It’s always fun to see a first-year Pontiac Firebird pop up for sale, whether it’s one in need of restoration or a well-kept survivor that’s been shown lots of love over the years, and while this 1967 Pontiac Firebird here on eBay might at first glance look like it leans toward the former on the outside, it’s already gotten plenty of well thought out attention in the performance department. If this one is ticking the right boxes and you want in on the action, bidding has gotten up to $23,600 so far without the reserve being met, but if you’d like to first check it out in person plan a quick trip over to Tacoma, Washington.
Although the wheels, tires, and front calipers might be hints outside that something special could be going on here, just a quick look at the exterior doesn’t really reveal anything other than a stock body that’s never been painted, according to the seller, as he says that’s 100% the original finish and it’s developed some cool patina over the past 56 years, along with a few imperfections here and there in the sheet metal.
But once you open the hood, everything’s a whole different story! Sitting in the bay now is a 2.0L LTG turbo engine out of a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, and it’s been connected to a Tremec TR3160 6-speed manual transmission. Out back is a third-member style 9-inch Currie unit with a 3.25:1 ratio, but it shouldn’t be all that time-consuming to change the gear parts out if the next owner decides on something different, just keep in mind the seller says the car averages 32 MPG as it is now!
It looks like what’s happening inside is a combination of things old and new, with what appears like factory seating in the back but a fresh set of Corbeau buckets up front. An IDIDIT steering column with a tilt stalk has been added plus some sound-deadening for the interior so that the rockin’ sound system can deliver tunes with less road noise.
Harder to see but making a strong visual statement once you get down there is the chassis, a HEIDTS unit utilizing their PRO-G subframe kit in the front and independent rear suspension. Also underneath is a custom-built TIG stainless steel exhaust system, a fuel tank by Rick’s, plus there’s even an electric A/C compressor in the trunk. I’m definitely intrigued by the builder’s vision here and enjoying how this F-Body turned out, just curious how much higher the price will have to climb before this one’s able to exchange hands. How much would you be willing to shell out for what we’re seeing here?
Very nice build, not in love with the engine choice, yeah they will go 200k so it’s got roughly half it’s life left. But it’s a direct injection engine, any gear heads here know carbon deposits can get ugly as the miles go up. So have to wonder why with all that’s gone into the building of this car the engine wasn’t freshened up. Other than yeah not the typical LS, the suspension and some of the other updates without a doubt are done very nicely. Tip my hat to the builder. Enjoy the drive!
I really like the mods and if I were to own I would probably fix the body after enjoying the car for a couple seasons. The 4 cylinder engine would not be my first choice but rather than condemn I would need to drive it first. A LS with a 6-speed would also yield good fuel economy on the highway. No doubt this handles like it’s on rails and I’m sure the 4cyl. comes close to the ideal 50/50 weight distribution. If this car was originally a OHC car I would have even tempted to use the GM inline 6 with some added induction. Those engines have been built to make some serious power. Overall thumbs up for a build that has to have 60K invested. This one looks quality.
21st Century hot-rodding. Love it for the creativity, and it’s a full build minus cosmetics: updated chassis components, suspension, powertrain, dash, etc. Great find and write-up, Mike.
2.0L LTG twin-scroll turbocharged, direct injected, inline four cylinder from a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu ??
What a shame, LOL
Hate it. If you want to personalize your build like this you have alienated half, or more, of potential buyers. So either dont do it or do it completely. I hate it. You want an early firebird, get one and enjoy it. This one you wrecked forever.
I’m with you. Cool build. How many V8s are there and is there any real need for another?
I’m not in love with patina but everything else is cool and different. A good combination.
Philosophically, besides *exactly* demonstrating the creative spirit of hot-rodding, this classic can be enjoyed and driven down the road. Consider all the cars we’ve covered here that sit for decades without being driven. They are the real source of shame.
I definately agree with you about the the money thing.those with money have surely ruined it for the average joe out there and it is a real shame.took a fun thing and made it into a greedy money grabbing business.
Some high quality parts have been used to make this and I love it But I’m wondering about the 2 brake fluid reservoirs and the lack of any visible brake parts on the back wheels? Are the brakes for the rear on the driveshaft like on the old big army trucks that had a single disc brake and caliper mounted off of the differential housing.? If so or something like it this is definitely a very unique build indeed.
Look closer- the rear brakes are inboard, next to the diff.
This is America, just spend the money and be happy!!
The engine is rated at 250 hp and 260 ft-lbs of torque. Those aren’t killer numbers, but probably better than the 326 V-8.
Sleeper is usually used to describe a stock looking vehicle that has received a large infusion of horsepower. Is that really the case here?
I like it! I have thought that putting an eco-boost into some older shell would be an interesting and potentially performance producing option. Obviously that would bring out the haters in a GM, which is probably why they went this direction.
It seems like getting the interior one color would be a priority with this, but who am I to talk after redoing my front seats and trying to live with the back ones that no longer match. The choices we make…
FYI…from the owner.
Engine Source: The LTG engine was purchased used from Northwest Auto Parts in Anchorage, AK. It originally came from a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu with VIN# 1G1ZD5STXJF292084.
Initial Mileage: When the engine was installed into the Firebird, it had 30,502 miles on it.
Rebuild Status: To the best of my knowledge, the engine has not been rebuilt and remains 100% stock.
Current Mileage: The engine currently has 34,575 miles on it, including the mileage since it was installed in the Firebird.
Estimated Power: In its current configuration, I estimate that the engine is making approximately 300 horsepower.
Fuel Efficiency: The engine has been performing well in terms of fuel efficiency, averaging about 35 MPG in the Firebird.
I asked the owner the question on ebay because I thought it would add to the discussion. Nothing more.
I’ve done business with northwest and never had a problem with them. To bad its not still up here , i would be interested… I’ve owned 2 68s 400s and 2 69s
The OPD,
Hot rodding has no real definition other than to make a vehicle better for your own use. I’m guessing there a plenty of readers out there that will appreciate this firebird for what it is.
To me it looks like the seller built a good running, reliable daily driver! For which 300 hp I’d more than enough.
Not everybody needs a monster hp v-8 to prove their hot rodding capabilities. Or proof of manhood.
In your opinion. We all get one.
And no I’m not looking at the wrong car.
I really like the idea and the car. I would love to see it in person and drive it and then make some informed observations about it. But I think I would probably love it. The creativity and the quality and craftsmanship is enough for me and I think if it drives half as good as it looks, I am sold!
Yep