An upcoming online auction will feature a 1969 Firebird project that comes with a lot of enigmatic details and is shortly looking for a new owner. The vehicle still appears to be a strong restoration possibility and checks all the right boxes, including being in generally good shape and having a V8 engine.
Only a few details about the vehicle were offered by the auction company, although it is estimated to have a little over 50,000 miles (or 80,000 kilometers) on it. The status of the automatic transmission, which is mated to the engine, is unclear.
The engine doesn’t look good, with the photos showing rust under the hood. I wouldn’t be surprised if the engine is seized from sitting, but a good mechanic checking out the vehicle in person should be able to tell more about the V8’s condition.
Pontiac produced over 87,000 Firebirds for the 1969 model year, and most (over 74,000 units) rolled off the assembly lines as a 2-door coupe. Approximately 11,600 units left the factory as a 2-door convertible.
Nearly 21,000 Firebirds used the standard six-cylinder engine, while the 350 was the most popular V8. For the Trans Am, Pontiac also had a 400 big-block engine available. The vehicle is still in good shape and has some spare parts inside that are now being stored. Although the headliner displays minor tears that must be repaired right away during a restoration project, the cabin appears to be in good condition. To accurately assess the cabin’s existing shape, the buyer needs however properly clean the interior and remove the excess components.
Several important points are left unanswered in the advertisement, but since I think this Firebird was retrieved from an estate, the auction company might not have any extra information. For instance, it’s difficult to determine how much of this Firebird is still original and whether the vehicle has undergone any significant repairs (such an engine rebuild or a repaint) during the course of its lifetime. If I had to guess, I’d say the car is completely stock, undamaged, and unrestored, but I can’t say for sure until I actually see everything.
It’s also unclear if the mileage is original. If you want to see this Firebird in person, you’ll have to go to Appleton.