1969 Pontiac Firebird

Description

You already know we love F-bodies here at Streetside Classics, and compared to the '69 Camaros, this 1969 Firebird 400 is a rather unusual find. It offers a built 400, gorgeous custom paint, and that undeniable performance look that makes these cars perennial favorites. So if you're a Pontiac guy or just someone who's tired of '69 Camaros, perhaps this is the solution.

The restoration was done in 1999, but since then, this Firebird has lived a pretty easy life. The custom purple paint is elegant and sophisticated, not silly, and on the Firebird shape it looks like the ideal mix of luxury and performance, which was Pontiac's goal all along. You'll note the custom airbrushed graphics on the quarter panels, the hood-mounted tachometer, and factory-style 400 badges on the hood scoops, as well as the bright chrome beak that gives the Firebird a very different look from its corporate cousin. The side marker lights that are actually little firebirds themselves are perhaps the coolest ever invented and the clean overall look makes this car stand out anywhere it goes.

The interior is a little less custom but no less attractive. Factory buckets with reproduction seat covers anchor one of the better places to get some road work done. Basic black is the overall theme, although it is a Pontiac, so there's a bit of simulated burled walnut there, too. Factory gauges are joined by auxiliary dials under the dash, along with a digital AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo head unit so that the factory AM radio can remain in the dash. Door panels and carpets were replaced at the time of restoration and you can see that it was a full disassembly job because there's purple paint in all the nooks and crannies around the interior. A factory steering wheel and wood shifter knob help keep it OEM-looking inside and even the trunk is properly finished with a correct-looking reproduction mat.

Pontiac's 400 cubic inch V8 is well-known and well-regarded in performance circles, and in the lightweight Firebird, performance is impressive. The engine was rebuilt when the car was restored, but like I said, it hasn't seen a lot of use. Thanks to a recent service that includes a rebuilt carburetor and a fresh alternator, it's ready to drive and enjoy. The engine bay continues the purple theme with some accent pieces wire sleeves, along with chrome Edelbrock valve covers and matching air cleaner. Both the carburetor and intake are also by Edelbrock and there's a big aluminum radiator up front. Power steering and brakes work with the TH400 3-speed automatic to make this car easy to drive, while long-tube headers and Flowmasters give it that notorious sound we all love so much. The underside is in good order, albeit not detailed for show, but no worries about nailing the throttle and having some fun. A 10-bolt rear end is your accomplice and it rides on Pontiac Rally II wheels and 235/60/15 white-letter radials all around.

If this were a Camaro, it would be $5000 more expensive with a smaller engine. So with that in mind, why not give this awesome Poncho a try? Call today!