Pontiac’s Firebird would jump into action in 1967 along with Chevy’s new Camaro. For the cars’ first generation (1967-69), they would collectively outsell the Ford Mustang by some 30,000 automobiles. And that included an extended production year in 1969 as the second-gen GM models were delayed getting off the ground. This ‘69 Firebird has had the same owner for the last 25 years and looks to have had an exterior restoration started. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, bidding on the car here on eBay has registered $11,100 but there’s still a reserve to be met.
Though using the same platform, the ’69 Firebird would have some of its styling cues changed (as did the Camaro at Chevy) to keep consumer interest high. Some 87,700 Firebirds would be built that year with 11,600 or so being convertibles. The most popular engine choice in these cars was probably the 350 cubic inch V8 which is also in the seller’s car but there is no mention if it’s numbers-matching. It’s paired with a 3-speed manual transmission to help make it fun to drive around town.
Most of the body pieces have a coat of red primer on it, and the passenger side of the car looks as though any issues that may have been there have already been dealt with. The Endura front snout looks like it might have a couple of cracks and the rear bumper is missing. The driver’s side, however, has some dimples in the door and the black convertible top is worn and torn.
Optimism is the word to describe the interior, which we’re told is original. Other than some cracks and tears in the driver’s seat and imperfections in the dash pad, it looks good. Even the woodgrain in the console is quite nice. The power top is said to operate properly, and all the windows go up and down as they should. All in all, a nice passenger compartment for nearly 83,000 miles of use and decades of being idle, per the seller.
We’re told the Firebird is going to need some work done to be roadworthy but doesn’t exactly say what. It runs, drives and stops but probably does none of it well, so be prepared to roll up your sleeves to get this one going again. With some TLC, this Pontiac could be a good starting point for a light-duty project – unless there are some gremlins yet accounted for.
Lots of bondo, especially in the passenger rear, lots of negative feedback. Wise potential buyers would perform an in person inspection prior to purchase.
Steve R
Even if you take that one out it still leaves 3 negative feedbacks out of a total grand total of 9 within the last year, that record speaks for itself.
Steve R
Golly gee, you are right. I’ll also ignore that 1/3 of his feedbacks are negative.
Steve R
$11000 and reserve not met? Body work and bondo questionable? 350 car with a 400 hood? Needs work to be a driver again? Seller should be happy with the $11k. To put in perspective, I purchased a ’69 Firebird Convertible, 400, 4 speed, driver condition, needing some bodywork (I replaced driver and passenger floors and trunk floor because panels were thin from rust and some holes), Paint on car is driver quality with imperfections and bubbling. Top works as it should and just one small 1″ tear at a seam. Pretty much a driving project car. I paid $15k. This car is about maxed at $11k…if body work isn’t jacked up and driveline doesn’t need rebuilt. Be weary buyers.
Poncho, what year did you buy it? That’s a great price. I have one with the same drivetrain and convertible. Also, same issues plus rocker. My research suggests about 1100 born this way. Bill
This is a beater. In my experience, once a car has been beaten up, it´s damaged goods. No thanks.
The rim of the steering wheel looks like it’s crumbling in your hands as you drive. Uncommon but it’s going to need a lot of work.
I read the ad and want to buy. I read the comments, and then decide against it. This is my daily routine here on Barnfinds.
Good friend of mine had a yellow ’69 400, 4 speed convertible back in high school. One summer day, post -graduation, he loaned the keys to another buddy for a beer run. (If you are already groaning, you know what’s next).
Second or third turn after he left with tires squealing, he lost control and over corrected straight into a suburban living room. I’m sure the oldsters inside near had heart attacks when the beak of that bird came through the wall and replaced the TV.
Fortunately, the Firebird came out better than the wall. The owner made the insurance claim and it came out of the paint shop perfect and in a beautiful shade of red. All’s well that ends well …?
Good friend of mine had a yellow ’69 400, 4 speed convertible back in high school. One summer day, post -graduation, he loaned the keys to another buddy for a beer run. (If you’re already groaning, you know what’s next).
Second or third turn after he left with tires squealing, he lost control and over corrected straight into a suburban living room. I’m sure the oldsters inside near had heart attacks when the beak of that bird came through the wall and replaced the TV.
Fortunately, the Firebird came out better than the wall. The owner made the insurance claim and it came out of the paint shop perfect and in a beautiful shade of red. All’s well that ends well …?
Jason, I take it that you are the seller, lol?
This tool thinks you are acting like a 12 year old. Time to grow up.
Steve R
Why the personal attacks? why the insults?. Stop it already, we ought to be on the same page here, at least essentially.