I have always liked First Generation pony cars. They feature a purity that was lost in later models as dimensions and vehicle weight grew. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird is particularly attractive, from its 400ci V8 to its spotless presentation. It would be easy to describe it as a high-end restoration, although the included documentation suggests that it is beautifully refurbished. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Firebird listed here on eBay in Plano, Texas. The seller set their price for this classic at $42,000 OBO.
The 1969 model year marked the end of the line for the First Generation Firebird after a brief three-year presence on showroom floors. The company took an evolutionary approach to updates, knowing that a replacement was waiting in the wings. This Firebird 400 presents impressively, following what I would describe as a high-end refurbishment. It falls short of being a genuine restoration because, while its panels sport the correct Limelight Green Metallic, the builder deleted the Dark Green vinyl top. They also added a set of Rally II wheels instead of utilizing the Deluxe wheel covers as specified in the PHS Documentation. However, I can forgive that because there is nothing about the car’s appearance that justifies criticism. The paint and panels are flawless, the glass is clear, and there are no trim shortcomings. The seller supplies several underside shots, seemingly confirming that this Firebird is rust-free.
As the model designation suggests, lifting this Firebird’s hood reveals Pontiac’s glorious 400ci V8. The first owner teamed this motor with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Pontiac’s 1969 Sales Brochure confirms that the 400 placed 330hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, providing excellent performance if the driver pokes this Firebird with a sharp stick. Sadly, we’ve reached the point where life becomes difficult. The seller supplies no information in their listing description, and I mean zilch. Therefore, it is unclear whether the car is numbers-matching or how it runs and drives. The visual indications are positive, and since the seller appears approachable and enjoys excellent buyer feedback, reaching out to them would be the logical first step if any of our readers are considering pursuing the Firebird further.
The Firebird’s interior is almost as tidy as its exterior. It is trimmed in the correct Black vinyl and features a console equipped with a Hurst “His and Hers” shifter. The overall presentation is extremely nice, with no evidence of wear or abuse. However, the builder made some decisions that are hard to fathom. Finding a replacement for the missing ashtray would be a piece of cake, but the aftermarket gauge cluster’s installation quality in the space typically reserved for the radio leaves a lot to be desired. It’s also worth noting that although the PHS paperwork indicates the first owner ordered this Firebird with air conditioning and power windows, the builder deleted both features during the refurbishment. That seems a strange decision to me.
If you’re the type of enthusiast who prioritizes exceptional performance and spotless presentation over total originality, you may be irresistibly drawn to this 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400. Faulting its appearance is challenging, and purists could undoubtedly reinstate the missing items to return the car to its factory form. Alternatively, they could elect to enjoy this Firebird in its current form, certain that it will provide excellent performance and the ability to turn heads. Which path would you choose?
I love it and consider offer. However, MDs yo condition nath
“MDs yo condition nath”
Please translate
That’s what AI (it specializes in creating gibberish) is for. It created it when he was typing (spell check), it should be able to translate it back into English.
Steve R
Based on the lack of description and what’s missing I’d bet, at a minimum, the power windows and AC were removed for someone’s other project. It has an aftermarket shifter, interior color change, manual windows when it came with power, AC removed, vinyl top removed and who knows what else was done to it. I’d be surprised if it still has the original engine. This has the feeling of a car that at some point was stripped of its good parts and pieced back together at a later date. It may be pretty to look at, but it’s hard to see someone paying $42,000 for this.
Steve R
Also looks like it is missing the heater core so no heat or defrosters unless i’m missing something.
You are correct! No heat and no A/C. At least the power steering is still there.
The first generation of Firebird was the best, and better than the first Camaro.. I’d snag this car. Right engine, right color, it’s nice. I’d probably even put up with this one’s “foibles”, though I’d dicker the price down some. I’d also try to trace the VIN’s history.
I have to go along with Steve R, why would anyone in their right mind take out electric windows and the ac??
Something is wrong in Denmark!
Pontiac was riding high in 1969. New Grand Prix, 2nd year of the COTY GTO and a freshened Firebird. Who doesn’t love a T/A but These were a scrapy little offering for someone to fly a bit under the radar. Good looking car that may be hiding a back story.
Hi Nelson, I pity the fool that missed 1969 in cars.
Ruined it really. The percentage of PW cars is incredibly low.
Next!
Correct me if I’m wrong, I think the 400 emblem on the driver’s hood scoop is for the passenger side.
Hi Mike,
I know what you’re saying; however, all three “400” emblems on this car are correct for a ’67-’69 Firebird. For the hood scoop emblems, they should always slant forwards.
The one thing that this Firebird has going for it is if it doesn’t have the matching numbers engine and transmission,etc. It could be driven all the time. I think most matching numbers collector vehicle’s do not get driven as much. Therefore they often just sit for long periods of time. Which isn’t good for the car at all. Myself, I love Pontiac’s and would consider buying a car like this just for the sheer joy of being able to drive it and not concerned I’d break or damage an original part. Miles of smiles
the whole hvac system is mia. why? that was a really stupid move.
People (and dealers) can’t be serious about selling if they don’t include any information on the vehicle. Don’t waste my time, I don’t want it that much.
No radio & the ash tray is missing too.
It’s just another over priced, underdone vintage car. No back story.
It doesn’t bother me the condition it’s in as I could care less about restorations. To me it looks like someone’s personal passion.
But what doesn’t make sense is the crazy money ask for what’s on the table.
For 40k it should be really all there they are a lot more fun with 3 pedals too, but I love the pull of those 400s I had one in a ’59 Chevy Apache pickup came out of a totaled fire chicken . It was amazing how easily it fit it the truck. We welded the motor mounts to the front cross member and the automatic cross member from the firebird across the frame and 2 holes lined up perfectly only had to drill 2 more , sweet