There’s a green 1968 Pontiac Firebird coupe for sale in Ocala, Florida, listed at $4,500 OBO. According to the Facebook Marketplace listing, it’s a Firebird 400 backed by a TH400 automatic transmission, and the seller notes it’s an A/C-equipped car, which was still a notable option box to check back in 1968. What makes this one worth a second look isn’t polish, it’s the combination of an original drivetrain configuration and a price that leaves room to actually do the work the car needs. Thanks for the tip, Wayne D!
The seller is upfront that this Firebird isn’t going anywhere under its own power right now. The listing states the motor is locked up from sitting, and that the car will need a full restoration. On the more encouraging side, the ad notes that the stainless window trim is original and described as being in good condition, and that the car still has its factory Firebird-etched glass, details that enthusiasts hunting for correct trim pieces will appreciate.
Body-wise, the seller describes the rocker panels and doors as solid, though with some small rust holes present. That’s a fairly specific and measured claim, neither a glowing report nor a red flag, just a seller telling you where to look before you commit. It’s worth noting that Facebook’s own vehicle summary for this listing says there’s no significant damage or problems, which sits oddly next to the seller’s own mention of rust holes and a full restoration being needed. That’s a contradiction a buyer should sort out directly with the seller rather than assume either way.
There’s a similar wrinkle with the mileage. The listing’s vehicle details field says the car has been driven 300 miles, yet the written description says the motor is locked up from sitting. Whether that 300 miles reflects the odometer reading, a recent tow, or something else entirely isn’t clear from the ad, so it’s another point worth confirming before money changes hands.
On the paperwork side, the seller says the car has a clean Florida title, which at least removes one layer of complication from a project like this. The seller, Emily Telese, has 13 ratings and is shown as highly rated on Marketplace, having joined Facebook back in 2016. The listing has been up for four days, and the price is explicitly marked as OBO, so there may be some room to negotiate.
For $4,500, you’re not buying a driver, you’re buying a starting point: a numbers-relevant 400 car with some documented trim and glass still intact, alongside a motor that needs freeing up and rust holes that need addressing. Would you take on a project like this, or is a locked-up motor and a full restoration too much of an unknown at this price?
Parts car at best…. if there are enough salvageable parts on it!
Seriously? Even the valve covers are rusted out!
I don’t think I would play penny ante with this.
This is a mess. It appears to be missing most of its 400 specific parts, hood, grills, chrome valve covers, air cleaner and who knows what else. As previously pointed out, even one of the valve covers has rusted through. There aren’t a lot of reasons to go after this car for the asking price in its current condition. If there is an eventual collapse in the muscle car market, really rough projects will lead the way down.
Steve R
The glass looks fairly good, you just have to build a car around them.
That sounds like a winning strategy.
Steve R
Flood car from the looks of the pictures , but I’m sure a real man could fix this mess in a weekend or two.
I can see this too! weekend one and 11 years later weekend two. But, why bother?
Getting this mess for free is still to much.
Parts car! Way too rusty
Body looks Air conditioned.
Take your $4500, and buy scratch off lottery tickets. You’ll be better off. This thing is toast.
way too far gone to restore,maybe a parts car for 500.dollars
What in the “Hold my beer” is that monstrosity on the deck lid?! Hard pass.
I think that’s just the decklid itself with a generous coating of “patina.” But when I first saw the photo, too, it did look like some giant rear spoiler was added!
Any true car guys on this site? As long as it has good bones, and did your own work all parts are easily acquired..
I did a 66 GTO convert I had acquired in 1994, when I finished I had spent $30,000 was offered $45,000 at my 1st car show..I still have the car 30 years later, I don’t think it owes me anything.
With increased age and the cost of supplies skyrocketing would you try it now?
Great point Jim 1994 was 32 years ago and like you said supplies have skyrocketing along with every part new and used. I am 66 and still have a hard time wrapping my head around what people are asking for cars and trucks.
Something about ageing dampens the intensity of feelings. For example, my willingness to take on formidable challenges like this one waned decades ago. Perhaps it’s the inevitable, lingering physical discomfort. I now shrink from having to contort myself to reach under a dashboard or to bend, pull, push, twist, and carry heavy loads. Or perhaps my time on earth has yielded something that approaches wisdom. Whatever the case, in my seventies, I think quite differently than I did when in my twenties.
Lakota, like you point out, 32 years ago used parts were plentiful and cheap at swapmeets and could still be found at wrecking yards. That’s not the case today.
I know a lot of people that are quick to say every car should be saved, what they leave out is someone other than them should save it, on their dime.
Steve R
I wonder how long it spent underwater…
leave this 200.00 car where its sitting.
That is one rough parts car
Would I take on a project like this? Nah. I was never much for self-flagellation.
Ewwww. That thing is rougher than a night in jail.
The only thing I’ve seen worth a toot on that car are the windows etched with the Firebird emblem.
That being said, I’ve owned a couple ’68 Firebirds over the years and they are great cars.
Looks like it was pulled out of an Everglades swamp.
My dog looked at it and described it: Ruff, Ruff. Even he knows better.
It’s literally bumper to bumper needing full attention or replacement. IMO that negates “restoration”. You could start with blueprints and just source parts from the ground up and build one and the benefit would be not cleaning up or breathing in all the rust dust.
OBO might be 500 dollars for the base frame. That could be a starting point I guess.
Good luck with that.