1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

Less than 17,000 1968 Firebird convertibles were made and as far as how many are still in roadworthy condition, it's hard to know.  But what we do know is that anecdotally, they don't show up in huge numbers at car shows.  In your town, maybe you know of one or two regulars and that's about it.  Compared to its cousin the Camaro, Firebirds, and especially convertibles, are rare.  

For consignment, a surviving '68 convertible born at the Lordstown, Ohio plant.  It's got the numbers matching drivetrain and a lot of newer parts thanks to a consignor described amateur restoration.  It presents some options for the next owner in terms of continuing the restoration and enjoying the open air experience of a now legendary pony car. 

Exterior
Born a white car with a black top, the car now sports a coat of single stage blue paint and a white canvas top.  The paint has a general orange peel finish and plenty of incursions which we'll note in this section.  Chrome bumpers, most metalwork and emblems are in good condition.  The door handles and side mirror however are pitted.  The epic hood mounted tachometer is in place behind one of two nostril intake scoops which never cease to be cool.  The canvas top is nice but we do note a tear and some staining.  14-inch Rally II wheels have black centers, polished trim rings, and PMD center caps.  Imperfections in the paint and body include many areas with apparent Bondo applications, overspray, paint drips, general blemishes, and gaps that are imperfect. 

Interior
Parchment molded plastic make up the door panels which retain the Firebird emblem and carpeted base.  The whitish bucket seats look good with tuck and roll patterned vinyl in the middle of each.  The rear seats mimic this pattern and the rear seat sidewalls show some wear, fitment issues, and staining.  The original 3-spoke steering wheel is in place and that gives way to two main gauges in the driver's view, speedometer and gas gauge.  Wood applique backs the center stack which holds the heater control and a radio delete panel.  That faux wood continues on the center console where the T-handled automatic shifter resides.  The plastic then tapers rearward where a storage bin is located.  The tan loop style carpet is in good condition and is protected by matching mats.  The trunk is uncovered and shows some patchwork.  The consignor states that rear weather stripping is new along with window felt, window seals, windshield molding, wheel molding, and door hinges. 

Drivetrain
The numbers matching 350ci V8 is under the epic hood and is fed by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor which sits on top of a yellow-painted intake manifold.  The ST300 2-speed automatic transmission is also numbers matching and leads to a 10-bolt rear with 2.73 gears as verified by the JG stamping code.  Power drum brakes are housed at all four wheels.  

Undercarriage
The underneath presents as lower end driver quality.  Dual exhaust flows to Spintech mufflers and exits out the back via chrome tips.  The 205/70R14 tires have a mid-2020 date code.  Coil springs are found in the independent suspension up front with leaf springs in the back.  The consignor states the gas tank is new and has a new sender.  Some oil is noted on the rear differential and oil pan.  The entire underside has been undercoated, some of which has dripped onto exhaust components and other parts.  There are numerous areas of invasive rust and also patching and repairs, some performed with spray foam.  Please see the 20+ photo in the photo set for detailed images of imperfections on the undercarriage. 

Drive-Ability
Prime the Edelbrock and turn the key and she fires right up.  Onto the loop we roll, with the top up, and note good power and decent acceleration.  On braking, she pulls to the right but otherwise travels straight and true.  A little bit of suspension creaking but outside of that, the engine sounds good.  

Here's a numbers matching '68 convertible Firebird that could benefit from the TLC.  There are the bones of something special here and it's looking for the right person to make this bird fly! 

223678U125461

2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
67-Convertible
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
125461-V8 Car Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

11E-5th Week November
ST 68 22667-Pontiac Firebird Convertible, Deluxe Interior
BDY-LOR2291-Lordstown Body #
TR 259-Black Vinyl Deluxe Buckets
PNT C2-Cameo White, Black Vinyl Top

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