1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible

Description

This uber-clean 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible may look subtle at first glance, but it packs a 400 cubic inch V8 punch under its pointed hood and a quick-shifting 4-speed manual gearbox. Even better, this Poncho was fully, nut-and-bolt restored and comes equipped with power steering, power 4-wheel disc brakes, and a factory A/C interior, turning this lovely convertible into a cross-country cruiser that's turn-key and ready for action. Clean 1st generation Firebirds don't come up often, and they certainly never last long. Take a closer look while you have the chance...

According to the trim tag, this droptop was originally Code K1 Gulf Turquoise, and the owner thankfully did the reasonable thing and resisted temptation – electing to repaint that factory shade. We applaud that restraint, as everyone seems to want to paint their convertibles red these days, and gorgeous shades like this unique light blue are forgotten through the years. The ice-cool color really makes this F-body stand out, and when coupled with a white convertible top it's the ultimate beach cruiser. The nut-and-bolt restoration was completed in 2015 and has barely been driven since (unfortunately the owner passed away shortly after), so in essence this is a still a very fresh build. Shiny and glistening, the finish was applied to a great professional standard, giving the car a clean, crisp look that definitely has an appeal as a high-end driver. Straight bodywork underneath surely helps, and the crease that runs from nose to tail is crisply defined, while the gills in the quarter panels and the black stripes in between the wheel arches are a cool contrast that helps break up the otherwise smooth body. The car is very straight and all the gaps line up well, which can be a challenge on a ragtop, and it's thankfully devoid of any obnoxious hood decals or add-on spoilers that would spoil the effect. Instead, this car isn't trying too hard and simply lets the hardware do the talking. There's lots of nice chrome, too, including the pointed front bumper/grille assembly, rocker panel trim, and the Firebird emblems are crisply rendered. Sure, there's plenty of F-body DNA there, but the Firebird has a very distinct flavor that's different from the Camaro, which is why it's always had such a fervent following.

The black bucket seat interior is a solid combination of new and restored pieces, with gorgeous vinyl seat covers fore and aft, plush black carpets on the floors, neat black door panels at the flanks, and a no-nonsense look all around. The dash pad and center console could easily be the originals pieces (although they're probably a bit too nice), and the three-spoke steering wheel includes a Lucite top half that's insanely cool. Inside the middle console, an 8-ball topped Hurst shifter practically taunts the driver to go have some fun, and the factory clock at the bow is the perfect companion to the sporty vibe inside this cabin. Refreshed gauges inside the factory pods keep an eye on the 400 under the hood, while the woodgrain applique in the center of the dash gives the interior a more sophisticated look. Options include factory A/C (although it will need a service before it blows cold again), seatbelts, and even an original AM radio, although the latter is due for an upgrade. The white convertible top is a perfect contrast to the blue paint, and it's in fantastic condition because it was installed during the restoration and has rarely (if ever) been used since. Out back, the trunk was neatly outfitted with plaid mats on the floor and a matching cover over the full-size spare.

A 400 cubic inch V8 makes this rather lightweight F-body feel very fast on the street, factory-rated at 325 horses and running incredibly well today. It topped the Camaro's 396 by four cubes but the bottom-end torque of the Poncho is where it really shines, especially when coupled with a 4-speed gearbox. Topped with a stock intake manifold and Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, it's got instantaneous throttle response and fresh-looking exhaust manifolds bolster an already robust torque curve. It's neatly detailed with proper Pontiac Light Blue engine enamel on the block, a shiny chrome air cleaner, fresh power brake booster system, and polished valve covers, while the super-clean, satin black engine bay makes a perfect backdrop. A big Griffin aluminum radiator doesn't mind the big engine's heat and the droptop has great road manners with power 4-wheel discs and power steering that make it easy to drive. The chassis is very solid and beautifully detailed with satin black paint on the floorpans, axles, and subframe, and there are newer suspension components throughout, including double wishbones, coil-springs, shocks, and a sway bar up front, along with a heavy-duty 10-bolt rear end fitted with a new differential cover. A fresh dual-exhaust system sets the proper V8 note, while flashy PMD wheels set the stance and finish off the period-perfect look wrapped in 205/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials.

Lots of fun to drive with a look that turns heads and carries a big stick, this Firebird droptop more than delivers on the promises made by its look. Offered with PHS documentation, an owner's manual, and build receipts, it's one of the cleanest F-body convertibles we've seen in quite some time. Call today!