1968 Pontiac Firebird 350
The 1968 Pontiac Firebird 350 went from zero to 60 in just under five seconds. The 1968 Pontiac Firebird 350-cid HO V-8 engine, with high-performance camshaft, better exhaust-gas scavenging, and revised carburetion, delivered 320 horsepower, 35 more than its 326-cid predecessor.
A-well-a ev'rybody's heard about the bird...B-b-b-bird b-birdd's the word! This is the word for our latest entry into our hallowed halls of consignment a... black bird. Lots-o new OEM parts have been put on, as well as an engine redux and tranny pull and rebuild. A very nice example from 1968...sock it to me!
Exterior
A Metallic Black respray covers straight steel panels which are minding their gaps very well. A peppering of some chrome trim for door handles, narrow taillight surrounds, bumpers and badging, as well as the chrome surrounding beaked grille bumper complete with dual horizontal LED headlights upfront...smashing. A black Cordova top in vinyl has brite-work inserted surrounding all the glass, which breaks up the black just swimmingly. Throw in some 15-inch Pontiac Rally 2 wheels all around in chrome, black and gray. Velly interlestink....
Interior
More menacing pristine black seen here so let's start at the very beginning a very good place to start...the dash. Deep set circular gauges in front of a Rally steering wheel are in a clean field of black and have nicely polished bezels and clear glass. A center panel with a burl wood appliqu has the A/C and temp controls and an aftermarket radio with hands free calling capabilities, blue tooth, and all wrapped in a retro style head unit. New suede headliner, seats in black vinyl, door panels, and carpet are all very clean and like new condition. I'll give this interior 5 ringiee dingiees.
Drivetrain
No laugh-in' matter underneath the hood as we gaze into a fully restored engine bay. A turquoise block, matte black valve covers and and mini shiny air cleaner unit atop the Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor all work together to feed a 350ci V8 which is not the original to the car. (**The Engine block has the correct code for the car, that being YJ, but the VIN stamping does not match this car). A 5-speed manual transmission has been added, and a 10-bolt rear axle setup is noted.
Undercarriage
Nicely preserved, and obviously well-maintained undercarriage virtually rust free. Floor pans are shiny like new and have an H pipe Flowmaster exhaust snaking under them to the rear of the car. 4-wheel disc brakes are now on, and coil springs upfront and leaf springs on the rear are seen. Look all this up in your Funk and Wagnalls...
Drive-Ability
Stepping inside this newly redone interior we could be in the showroom looking to buy this car back in 1968. Very nicely done, and as to the mechanical test drive, it was a wonderful experience had by all. Nice power, good handling and it goes through the gears, as well as our paces, with no hiccups. All controls and A/C are working. Blow in my ear and I'll follow you anywhere in this car.
We can have a tip toe through the tulips with this excellent example of the 68 350 bird. Not flower power, but unadulterated horsepower with this Gen 1 muscle car. All buttoned up and restored with some fancy new gadgets, gorgeous black metallic respray paint, correct wheels, and a snazzy interior. Will this car go quickly??...You bet your sweet bippy!
VIN Decode
223378U149038
2-Pontiac
23-Firebird
37-Sport Coupe
8-1968
U-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
149038-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03C-3rd Week March Build
ST 68 22437-1968 Firebird Sport Coupe
BDY LOR32711-Lordstown Body #
TRM 261-Dark Turquoise
PNT K2-Medium Turquoise, Black Vinyl Top