Vehicle Description
1968 Pontiac Firebird Sprint Convertible
After the Firebird, Camaro and the Mercury Cougar entered the pony
car class in 1967, AMC got in on the action in '68 by introducing
the Javelin. The pony car class was hitting what would become its
best years, and all cars were now introduced except the Dodge
Challenger, which would come in 1970. The pony cars were riding
high in 1968 and would continue to do so for a couple of years,
though the 1970s would soon bring rising insurance rates, more
government regulation and less consumer interest in the class.
For consignment, a one owner version of the rarely seen, (657
Sprint convertibles produced in 1968), Firebird Sprint and in
convertible form. An older restoration, circa 2012, showing its age
in some areas but still very presentable both inside and out.
Thanks to cheap fuel most buyers opted for one of the various V8
engines available or the 6-cylinder was tossed at some point and a
V8 fitted in its place. That is not the case with our latest
consignment, it has been restored exactly as it was when our
original owner purchased it new.
Exterior
With very straight exterior steel panels with just a hint of some
rust starting along with inclusions and an off color touch up at
the front of the passengers door, the restoration in 2012 kept this
drop top bird in Verdoro Green and it holds up very well. Chrome,
trim and brite work is very nice, however, the bumpers will need
some attention as they have some delamination of the chrome, with
the worst being at the peak of the front bumper. This front bumper
is missing the rubber filler between itself and the front end
sheetmetal. A Sprint logoed stainless rocker trim can be seen
running along the bottom as well as some chrome for the rear
quarter panel gills, all good here. A pristine black convertible
top with a rear plastic window is clear, and scratch free. The top
is operated manually and moves up and down flawlessly. The
distinctive Pontiac identity starts with the front grille with a
wide peripheral front bumper, strong vertical center and
horizontally mounted dual headlamps. Bringing up the rear is a
protective wrap around bumper, louver style tail lamp, and chrome
edge strips that house the backup lights.
Interior
Black standard, (Pontiac's words), tuck and roll insert vinyl with
smooth black bolstered Strato bucket seats flank a new wood
appliqued center console which races from the back seat, all the
way up to the dash. An automatic shifter is within this console, as
is a storage glovebox. Above the console in the center panel of the
dash sports the same burl faux wood applique, with the original
radio and climate controls. The instruments are inset into a
forward raking dash and have a conical design for easier reading.
All of this floats above clean black carpet and is surrounded by
horizontally stitched black vinyl door panels with shiny chrome
accents.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we are greeted by the patined 250ci OHC-6
cylinder in inline arrangement with a 4-barrel carburetor atop, and
a 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission bolted to the back. A
color-correct light blue block with supple hoses and a correct
chrome lid air cleaner assembly finishes off the package. Some
light corrosion is evident on the mill but otherwise is looking
good. We note that the consignor includes 2 spare engines for
parts.
Undercarriage
A structurally sound unibody is covered with patina, road dirt,
surface rust and factory undercoating as are the floorpans, and
wheel wells. An independent suspension with coil springs and drum
brakes is on the front and for the rear we see leaf springs and
more drums. A single exhaust system snakes its way rearward to
expel spent fossils.
Drive-Ability
Stepping inside this redone interior we could be in the showroom
looking to buy this car back in 1968. Very nicely done, and as to
the mechanical test drive, it was a wonderful experience had by
all. Nice power, good handling and it went through the gears, as
well as our paces, with no hiccups with all controls working
swimmingly during my drive. Blow in my ear and I'll follow you
anywhere in this car.
A nice example of an original owner, 2nd year Firebird in drop top
format along with the Sprint package. A few faults and flaws in the
body and paint work but overall, a shining example of a rare bird.
As Pontiac's advertising said at the time "Here it's 1968 and
you've never played wide-tracking? Maybe you're not a great
American Sport" Although Wide-tracking will never be a spectator
sport...obviously...Queue the smoky voiced deep throated
announcer!
VIN DECODE
223678U604215
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
67-Convertible
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
604215-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
11C-Third Week November Build
ST 68 22367-1968 Firebird Convertible
BDY LOR2280-Lordstown Body #
TR 253-Standard Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT Q2-Verdoro Green, Black Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
