The 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 is a potent piece of machinery, capable of holding its own against almost any contemporary pony car. However, the seller’s decision to perform an engine transplant should raise this car’s performance. The vehicle presents nicely, ready for some open-road adventure with a new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Firebird listed here on eBay in Meridian, Idaho. The seller set their BIN at $40,000 OBO.

Pontiac offered 1969 Firebird buyers a choice of some pretty striking paint shades, but this car’s Cameo Ivory is a more subtle color exuding class and style. The seller indicates that the Firebird underwent a restoration at some point, but doesn’t specify when. Close inspection reveals a few chips and slight imperfections, though the sparkling paint and arrow-straight panels mean that its presentation remains excellent. The limited underside shots are equally encouraging, revealing no penetrating rust to spoil the ownership experience. The rear spoiler adds a sense of presence, an impression heightened by the desirable hood tach. The glass is crystal clear, the badges look crisp, and the Rally II wheels with their trim rings appear virtually faultless.

As the model designation suggests, this Firebird rolled off the line with Pontiac’s glorious 400ci V8 under the hood. We can speculate which version the first owner selected, but it would have placed at least 330hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque beneath the driver’s right foot. They ticked the boxes on their Order Form for a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes, creating a pretty potent package. However, much has changed since 1969, with this car’s original motor making way for a 454ci beast. It is unclear whether the seller performed any internal upgrades during the rebuild of the V8, but they state that the motor feels strong and that this classic runs and drives exceptionally well. All the buyer needs to do after handing over the cash is slip behind the wheel, twist the key, and head rapidly towards the horizon.

The seller’s limited interior shots make it difficult to make a definitive call regarding this Firebird’s interior condition. However, there appear to be no problems with the Black vinyl trim or the faux woodgrain. Someone cut a hole in the rear passenger compartment plastic for speakers, and there is a column-mounted shift light. The speakers were installed for a retro-style stereo that will provide excellent in-car entertainment. The seller states that the air conditioning blows cold but suffers from an electrical gremlin that occasionally causes a blown system fuse. They carry spare fuses, but it sounds like handing the car to an auto electrician might be wise to ensure that this minor issue doesn’t become a big one.

Although sales dropped in 1969 compared to the previous year’s record total, the Pontiac Firebird had cemented its place in the market, with production continuing across various generations until 2002. I typically prefer my classics unmolested, but I can understand the lure of engine upgrades to unleash significant performance gains. This Firebird has received such treatment, and should pin its occupants in their seats if the driver stamps on the “loud” pedal. It has generated considerable interest, which I suspect will translate into sales success. Do you agree?