Slipping a larger, more powerful engine under a classic’s hood won’t generate many news headlines. The practice dates back decades and is the approach one of this 1967 Pontiac Firebird Sprint’s previous owners took. Interestingly, they didn’t select a different motor from the Firebird range, bolting something from a different badge within the marque’s model range beneath the hood. It is a solid vehicle that could be a blank canvas for its new owner. The seller listed the Firebird here on eBay in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, and the solitary bid of $8,500 is below the reserve.
The pony car market segment sprang to life in 1967 as Chevrolet and Pontiac released their Camaro and Firebird cousins. The Plymouth Barracuda provided some resistance to the Mustang steamroller, but the GM pair achieved first-year sales that would have furrowed a few brows at Ford World headquarters. This 1967 Firebird started life as the Sprint variant, but underwent many mechanical changes before a previous owner placed it in storage around 1977. Its panels currently wear Black primer, and I can’t determine the car’s original paint shade. There are traces of Purple in some spots, but they don’t match anything on that year’s Color Charts. That said, the buyer can change it again to personalize this classic, if they feel motivated. The panels have a few bumps and bruises, and it looks like both lower front fenders may have minor rust. However, the seller says the floors and other crucial areas are rock-solid, reducing the cutting and welding required. The Black vinyl top is in good condition, and the Firebird rolls on a set of Oldsmobile wheels.
Since this Firebird started life as the Sprint variant, its engine bay once housed the 230hp OHC six. It was a pretty respectable motor, delivering 215hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque. However, much has changed since 1967, and the six is now a distant memory. Occupying its rightful place is a 389ci V8 from a 1966 GTO. It was rebuilt, including a 0.060″ overbore, an upgraded camshaft, and a Brawler 650cfm carburetor. The seller isn’t sure what power it makes, but I am sure it will give this Firebird genuine muscle. A Turbo 400 transmission handles the shifting, and the car also has power steering and recently upgraded power front disc brakes. The seller commenced the car’s revival after decades in storage, and the listing suggests it is almost roadworthy. They replaced the rear brakes to match the front upgrade, and also fitted new ball joints, KYB adjustable shocks, an aluminum radiator, an HEI distributor, and a starter. They say that the tires are old, and since the motor is strong, it appears that new tires might be all that stands between this classic and the open road.
Trimmed in Parchment vinyl and featuring bucket seats and a console, this Firebird’s interior is surprisingly tidy. The seats and carpet are very presentable, as is the console. The door trims and dashpad are cracked, and the headliner is past its use-by date. I don’t think it needs a complete retrim, but it’s worth exploring options. A complete trim kit may cost only slightly more than the listed parts if purchased separately. If so, a complete refresh to achieve a high-end result might be a no-brainer.
I typically prefer my classics unmolested, but I acknowledge that the V8 powering this 1967 Firebird should deliver an entertaining driving experience when the buyer slips behind the wheel. The listing suggests it won’t need much work to achieve that goal, and its lack of significant rust would let the buyer have fun while deciding how to address its cosmetic needs. A color change would be fairly easy in its current state, offering limitless opportunities for personalization. What would you do if you won the auction?
Leave A Comment