When the Camaro was introduced, it quickly became a halo car among mainstream Chevrolets. However, the Pontiac Firebird was not afforded that luxury – instead, it played second fiddle to the GTO. Our Pick of the Day is one of those pony cars that resided in the Goat’s shadow yet lacked nothing for it. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sarasota, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Pontiac Firebird was introduced several months after the Camaro so as to give the Chevy a lead in trying to ruin the Ford Mustang’s mojo. When the Firebird finally debuted in February 1967, Pontiac liked to think of it as a better-engineered Camaro, especially due to the suspension and the OHC-6.
Pontiac introduced five Firebird models, a team that would last through 1969: Firebird 6, Firebird Sprint, Firebird 8, Firebird HO, and Firebird 400. The Firebird 6 featured a 230ci OHC six with a one-barrel carb. With several hi-po upgrades including a four-barrel carburetor, this car became the Sprint, which would outrun small V8s without issue. The Firebird 8 featured a two-barrel 326, but several hi-po upgrades including a four-barrel carburetor turned it into the Firebird HO. The Firebird 400 was at the top, featuring a standard 325-horsepower 400 that was identical to the GTO’s 350 horsepower aside of a carb whose secondaries would not open all the way. The secret quickly got out that all one had to do was simply remove a tab on the carb to allow all those horses to run.
For 1969, the Firebird was given a restyle that included new body panels and a revised front bumper surrounded by Lexan. Simulated front fender vents were another noticeable tweak. Taillights top and bottom were now uneven in length. Arguably, the interior was the best part of the update, especially the instrument panel. Mid-year, the Trans Am package joined the GTO’s Judge package in offering a be-spoilered and -striped performance vehicle, though the Trans Am also added a handling twist that distinguished it from the Judge. (Of course, the Trans Am would evolve into something even more astounding a year later.)
Engines for 1969 were similar from before, but now the OHC measured 250ci, and the Firebird 8 and HO measured 350ci. The base Firebird 400 was now rated at 330 horsepower, with the 400 HO rated at 335 and the Ram Air IV offering 345 horses on paper. These cars were carried over into the 1970 model year due to development issues with the upcoming second-generation Firebird, with production ending in December 1969. The OHCs and HO were not carried over into the second-generation series, but the others were.
This 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible is painted in Carousel Red, one of three optional colors available for the Firebird, complemented by a Parchment interior and top. It is also powered by the standard, matching-numbers 400 and TH400 automatic. According to the seller, it features 3.55 gears with Safe-T-Track but, as far as we know, standard gear for cars with air conditioning was 3.08, so we’ll assume it’s his mistake. Other features include AM radio with rear speaker, power steering with Deluxe steering wheel, power top, head restraints, Rally II wheels, console, front disc brakes, tinted windows, and Custom trim, which included a fancier interior. The hood tach appears to be added, but would you kick it out of bed?
“The chrome and trim are all in great shape,” says the seller. “The inside is in extremely good condition, finished in a deluxe white vinyl.” There also is a new gas tank and sending unit, plus fuel lines, distributor, and top. Some maintenance records and receipts are included. Seller is asking $62,900 for this fast cruiser. If you take the dive, you still have several more months to enjoy top-down driving in a very distinctive pony car.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com