1969 Pontiac Firebird

Description

Like its corporate cousin the Camaro, the first-generation Firebird hit a high note in 1969, where an ideal blend of styling, power, and comfort created one of the best muscle cars of all time. This slick black hardtop offers a very aggressive look, a sweet-running 400 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power, and no excuses on the street.

The efficient proportions of the early F-bodies are whey they were so successful, but it's the detailing that gives them their street cred. The Firebird offers Pontiac's twin-nostril front end, ringed in chrome on this model, and sharp fender creases that make the car look fast just sitting still. The Starlight Black paint isn't this car's original color (that would be code 59 Limelight green), but it is the perfect muscle car hue, especially when rendered in modern two-stage urethane, so it's miles deep. Even though it's not a trailer queen, this one looks fantastic sitting still, or hammering down the road. Gaps are good, all the panels line up well, and it's the kind of car that people look at with a wary eye on the street because there's no telling what kind of firepower lives underneath. No extraneous add-ons were necessary, which means no wild graphics, no snorkels on the hood, and only a pair of subtle '400' emblems to give it away. No, it's not exactly subtle, but they didn't really go out of their way to advertise big firepower, either, which is very cool.

A black interior is a great choice with the monochromatic bodywork, and it appears that while the guts of this Firebird were replaced a few years ago, it's still in great condition. Bucket seats flank an optional center console, and the patterns are correct for '69, complete with the headrests, which were federally mandated that year. The door panels are quite possibly original, but the black carpets are just too nice to be 47 years old, but they do look period-correct. Pontiac tried to position the Firebird as an upscale alternative to the Camaro, so burled walnut appliques were used on the dash and console, and the gauges are simple and easy to read, including the big Sunpro tach on the steering column. The original AM radio is gone, replaced by an AM/FM/CD stereo system that's a big improvement and makes this car a real pleasure to drive. The trunk is correctly finished with a reproduction mat and includes a matching Cragar wheel and spare tire assembly.

A 400 cubic inch V8 was top-of-the-line in 1969 for the Firebird, bumping up against GM's self-imposed size limits. This one has been dressed in proper Pontiac Turquoise paint with chrome valve covers and GTO-style Tri-Power induction, all of which suggest there's some serious blasting powder within. Sure, there are a few upgrades like the oversized radiator and long-tube headers, but most folks won't notice and they don't change the 'Bird's personality one bit, only improve it. Power steering and brakes are on the menu, as is a relatively recent Flowmaster dual exhaust system that barks out a big block sound you'll never grow tired of. A TH350 automatic transmission is a durable companion, and it rolls on chrome 15-inch Cragar mags with 235/60/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials that have enough sidewall to really fill the fenders properly.

With a long-term ownership history, restoration and maintenance receipts, and an easy life spent in the south, this is a Firebird you can buy with confidence and start enjoying immediately. Call today!