laser-straight, and the consistent gaps suggest an eye for fine detail. The power top in matching Black appears to be in as-new condition, while the car’s recent history suggests it will be rust-free. The trim looks exceptional, the tinted glass is clear, and the Rally II wheels look flawless.
The Firebird 400 meant business, delivering muscle car performance in a pony car body. This car’s numbers-matching motor should produce the factory-claimed 335hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque, since the restoration included a complete mechanical rebuild. The car retains its original three-speed automatic transmission and Safe-T-Track rear end, with the first owner ticking the boxes beside power steering and power front disc brakes. The engine bay presentation isn’t as clean as I expected, but at least the seller hasn’t bathed everything in detailing spray. Although not stated specifically, I would expect any Firebird 400 within this price range to be a turnkey proposition.
The first owner’s choice of interior trim makes this Firebird a desirable Triple-Black classic. Its presentation is on the money, with no obvious cosmetic shortcomings. The seats and other vinyl surfaces are excellent, the faux woodgrain is spotless, and there are no obvious aftermarket additions. We’ve reached the point where we can discuss options beyond this car’s mechanical specifications, because the first owner went ballistic with their pen on the Order Form. They selected air conditioning, power windows, a wood-rimmed tilt wheel, cruise control, a relatively rare folding back seat, and an AM/FM stereo radio. That’s a fairly comprehensive list, suggesting the first owner didn’t focus exclusively on outright performance.
One thing surprises me about this 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible, and it isn’t the seller’s price. I am amazed that they advertised such a stunning and desirable machine, but undermined their listing by supplying so few photos. Those that are there paint an extremely positive picture, confirming that the buyer won’t need to spend a dime on this classic beyond the purchase price. The listing statistics suggest it has only generated modest interest. However, it is fair to say that any classic within this price range will have a limited pool of potential buyers. Do you think it will sell for the BIN, or will the seller need to compromise to taste success?
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