1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Headed To Indy Auction

The Ford Mustang debuted as a 1964 1/2 model, and was instantly successful. Chevrolet didn’t have anything to compete directly with the Mustang when it went on sale, but brought the Chevy Camaro to market in September of 1966 as a 1967 model. Pontiac wanted its own pony car market entry, and received one five months later in the Pontiac Firebird.

The Pontiac Firebird was quite similar to the Chevy Camaro, but with Pontiac’s own styling touches. The Firebird shared the front and rear fenders, as well as the door skins. However, the iconic Pontiac split grille with beak differentiated the Firebird, along with taillights that looked much like those on the GTO.

There were a number of available drivetrains available for the Pontiac Firebird. Standard equipment was the 230 cubic-inch inline six cylinder fed by a one-barrel carburetor. This economy special produced 165 horsepower. The Firebird Sprint had a hotter version of the inline six, featuring a four-barrel carb that helped bump power to 215 horses. Optional V8 engines included two different versions of the Pontiac 326, one with a two-barrel carb, the other with a four-barrel, producing 250 horsepower and 285 horsepower respectively. The big power option was the 400 cubic-inch, 325-horsepower V8 borrowed from the GTO. The six-bangers could be had with the two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, or either a three- or four-speed manual. The V8s could be paired with two- or three-speed automatics, or heavy-duty three- or four-speed manual gearboxes. The Firebird carried a $200 higher sticker than a similarly equipped Camaro, which may have helped the Camaro outsell the Firebird by nearly a two-to-one ratio.

The 1968 model year brought more optional power for the Pontiac Firebird, as the six-cylinders’ displacement grew to 250 cubic inches. The base engine made 175 horsepower, but the Firebird Sprint remained at 215 ponies. The 326 engines grew in size to 350 cubes (it was really 354 cubes, but I digress), with the two-barrel equipped engine producing 265 horsepower, and the High Output 350 putting out 320 horsepower. The 400’s output grew to 330 horses.

For 1969, the Pontiac Firebird received flatter front fender arches, giving the ‘bird a more aggressive look. Door skins and rear quarter panels were also revised, as was the roofline and beltline. The gas fill neck was relocated behind the license plate. The front bumper, grille, and parking lights were all redesigned. Early March 1969 saw the introduction of the Trans Am Appearance and Performance Package. 689 Firebird Trans Am coupes and just eight convertibles were built.

Our feature 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible has been treated to a comprehensive restoration and modification courtesy of East Texas Muscle Cars of Longview, Texas. The Firebird is finished in “Pull Me Over Red” with a white vinyl convertible top over a Parchment vinyl interior. The gauges are from Dakota Digital, and the stereo is a Bluetooth capable JVC head unit and speakers. A 347 cubic-inch Texas Speed V8 has been installed. The hot new engine has been built with a Texas Speed Torquer V2 cam, LS6 CNC ported heads, LS6 intake. Spent gasses exit through long-tube headers and MagnaFlow exhaust. A 4L60E automatic transmission backs the 347, sending power to the Moser twelve-bolt rear end. The suspension features Hotchkis front coil springs and sway bar. Stopping duties are handled by four-wheel Wilwood power disc brakes. The whole affair rolls on Year One 17-inch Rally II wheels.

This red hot 1969 Pontiac Firebird convertible will cross the Mecum Auction block at their Indianapolis, Indiana event Thursday, May 15^th.