Period Incorrect: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Street Machine – Sold?

Update – while this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye for updated listings. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

November 18th Update – While preparing for our latest Topless Thursday features, we confirmed the private seller of this ’69 Firebird just lowered their asking price another $500 to $16,000.  The dated period modifications and color scheme are likely keeping buyers away.

November 3rd Update – We just came across a fresh listing for this ’69 Firebird we first featured in October 2020.  While the pictures and description remain the same, the private seller reduced their asking price by $1,500 to $16,500.

Cragar SS rims, hood pins, and side pipe exhaust. Bonus points for rear air shocks to raise the rear end and brightly painted drum brakes.  These may have been the “period correct” aftermarket pieces I dreamed about adding to my fantasy 1969 Firebird convertible I lusted for in High School, but now they just look out of place.  Add those to the dated purple color scheme of a 400-powered Trans Am tribute originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with a revised asking price of $16,500, which is down from the original ask of $18,000.  That ask is $1,500 higher than the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool’s current #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $14,000.  Similarly, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms the asking price falls just below their current #3 “Good” appraisal of $17,000 and their #2 “Very Good” estimate of $25,000.

In the mid-sixties, Pontiac management wanted to build their own two-seat sports car based on their Banshee concept.  Fearing such a car would cannibalize Corvette sales, GM management did not approve the project. As a consolidation prize, GM brass approved Pontiac building their own version of the Camaro and thus the Firebird was born. While the first-generation Firebird shared the Camaro’s “coke bottle” styling, Pontiac designers integrated the car’s bumpers into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird’s rear “slit” taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year.

The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. 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.  In March 1969, a $1,083 optional handling package called the “Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package”, UPC “WS4”, named after the Trans Am Series, was introduced. Pontiac made a total of 689 hardtops and eight convertibles.

Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the all-new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year (the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969). By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models.

Here’s a 1969 Pontiac commercial trying to convince buyers supply was good enough you didn’t have to wait for one:

While this Firebird appears to have good bones from the limited pictures provided, we highly recommend carefully inspecting every inch of the body and underside of this car to determine the quality of the bodywork underneath the current custom purple paintwork.  If that checks out then you’ve got the bones for updating this Firebird Trans Am clone with a more modern color scheme.   Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“First-generation Firebird, 1969 convertible, manual top, 400 Engine, 4 Bbl. Hood mounted tachometer, Front disc brakes, new master cylinder.
Good tires, Cragar mags, stereo.“

Do you have a first-generation Firebird story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!