Vehicle Description
1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupe
By 1953, the research team had produced the Firebird XP-21, later
referred to as the Firebird I, which was essentially a jet airplane
on wheels. It was the first gas turbine-powered car tested in the
United States. The design was entirely impractical, with a
bubble-topped canopy over a single-seat cockpit, a bullet-shaped
fuselage made entirely of fiberglass, short wings, and a vertical
tail fin. A small version adorns the top of the Harley Earl Trophy
given each year to the winner of the Daytona 500
From these early winged designs and concepts to this consigned car,
the 1969 Version, Pontiac has a fan base that is not Mopar
oriented, or in love with Mustangs or Camaros. They are true to
their brand, and loyal to the Pontiac moniker and the Firebird. For
the first 80,000 miles of its life, this car was driven on a daily
basis by its original owner. The current consigner purchased the
car and then we can ring the bell for let the upgrading begin!!
DING
Exterior
Pontiac's have always been "beaked" in front and this pony car is
no exception. With a molded rubber front setup, and just a fraction
of chrome in the center, this all-encompassing setup includes the
chromed grille center area, and the dual headlights. Working our
way back the long hood we see vented quarter panels, a smatter of
red Firebird script badging, and a gray pin striping. A small rear
trunk deck and my favorite year for Pontiac with the dual
horizontal slit brake lights framed by the bumper with a bump for
the license plate. A few frowns with some dings, rust spots and
chipping are there but it is believed to be original paint.
Interior
Gre-e-e-e-n.... Green Green Gre-e-e-e-n vinyl high bucket seats in
front and a rear bench both having faux stitched horizontal
pleating centers, and smooth bolsters. A plain hump cuts through
the center of the buckets (we are pre-console) and shows a Hurst
shifter. Door panels are much like the seats with the pleating and
green vinyl. An angled dash has all the right stuff and in working
condition. Headliner is unremarkable, and carpet is slightly faded
but still a good green.
Drivetrain
This is the meat of the second owners work on this car starting
with boring the original 350ci V8 0.30 over, throwing in some new
pistons, cam, improved intake manifold, carburetor, a little work
on the heads. Unbolt the original Powerglide and bolt on a rebuilt
date coded Muncie 4-speed manual, and the mild-mannered beak nosed
pony car becomes somewhat more like a bird of prey.
Undercarriage
Seen is the original suspension setup, a new radiator, starter
alternator and battery. Surface rust is there as well as corrosion
from most likely the northeast's penchant for using road salt.
4-wheel drum brakes are all around.
An example that is mechanically sound and needs some TLC on the
exterior. Original exteriors from 1969 are worked very hard over
the years with the sun beating down on then and as mentioned the
ubiquitous salt, takes its toll. Definitely a drive right out of
the Classic Auto Mall and be happy. A bit of bodywork, a coat of
nice paint, and you have a fine example of the Firebird from
'69.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.