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?
Awesome looking Bird with interior options that are somewhat rare, but 100K seems a bit much. 60K, maybe a bit more and that’s it.
I lowered the price to $70,000 or best offer.
It’s nice to see the actual owner come and comment on his car. Beautiful Firebird and good luck with your sale.
I thought that was a typo. 100000 grand? If it was a Grand National yes. This car?
Is it showing a tilted steering wheel? Not mentioned if so………
Were there just tilt steering wheels in addition to the tilt/ telescoping steering wheels on the order sheets for these models?
I do remember that the wooden steering wheels were a popular option but I thought the tilt telescopic function was a combination or nothing…
Tilt/Tele steering columns were available on GM big cars, think Cadillac, Buick Electra, Olds 98, and the Eldorado/Toronado. Chevrolet had a tilt/tele in 1966 available on the full size cars. The only other car I know of that had the tilt/tele was the 69 and up Corvette.
On this car, cruise control and the tilt steering column are part of the Turnpike Cruise Group. Very rare.
For the asking price this could use some detailing, to start with, the chrome air filter cover, easy peasy, better, more detailed pictures, especially pictures of the underside should be a minimum for the asking price price, just lazy lazy lazy seller.
Yah, I skipped the $50 under the hood detail job and would not ever have that lid rechromed, it’s a survivor.
Beautiful car, but I would want a very detailed inspection and build pictures and receipts. It may well be worth the price if everything checks out. I happen to be prejudice toward 69 Firebird 400’s though as I owned a Goldenrod yellow model way back when these were late model cars. I loved it and it had power to spend. Mine wasn’t a convertible but was highly optioned and I drove it hard.
God Bless America
The eBay listing states it is equipped with a Ram Air III engine, why doesn’t it have the Ram Air air cleaner assembly? A car this expensive, which is being justified by its extensive options list, should have PHS documentation.
Steve R
Agree on showing some documentation, very nice car but even if it’s a ram air III it’s not a $100k car.
The only difference between the base Firebird 400 engine and the ram air III is the 068 cam and long branch exhaust manifolds. When I meticulously restored the drivetrain I added the ram air III cam and exhaust manifolds. It’s just a NUMBERS MATCHING 400 car.
for 100k that engine bay looks like s**t. i would say 50k. that ask price is i really don’t want to sell it price.
Beautiful ‘Bird, but that atrocious engine bay makes me think this is a $60k restoration at most. I also don’t see any evidence that this is a Ram Air III engine… that’s just a plain ol’ intake. And no undercarriage pics? Dude must not really want to sell this vehicle.
Were there just tilt steering wheels in addition to the tilt/ telescoping steering wheels on the order sheets for these models?
I do remember that the wooden steering wheels were a popular option but I thought the tilt telescopic function was a combination or nothing…
Yes, this is undeniably a beautiful Firebird but nobody will or should pay the asking price. It’s up in prestigious Trans Am territory where it just simply doesn’t belong. And spending 50, 60 or 70K on a restoration doesn’t make a 45K car worth 100K. But hey, people have the right to ask whatever they want when selling their car, but they’re going to be waiting a long time on this one.
At not even this price the car should look better than showroom new, but it looks more like a very well-maintained driver with nice paint to me.
Many years ago my brother had a 69 FIREBIRD He walked out the front door one day and there were kids walking up and down over the roof and hood .l seriously that he was going to have a heart attack.
First off, I have to post a huge THANK YOU to Adam Clarke!
You are a wordsmith. Good on ya!
I noticed the views on eBay going up and did a search and found out why.
Very nice loaded with options Firebird here. Needs cleaning up under the hood and more pictures for that HIGH price. I’m thinking more 60K here.
For those who like documentation there’s the Protecto-Plate that’s another very rare option, AND the FACTORY build sheet, what a treat.