Vehicle Description
1968 Pontiac Firebird Coupe
A powerful rival for the Ford Mustang, the Pontiac Firebird saw
daylight in 1967 when the US company rolled out both the 2-door
coupe and the 2-door convertible. Even if it was based on the same
platform as the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird had numerous
different parts, starting with the design and ending with the
engines. If the most significant appearance change is the
body-integrated front bumpers, more differences could be found
under the hood as the first generation Firebird came with a choice
of many engines, from a 230ci inline 6 and a 400ci V8, producing
165 and 325 horsepower respectively.
For consignment, a restomod version of the 2nd year Firebird and
the beneficiary of an interior & mechanical redux, still in need of
some TLC on the body and paint front but still a great drivable
project. The beauty of it is once you've given it the once over you
will be the proud owner of a car that is something other than a
Mustang or Camaro. Our consignor has taken the time to handle the
mechanicals for you with a 6.0 Liter V8 and brand new street/strip
automatic transmission as well as 4 wheel power disc brakes. Ripe
for the picking in our presently overstuffed Hallowed Halls, a
chance to own a second year classic Pontiac Firebird with some
extra grunt.
Exterior
Dressed in dark blue pigment, the coating is good however there is
evidence of orange peel, chipping and some rust bubble through
particularly on the lower panels. With close inspection there is
very little rust to be seen, mostly faults in the paint and
evidence of prior body repair. The chrome trimmings on the car are
good, especially the new rear bumper and the design of the time
used thin horizontal and vertical bars for the taillights which are
also new and rear quarter gill accenting,which are decidedly
Pontiac. Upfront a chrome surrounding grille bumper is on and
houses dual LED headlights and the iconic Pontiac beak is in the
center. Out back a spoiler graces the rear of the trunk and gives a
muscular sporty look to the tail end. 17-inch Boyd Coddington
wheels are now on all 4 corners and are wrapped in staggered width
performance blackwall radial rubber.
Interior
Clean black vinyl covers the door panels and have chrome
delineationstrips above for the vinyl covered sill and below for
the carpeted lower. Chrome graces the cranks and actuators and we
note the addition of speakers to keep the audiophile in you sated.
New modern overstuffed and lightly bolstered black vinyl buckets
are up front and are showing no wear and look as good as the day
they were installed. In the center is a stylish console that houses
a glovebox and the T-handled automatic shifter. Nice veneer has
been installed on the top of the console and is looking just fab.
An inward angled dash has a new wood applique center panel, and
deeply inset round gauges in front of the driver. An aftermarket
AM/FM/CD stereo is now installed in the wood applique and a
tachometer has been added to the column between the cluster and
rally style steering wheel. More gauges pepper the driver's
A-pillar, to help keep engine vitals in check. Newer black
carpeting is on the floors and a tight black headliner hangs above.
An aluminum fuel cell now resides in the trunk along with the
obligatory fire extinguisher.
Drivetrain
Long gone is the original V8 and now between the fenders resides a
consignor stated 6.0 Liter LS2 mill donated by a 2006 Pontiac GTO,
(there is some speculation to this statement as the block, while
painted silver is showing surface rust indicative to the block
being cast iron). This very clean mill has been cleanly installed,
is fed by EFI and sports a new chrome alternator. Gray and black
GTO engine covers grace the top sides of the mill and a blue twin
cone air filter assembly lets this monster breathe efficiently.
There is a brand new street/strip TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission now bolted to the mill and a new 10-bolt rear axle
with3.73 gears and Positraction finishes things out. The engine
compartment is very well detailed and looks great with shiny bits
and pieces as well as soft supple hoses.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust and an abundance of patina for the undercarriage
is noted,but only on the unibody and stamped metal flooring over
the rear axle. The floorpans themselves as well as the trunk pan
have been replaced,removing all evidence of formerinvasive rust.
The unibody rails while surface rusted are structurally solid. We
see independent coil springs upfront and leaf springs on back.
Power disc brakes with slotted rotors are all around and headers
rain down from the mighty LS mill and join up with Turbo mufflered
dual exhaust that ends just in front of the rear axle.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and good driver on our test track. Acceleration was
very neck snapping and braking, thanks to the power discs,provided
stop on a dime and give change perfection. We note the reverse
lights and wipers were non-functional during our drive, otherwise
all functions were working as they should.
As noted, a car in need of some TLC on the body but still up to
par. Some brand spanking new seats, a 6.0 Liter V8, a new
transmission and presentable paint lead the way for this 1st gen
Firebird. I'm sure this bird will fly out the door fast as we
always have F-body fans on the lookout for another to add to their
nests.
223378U174517
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
174517-V8 Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07C-3rd Week July Build
ST 68 22437-1968 Firebird 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe Standard
Buckets
BDY LOR51519-Lordstown Body #
TR 253-Black Vinyl Strato Buckets
PNT YY-Mayfair Maize
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.
