Halted Hibernation: 1968 Pontiac Firebird Sprint OHC6 Convertible – Sold?
May 5, 2021 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 out for an updated listing. 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.
April 3, 2021 Update – Coming across the first new listing in four months for this ’68 Firebird Sprint we first featured in November 2020 confirmed the current caretaker decided to store their overhead cam six powered Firebird convertible over the winter before trying to restart finding a buyer once warmer weather returned. We’re pleased to report the seller also lowered their asking price by $750 since then to the current $19,750. We sincerely hope the buyer appreciates this car for the rare engine it has and avoids the temptation to perform a V8 swap on it.
December 2, 2020 Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired, and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold. We will keep an eye out for any updated listings for it.
It’s no secret Pontiac made some very powerful V8s over the years. Less remembered is the division’s overhead cam, inline-six engine used to power entry-level Tempests and Firebirds in the late sixties. Incorporating such innovations as a large aluminum valve cover, a fiberglass-reinforced timing belt, and an external jackshaft driving both the oil pump and distributor, many considered this engine advanced by Detroit engineering standards at the time. The Pontiac OHC 6 followed the Jeep Tornado inline-six as the second post-World War II domestic-developed and mass-produced overhead cam automobile engine.
Unfortunately, most cars factory-equipped with these engines had them swapped out with more powerful V8s. Luckily this driver quality, red-over-black 1968 Pontiac Firebird convertible originally featured in November 2020 and relisted in April 2021 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania bucks that trend by still having its numbers-matching 250 cubic inch inline-six mated to a floor-shifted three-speed. There is no indication, however, this car is an even more desirable Sprint edition that offered slightly more power. Currently asking $20,500, the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool places the asking price between this guide’s current #3 “Good” estimate of $16,800 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $25,000.
Here’s the seller’s brief description:
“1968 Firebird convertible sprint build code matches the car except for color. Overhead cam straight 6 with 3 speed manual transmission car had a restoration about 18 years ago been garaged ever since .”
Would you promise to keep the original OHC6 in this Firebird? Comment below and let us know!
I had two OHC6 Pontiacs. My first was a 68 Tempest and my second was a 67 LeMans sport coupe. I took possession of the 67 12/24/79 exactly 13 years after the original owner took possession from Flatbush Pontiac 12/24/66. Both those cars served me well. While working at Alpine Pontiac in the 80’s I loved listening to “war stories” from the veteran Pontiac Techs who spun wrenches on Pontiacs their entire careers. One guy told me around 1970 they replaced an OHC6 with a Chevy I6 (under warranty) because GM couldn’t supply the engine any longer as it was now out of production. Boy do I have stories…..LOL
BTY: The OHC6 would stay. The wheels and cloth seats would go. I keep my cars original as they rolled out of the dealer.
A nice driver, leave as is!
In 1975 at the age of 16 I purchased a 1967 Firebird with the 6cyl OHC engine, 4 speed, and I believe a factory 4bbl, with posi rear end and aftermarket A/C in Omaha NE for $1,700.00!!
Sold it in 1979 to a car collector for $3,400.00. I didn’t realize what I had and wish I only knew.