Both Chevrolet and Pontiac fielded entries in the new “pony car” sector in 1967. The goal was to dethrone the “king”, Ford’s Mustang, but sales of the Camaro and Firebird combined were still less than that of the FOMOCO offering. The first generation of the Firebird ran for three years and the seller’s car is from the last iteration (1969). This automobile doesn’t run, needs restoring, and had a color change at some point. Located in Clarkston, Michigan, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the current bid is $12,000 (no reserve).
The Firebird and Camaro were built on the same platform, so the similarities in appearance were apparent. They both were treated to a styling refresh in 1969 and the result was generally an improvement (IMO). Yet the two cars would take different paths in terms of sales growth. While the Chevy sales increased by 6& in 1968, Pontiac’s grew by 30%. Yet the Camaro climbed another 3% in 1969, while the Firebird saw a drop of nearly 20%. Both cars had a 15-month production run in ’69 as the all-new models for ’70 were delayed being readied for market.
An assumption made by the seller is that the engine and transmission are original to the car. Nearly 53,000 Firebirds had the 350 cubic inch V8 that year and this one is paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission. The seller is throwing in a spare 400 V8 and we’re told both turn freely, which tells me that the Firebird is not currently operable.
Looking like Hugger Orange (a Camaro color), this car wears a repaint that covers up its original Limelight Green. The interior is beige and would go with either color. The upholstery looks okay, while the door panels, armrests, and dashpad will need some attention. We’re told “most parts” are there to get a restoration underway. Would you stick with the orange or go green again?
Either color looks good on the cars but with all the factory parts available might as well go with the green. Car looks solid so it should make a good project to get back to it’s original glory.
Why is the seller assuming provenance of the drivetrain? If it’s out of the car, can’t they simply check the numbers?
Eddie’s right. No need to assume anything. The VIN is stamped on the front of the engine. Lots of websites offer clear tables with all the numbers.
All 350 engines are not the same. I would want to make sure this is a Pontiac engine as they used a much better design than the Chevy engines.
God Bless America
When I read the title “Two V8 Engines “, I was secretly hoping that they were both hooked up in the car, like TV Tommy Ivo did back in the sixties!
Orange with that interior…UGH!
Yeah SG, not particularly flattering. If you, or any other BF reader, would like to see an absolute vomit inducing color combo, please view eBay and look for a similar orange 1972 Olds Cutlass with black vinyl top. Externally the car looks fine…just wait til you get to the interior pics. I’m still a bit nauseated…
Edit: 1971 Cutlass…this site could really use an edit comment button!
Carousel red WAS a Pontiac color in ’69.
I just saw the ’71 Olds Cutlass, looks like the Grinch puked all over the inside !!!!!!!!!
Orange, go with all black interior. If one of the blocks is a 400, I’d go with that. It’ll never be original again, so a day 2 performance look would be what I’d shoot for.