I first became aware of the Pontiac Firebird while watching the TV show “Booker” in the 1980s. I am not sure why it took me until 1989 to mentally register the model. Maybe it is because Pontiac (with the exception of the black Trans Am in “Smokey and the Bandit”) was not a marque that caught my interest. To me, the blue Firebird in “Booker” took everything that was great about the first-generation Chevrolet Camaro and bettered it in styling. Since then, the first-generation Firebird has been my single favorite production pony car, only beat out by the 1965-1967 Shelby Mustangs, cars that really can’t be considered “production” cars.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1968 Pontiac Firebird.
The Firebird you see here is powered by a 350 V8 mated to a two-speed automatic transmission. The car comes from the seller with a car cover, battery tender, the removed original speedometer, spare parts, and New York registration.
The exterior of this Firebird is painted Autumn Bronze (code I) and comes equipped with a rear spoiler, a Firebird 400-style hood, simulated quarter panel vents, and halogen headlights. The grille, headlight and taillight wiring harnesses, and weatherstripping have been replaced.
The car rides on 15-inch Rally wheels, which are wrapped with 225/60 front and 235/60 rear BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised-white-letter tires.
The interior of this Firebird has custom black vinyl upholstery on its factory bucket seats, power steering (code 501), custom pedal trim plates (code 534), a Deluxe steering wheel (code 462), and an AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth Pioneer stereo.
New interior bits include the carpeting, dash, rear speaker deck, headliner, seat belts, door panels, floor mats, and trunk carpeting.
Upgrades include an aftermarket 160-mph speedometer and Bosch auxiliary gauges for the oil pressure, temperature, and voltage.
Under the hood is the code YJ engine, a 350 two-barrel V8 with upgrades that include a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, and Edelbrock chrome valve covers. It also has a new fuel pump, alternator, motor mounts, and an aftermarket dual exhaust system. In addition, this car is equipped with power front disc brakes.
Chassis and braking system updates include new shocks, springs, upper and lower control arms, brake master cylinder, brake lines, fuel tank, and brake discs.
These Firebirds seem much more rare than their Camaro stablemates. For every 10 first-generation Camaros you see, you will probably only see a single first-gen Firebird. This car looks like a great choice for weekend drives and tours. I would happily add it to my garage. It is not perfect and has some slight rust and paint issues, but it would make a great driver. The fact that it is the same color as my high school best friend Jody’s Camaro makes this car that much more attractive a purchase for me.
The auction for this 1968 Pontiac Firebird ends on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. (MST).
Source: www.classiccars.com