1968 Pontiac Firebird

Other

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

223378U169064

Clear

Gasoline

AMERICAN MUSCLE - FIRST GENERATION FIREBIRD - Vehicle history: First generation Pontiac Firebird - The Pontiac Firebird was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors. The Firebird was introduced the same year as the automaker's platform-sharing model, the Chevrolet Camaro.The first generation Firebirds had a characteristic Coke bottle styling. Unlike its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro, its bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end and its rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Originally the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, who had initially wished to produce a two-seat sports car of its own design, based on the original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared such a vehicle would directly compete with Chevrolet's Corvette, and the decision was made to give Pontiac a piece of the pony car market by having them share the F-body platform with Chevrolet. Most buyers opted for one of the V8 engines: the 326 CID (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW); the "H.O." (High Output) engine of the same displacement, but with a four-barrel carburetor and producing 285 hp (213 kW); or the 400 CID (6.6 L) from the GTO with 325 hp (242 kW). A "Ram Air" option was also available in 1968, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a different camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 H.O., but the engine peaked at a higher RPM. The 230 CID (3.8 L) engines were subsequently replaced by 250 CID (4.1 L) ones, the first developing 175 hp (130 kW) using a single-barrel carburetor, and the other 215 hp (160 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor. Also for the 1968 model, the 326 CID (5.3 L) engine was replaced by one with a displacement of 350 CID (5.7 L). An "H.O." version of the 350 CID with a revised cam was also offered starting in that year, developed 320 hp (240 kW). Power output of the other engines was increased marginally. In 1969, a $725 optional handling package called the "Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package,", named after the Trans Am Series, which included a rear spoiler, was introduced. Of these first "Trans Ams," only 689 hardtops and eight convertibles were made. There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 CID engine during that year, complementing the Ram Air III; these generated 345 and 335 hp (250 kW) respectively. The 350 "H.O." engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 330 hp (250 kW). During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for SCCA road racing applications that was not available in production cars.[3]The styling difference from the 1967 to the 1968 model was the addition of Federally mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the blinkers were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. The front door vent-windows were replaced with a single pane of glass. The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front end design made of an Endura bumper housing the headlights and grilles. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM's new locking ignition switch/steering wheel. Owner restored This car is a one of a kind. Definite eye catcher. Restored with care and hits the highway like it was 1968. Smooth running and all together. A lot of care was put into this car during the resto. Its a performer too... looks fast, is fast and fun just to cruise period. Ive been on the Hot Rod/ Muscle Car scene my whole life and this is definitely a nice ride. Sold as is. Paint and body - I like black on black so thats where I went with the paint/interior theme. I took the car from Oceanside Ca to Tijuana Mexico. I have a contact on the other side who has been painting his whole life. Old dude. Hes a grandpa and you can tell hes seen many years of life. He does good paint and body and has a makeshift paint booth in his back yard and knows how to get the job done right. Im big on details and not missing any spots. Hes that way too. He takes pride in his craft and the end results are always top quality. This guy knows the formula for a great paint and body restoration. All the door jambs, trunk lid every inch gone over with strict attention paid to detail and this paint job makes me know he knows what hes doing. His talent is evident at first sight. And it looks great from first sight and up close it is evident i picked the right painter. Interior - The interior is the same as the exterior and is completly striped and redone I took the extra steps and went the extra mile and started from scratch. The headliner is flawless and brand new, new seats and re upholstry all around. Door panels, carpet kit. Everything is clean and tight. I left the dash and gauges, knobs and so forth all factory original. The car was in great condition even before the restoration so it made the project come out all the better. If you have any questions feel free to call - Ricky Ross - 760 978 2851 My grandpa was friends with one of the industrys great legends George Barris who built his 1940 Merc, chop the top ( First chop top Merc in history ) Cars are deep in my roots for sure On Jan-11-12 at 20:39:13 PST, seller added the following information: Here is a taste : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2ycrM788n4