The 1967 model year marked the period when the “pony car” wars would begin. After the successful launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964, serious competition didn’t arrive until 1967. That’s when the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and Mercury Cougar entered the scene. This ’69 Firebird 350 (for the engine size) convertible looks like a vehicle that’s ready for more weekend outings. Located in Albertville, Minnesota, this sweet drop-top is available here on eBay where the current ante is $22,988.

Both the Camaro and Firebird had great first-year sales in 1967, but combined they were still way off the mark the Mustang set (303,000 vs. 472,000 cars). The Firebird would settle into third place in production behind the Camaro but ahead of the Cougar. Like the Camaro, the first generation was a three-year exercise with an all-new model planned for 1970. But delays in readying the second-gen cars resulted in a 15-month production cycle for the 1969 model year. Oddly, the Firebird’s numbers would shrink while the Camaro’s grew slightly.

The seller has a nice ’69 Firebird convertible for sale and part of the listing says it’s a one-owner car. No mention is made of a prior restoration, and the paint has a few nicks and scratches. The bucket seat interior looks like it came from the factory and has minor wear. But none of it says you shouldn’t just drive the car the way it is for the near future.

Pontiac built 11,600 convertibles in 1969 and 11,500 Firebirds overall with the 350 cubic inch V8. So, if you do the math, the seller’s car might be one of 1,500 to 2,000 (just a guess). We’re told it’s rust-free and has recently been serviced although we don’t know to what extent. It’s said to perform well, and the car is for sale because the seller just doesn’t drive it very much. It happens.