Worth the Gamble? 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400

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?