With the pony car concept still fairly new and proving to be a hot segment in the marketplace, Pontiac got in on the action in early 1967 with the introduction of its Firebird, though the Chevrolet Camaro had beaten it by nearly six months. First-year buyers had their choice of six or eight-cylinder engine power, and while most selected one of the V8 options, opting for the Sprint model got you a 4-barrel on top of the I-6, which raised the output to a satisfying 215 horsepower. This 1967 Firebird Sprint here on eBay could use a thorough restoration, but it’s running, mostly complete, and likely at a pretty good starting point to become a fine cruiser. This one’s in Antonito, Colorado, with the present bid of $8,250 still falling short of the reserve.
Both inline-six engines measured 230 cubic inches in 1967, although that size increased to 250 for the following year. Each 230 was also of the overhead cam variety, but for just over a hundred dollars more, the Sprint featured higher compression, a more aggressive cam, and a Rochester Quadrajet instead of the base 1-barrel, resulting in a 40 HP gain over the entry-level I-6. This one is reported to start and drive, and more good news is the transmission, as it’s a 4-speed manual. Recent mechanical maintenance includes a new carburetor, fuel pump, and radiator. One of the photos also shows what appears to be a fresh gas tank down below.
The owner states that until recently, this Firebird had been parked in New Mexico since 1993, and rust issues appear to be minimal. There’s a bit of corrosion behind the wheels on both quarters, but it’s light enough that even a novice bodyman could probably make the repairs, and most of the panels seem to remain relatively straight. Maybe it’s my imagination, but the missing paint almost resembles a bird perched on the hood from the passenger-side angle, with the front of its head near the right wiper and tail facing the left front headlights, so I might have to drive this car as-is for a while before eliminating this unusual novelty.
The only interior tidbit provided is that the dash lights are working, but enough pictures are supplied to show that it’s mostly there and could use a refresh. Though the steering wheel, dash pad, and headliner need to be replaced, the seller posts a good photo from underneath that seems to show the floors and rails are likely still strong, so hopefully the work needed on this 1967 Pontiac Firebird Sprint will be mostly cosmetic. Is this first-year F-Body one you’d be interested in taking to a higher level?
Nine out of ten Firebirds of this vintage have V8s so this would be somewhat unique. Not to mention this one also has three pedals. This car is probably fun to drive too with that 4-speed. About the OHC six, they sound great with a split exhaust and headers. Its cam is rubber-belt driven. I don’t know if it’s an interference engine but if the belt breaks you’re going to be hoofing it anyway, if not replacing the mill. But an inline six does have an advantage of smoothness too. Would I take this one? Sure, if I could ship it.
Hope the buyer doesn’t pull out the six in favor of a V8. I always thought this was the first American OHC six, but Jeep was first.
Straight six is an excellent solution, engineering-wise, and the manwell would make a huge difference in driving experience. I have to wonder what they were hooking up to the trailer hitch?