Vehicle Description
OVERVIEW
Every once in a while we get the opportunity to be offered a first
class example of some rare Pontiac automobiles. But, we have to say
that this car is definitely simply outstanding! Read on to find out
more.
Pontiac may have broken late from the gate in the pony-car derby,
but it quickly made up ground. Carefully considered alterations
made the 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 perhaps the best compact muscle
car of the year.
During 1968 Pontiac engineers continued to refine the Camaro-spec
suspension forced on them by GM. Performance versions of both makes
got new multiple-leaf rear springs with shock absorbers staggered
fore and aft of the axle, reducing wheel hop in hard takeoffs was
diminished.
Horsepower on the standard 400-cid V-8 increased by five, to 330.
Ram Air continued as the rarest and strongest engine option at
about $600 over the regular 400. It again had a hotter cam,
stronger valve springs, and exclusive use of functional hood
scoops. At midyear, the 335-bhp Ram Air mill was replaced by the
340-bhp Ram Air II.
However, the example you are looking at here features one of the
rare 400 engine variations debuting in 1968 which was the best
blend of machismo and manners. The 400 HO, or High Output, cost
about $350 over the base 400 and used free-flow exhausts and, like
this Firebird 400 offered by Precious Metal Classic Car Sales, it
was factory hooked to a four-speed, that also came with its own
revised cam. It too was rated at 335 bhp, but redlined higher than
the base engine and below the Ram Air.
Let's take a look at the highlights of the Firebird 400 HO that we
have listed for your consideration:
HIGHLIGHTS
One of 1415 High-Output WQ equipped examples produced with a
4-speed
No expense spared complete rotisserie restoration completed in
2008
Original Broadcast Sheet included with the vehicle and all PHS
Documentation
Original drivetrain including WQ engine, 4-speed transmission, and
original Safe-T-Track rear end with 3.36 gearing
Finished in the very desirable Verdoro Green
Optional Gold Firebird Custom Interior
Optional Rally II Wheels with F70 x 14 Red Wide Oval Tires
Optional Console with Electric Clock
Gardner supplied reproduction Dual Exhaust
Optional Ride and Handling Package
Optional Dual Stage Air Cleaner
Power Steering added during the restoration using OEM parts
Front Disc Brakes added during the restoration using OEM parts
All receipts for all parts used during the restoration and original
documentation dating back to 1980's
This is a must have car for the first generation Firebird or
Pontiac enthusiast. With a powerful engine and a completely
restored example this car is a blast to drive and will win many
trophies at your selected car shows.
We can definitely see why the Firebird 400 HO was featured in a
1968 Car and Driver comparison test, and bested a 390-cid Javelin,
a 390 Mustang, 390 Cougar, a Camaro SS 396, and a 340 Barracuda.
Not only was the Poncho quickest of the bunch, but its engine was
the smoothest and its handling the friendliest.
Being Pontiac lovers ourselves we definitely agree when Car and
Driver made the statement that - "For sheer enjoyment and
confidence behind the wheel, the Firebird was almost in a class by
itself."
View over 150 pictures and the upcoming video at PMClassicCars.Com
and then call Tris at Precious Metal Classic Car Sales at (574)
276-1326 to see about getting behind the wheel of this beautiful
car!
