1968 Pontiac Firebird 400

Description

They definitely take no back seat to any of their pony car rivals when it comes to sheer curb appeal, but you just don't see as many classic Firebirds on the road as you do some of their competitors, and it takes only a quick glance at production numbers to see why. There just weren't nearly as many of them built, making this 1968 Pontiac Firebird a very welcome sight. The enthusiasm level soars ever higher when you factor in that it's only logged about 1400 miles since its build, and it's still carrying its original matching numbers premium powerplant under the hood.

General Motors had originally bestowed the "Firebird" moniker on a couple of its concept cars from the late '50s - one of which bore a striking resemblance to the Batmobile featured on television a while later - and Pontiac pulled the nameplate out of storage as they sent their new entry into the pony car arena to first do battle with its competitors only a year before this one rolled out. Its distinctive front end, with a prominent stretch of chrome that bears the Pontiac logo separating its grille into two halves, is among several features that set it apart from the rest of the crowd. Clad in a Castillion bronze shade that replaces its more subdued original blue color, it's a very appealing car. Its black vinyl top sits above, looking fresh and complementing the hue well, and you'll find its extensive badging intact on all four sides. That signature front grille sits straight and level and is carrying clean chrome, as does the rest of the trim throughout the exterior of the car.

A thorough refurbishing has left the black vinyl interior in great shape. The low backed bucket seats up front show no perceptible wear - a nice by-product of having been restored so recently - and they sit astride a burl-patterned center console in the same condition. In back, the bench reflects the same condition, and is bracketed by very fresh looking quarter trim. On both sides, you'll find the door panels sit nice and flush, and carry original power window controls - a relatively rare feature during this classic's era. Peer through the steering wheel and you'll see that a set of AutoMeter gauges have been seamlessly installed in place of the originals in the instrument cluster. Just above, the dash pad sits straight and level, with no splitting or fading. The trunk area in back looks very solid - its floor is lined with fabric and neither wheel well shows any hint of cargo damage.

The premium powerplant offering in a Firebird at the time - a 400 cubic inch V8 - sits underneath the hood, and it is indeed the original matching numbers engine. It's been bored .030 over for some additional displacement and carries a 4-barrel carb on top. It's got a nice, smooth idle and sounds great as it breathes out into its dual exhausts. The big block is paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission that shifts with convincing firmness to make for a drivetrain you can be confident in hitting the road with, and when you do, the featured power steering and power brakes will make those miles all the more enjoyable. This coveted cruiser sits on a set of 15" PMD wheels with interiors painted to match the exterior and wrapped with Firehawk Indy 500 tires.

Complete with PHS documentation, if you're on the hunt for a sharp-looking, late '60s classic that's got distinctive styling to go along with a premium drivetrain and great looking exterior, you should check out this 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400. Call today!