Vehicle Description
You already know we love F-bodies here at Streetside Classics, and
compared to the '69 Camaros, this 1969 Firebird 400 is a rather
unusual find. It offers a strong-running 400, bright red paint, and
that undeniable performance look that makes these cars perennial
favorites. So if you're a Pontiac guy or just someone who's tired
of '69 Camaros, perhaps this is the solution.
The restoration was done some years ago, but since then, this
Firebird has lived a pretty easy life. The bright red paint is racy
and aggressive, not silly, and on the Firebird shape it looks like
the ideal choice, which was Pontiac's goal all along. It's
two-stage urethane on top of some reasonably good bodywork, so it
has a high-performance look that's evident even from a distance,
and when you get up close the little details start to stand out.
They didn't do any modifications, no scoops or wings, and kept the
factory-style 400 badges on the hood, as well as the bright chrome
beak that gives the Firebird a very different look from its
corporate cousin. The side marker lights that are actually little
firebirds themselves are perhaps the coolest ever invented and the
clean overall look makes this car stand out in a sea of Brand-X
F-bodies.
The interior is a little less vivid but no less attractive. Factory
buckets with reproduction seat covers anchor one of the better
places to get some road work done. Basic black is the overall
theme, although it is a Pontiac, so there's a bit of simulated
burled walnut there, too. Factory gauges are joined by auxiliary
dials on the console ahead of the shifter, along with an
AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit in the dash. Door panels and
carpets were replaced at the time of restoration and the
wood-rimmed steering wheel is a recent addition that adds a bit of
elegance. It's all clean, simple, and well-executed, making this
Firebird a great car to drive and enjoy. Even the trunk is in good
order, although a replacement mat would be a good first purchase to
really dress things up and add value.
Pontiac's 400 cubic inch V8 is well-known and well-regarded in
performance circles, and in the lightweight Firebird, performance
is impressive. This car originally came with a 350, so the 400 is
an upgrade that makes a big difference in performance. Thanks to an
Edelbrock carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and Accel
distributor, it's ready to drive and enjoy. The engine bay
continues the clean, no-nonsense theme with blue engine enamel,
along with chrome valve covers, matching air cleaner, and a few
other bright pieces. Power steering works with the TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission to make this car easy to drive, while
long-tube headers and brand new Flowmaster mufflers give it that
notorious sound we all love so much. The underside is in good
order, albeit not detailed for show, but no worries about nailing
the throttle and having some fun. A 10-bolt rear end is your
accomplice and it rides unusual (for a Pontiac, anyway) Rally
wheels and fat white-letter radials all around. I have to admit
that I like the look on this Poncho.
If this were a Camaro, it would be $5000 more expensive with a
smaller engine. So with that in mind, why not give this awesome
Firebird a try? Call today!