Vehicle Description
1968 Pontiac Firebird Coupe
By 1953, the research team at Pontiac 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 is 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 1968 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.
Plenty of new parts and upgrades bring this car up to and past
original standards, and we have a stunning example of the 68
Firebird.
Exterior
Pontiacs have always been "beaked" in front and this pony car is no
exception. With a wraparound chrome grille surround/bumper and the
dual headlights it presents nice and shiny and in excellent
condition. Working our way back the long hood we see a ram air hood
with dual scoops, a red 400 badge on the sides, and a hood mounted
tachometer. All additional badging is excellent. and steel panels
are straight and mind their gaps. These are all neatly bathed in
beautifully applied and polished Torch Red. A small rear trunk deck
and my favorite year for Pontiac with the dual horizontal slit
brake lights framed by the bumper with an inverted U bump for the
license plate. New glass surrounded by shiny and bright trim and a
factory black vinyl top are also presenting excellent. 14-inch
Rally 2 wheels are on all 4 corners, and running between them is a
perfect stainless rocker trim piece.
Interior
WIth a completely new interior we see black vinyl high bucket seats
in front and a rear bench both having faux stitched horizontal
pleating centers, and smooth bolsters. Door panels are much like
the seats with smooth very nice smooth black vinyl. A wood grained
appliqu� center console cuts through the buckets and shows a Hurst
shifter that operates a close ratio Muncie tranny. An angled dash
has all the right stuff and in showroom condition with new factory
gauges, bezels and switches. This is fronted by a wood steering
wheel with a desirable tilt column. Headliner is impeccable and
carpet is black and beautiful.
Drivetrain
This is the meat of the consigner's work on this car. Starting with
boring the circa 1969 400 ci 0.30 over, the stock cam has been
retained, and the original 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor is on top.
In back of the 400 cubes is a Muncie M21 close ratio 4-speed
transmission with Hurst shifter and linkage. Add a 10-bolt posi
unit rear with all new bearings and 3.55 gears and the mild
mannered beak nosed pony car becomes more like a bird of prey. All
wrapped in a beautiful steel blue block and chromed air cleaner
with chromed valve covers... mechanical jewelry.
Undercarriage
Virtually rebuilt with new parts all over underneath such as a new
driveshaft yoke and universal joints, new control arms, steering
linkage and sway bar upgrade to 1-1/4 inches. New stock leaf
springs with original shocks, and power front disc brakes part of a
braking system that is all new! Snaking its way rearward is a
polished stainless exhaust system just for a little bling in an
otherwise near perfect environment. Noted is a tear in the front of
the passenger's side rear unibody rail. While it does not seem to
affect structural integrity, it should be addressed for
aesthetics.
Drive-Ability
It is not very often where I get to drive a showroom condition car
from 1968, but this did not disappoint. She lit right up with a
turn of the key, sounded great, and ran beautifully. Some nice
power, comfortable interior, and great ride with superior
handling.
If you are an early Firebird buff, you really need to take a close
look at this wonderfully restored early example, with lots of
upgrades and new factory parts. Miles deep paint, engine bling, and
snappy interior, you can see the true definition of sweat equity.
This is an investment grade pony car for sure, and a finished
product of an appreciation for the Firebird brand.
VIN Decode
223378U169971
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
37-2 Door Sport Coupe
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
168971-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
06C-3rd Week June Build
ST 68 22437-1968 Firebird 2 Door Sport Coupe
BDY LOR47994-Lordstown Body #
TR 272-Black
PNT P2-Springmist Green, Black Vinyl Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located 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.