Vehicle Description
1968 Pontiac Firebird
A powerful rival for 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 a few 6 cylinders and V8 options. Thank you very much John
DeLorean, and pass the mirror.
For consignment, a fully PHS documented and 2 build sheet equipped
1968 version, (from the second year), Pontiac Firebird with the WK
coded 350ci HO V8 under the hood. This version has been lovingly
cared for like a favorite toy, played with then put carefully away
for the next time. A multi-time show winner at the Carlisle GM
events, plus some local show wins make this 4 wheel power disc
brake equipped bird not only a cooker but also a looker. Mystic
Teal paint, and that iconic front Pontiac "beak" with the
wraparound bumper are just a few of the many highlights that exist
with this car.
Exterior
Dressed in carefully applied Mystic Teal, the coating is presenting
very nicely. The front "beaked" grille and bumper setup is just the
beginning of the sleek design. Dual dual headlights in horizontal
configuration and a lower front chin that houses the signal lights
and more openings to keep this beaked beast nice and cool. The long
pony car hood with twin ram air scoops and a hood mounted
tachometer runs back to the front glass with shiny trimming
surrounds. Gaps are carefully minded and the straight steel has no
rust or dings. A center crease runs from the front stainless
encircled wheel well through the door to the rear of the car. A
shiny rocker covering is on and is very straight and no rust or
errors above or below this trimming. One of my favorite aspects of
this design is actually from the B pillar to the rear deck and tail
lighting which has the twin horizontal tail lights on either side,
and a shiny bumper below. That pillar is nice and wide and has a
wonderful line keeping the rear glass fairly small considering, but
giving the car a sleeker look than the Camaro. Dual exhaust peeks
out from under the rear quarter panels behind the tires. Polished
American Racing Torque Thrust wheels in 17-inch form are wrapped in
staggered width Sumitomo rubber on all 4 corners. Noted for future
things to come, a small screaming chicken badge is on the front
quarters.
Interior
Black vinyl covers the swooping door panels which along with the
headliner, carpeting, seat covers and foams, a package shelf dash
pad and deluxe steering wheel now all like new and in black vinyl.
Front seats which are low back bomber style buckets up front and
for the rear a bench, all sporting some stitched inserts and smooth
bolsters. In the center on the hump is the chrome handled Hurst
shifter within reach of the driver's right arm. The inward raked
look covers the dash and here, a quadrant of aftermarket gauges
reside along with 3 toggles, all within a gray plastic insert. Our
consignor notes that the original radio and temperature control
slides are included with the purchase. In front of the driver
within that raked inward dash are deep set circular gauges flanked
by shiny knobs and pulls on either side. A rally styled wood
steering wheel is fronting this dash. As noted the headliner is
black, nice and tight and black carpeting,very clean but slightly
faded, is on the floors, and the Firebird logo has pressed into the
black rubber floor mats. The interior is hovering around showroom
quality and certainly emulates the original as intended from the
factory.
Drivetrain
Under the hood within a finely restored engine bay sits the numbers
matching Mystic Teal painted 350ci HO V8, which carries the WK
stamping code. It has stock heads, casting number 18 to be exact,
with chromed valve coverings. Under the chrome open air cleaner
covering is a single 4-barrel carburetor, and on back, is the
correct Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Way in the back is
a 10 bolt rear axle weighing in with a 3.36 ratio. Presenting to
the world as does the, interior,exterior and undercarriage in
nicely restored condition. Dual exhaust and a Flowmaster muffler
system are there for the exhale.
Undercarriage
I notice and our consignor states and documents new suspension
bushings and the addition of power steering to the car. All this
menagerie is backed by a pristine black stamped steel floor pans,
unibody, and rocker environment. This car uses 4 wheel power disc
braking which is like new. Also, we note an independent coil sprung
front suspension working in conjunction with leaf springs in the
rear.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and off to the test track I went where it
performed wonderfully. Nice acceleration, bias free braking and
crisp manual shifting. The horn and wipers were not working and we
also noted the steering was a tad sloppy.
Here at Classic Auto Mall we have had very few of these examples,
and sad to say this writer feels these examples are the best of the
bunch when you compare them to the ubiquitous Mustang and Camaro,
(yawn). This car has style, has sleek looks, and I'd be proud to
have it in my garage or leading a 1 car parade down Main street.
Worth a close look.
223378U144937
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
37-Hardtop Sport Coupe
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
144937-V8 Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
02C-3rd Week February Build
ST 68 22637-1968 Firebird Hardtop Coupe, Custom Interior
BDY LOR16922-Lordstown Body #
TR 259-Black Custom Strato Buckets
PNT GG-April Gold
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.
