1968 Pontiac Firebird 400

Pontiac Firebird 1968 Description

1968 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

PHS Documented

52685 Original Miles

1st Generation Firebird Introduction: Pontiac introduced the Firebird in February 1967 to compete with the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang. The Firebird was designed from the Camaro’s F-Body design and the GTO’s A-Body drivetrain with a different rear end sub-frame split-grill front end six vertical louvers on the front of the rear quarter panels and louver style tail lamps. Improvements were also made in the engine placement front suspension and reinforced rear springs. Pontiac may have broken late from the gate in the pony-car wars but it quickly made up ground. Carefully considered alterations made the 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 perhaps the best compact muscle car of the year.

OWNER HISTORY: Purchased new in 1968 at Jim Culligan Pontiac Williamsville NY the original owner used sparingly as a weekend cruiser. In 1982 it was sold to a Vietnam Vet from upstate NY and remained in his possession until I acquired it in 2013. I have the PHS documentation on the car.

RESTORATION: The restoration of this 52k mile original Firebird has been carefully planned. The car was built to look like a stock Pontiac 400 - correct bumper emblem 400 badges NOS 400 hood and mostly stock looking 400 engine. Numerous mechanical upgrades transform this Firebird into the ultimate muscle car.

Exterior: At first glance many people think the car is a custom color. It’s actually a rare one year only GM color offered in 1968 called Autumn Bronze. This stunning color combination of reds and golds create a show stopping copper metallic hue. New front and rear chrome bumpers new emblems.

Drivetrain: The original 350 engine was replaced with a professionally built 1967 YF Pontiac 400 block (Jan 31 1967 build date). A SCAT Stroker Kit hydraulic roller cam #64 heads (1970 D port 455 / 370 HP GTO) 87 cc flow ported and treated to a 3 angle valve job. At 9.5:1 compression the 467 cubic inch engine is a beast generating approximately500 Horsepower/550 lb/ft torque at 5000 RMP. The 3 speed automatic transmission was built by Level 10 Transmissions to support the powerplant. 2500 stall speed converter. Power is transferred to the wheels via a new 3:36:1 posi rear set up. New custom dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. Brand new Holley double pump carburetor. New USA made 4 core radiator installed 170 degree thermostat car runs at 190 degrees. High torque starter engine fires right up every time. Engine has 500 babied miles on her. Stock look under the hood. The stroker is mild mannered at low rpm for easy cruising but when you get on it it’s a monster.Well over $10000 spent on this engine alone. Engine built by Headmaster Machine Shop in NJ. Picture of engine shown prior to installation.

Engine Build Specs:

Scat Stroker Kit Keith Black Flat Top Pistons

Harland Sharp Rocker Arms

Dual Timing Chain

Comp Cams Extreme Energy XE 276 / 282 Hydraulic Roller Cam 224/230/510 Duration

High Performance Oil Pump

Carter High Performance Fuel Pump

Crane Roller Lifters

Larger than stock valves

Crank and Harmonic balanced together

Video of car running:

http://youtu.be/4ypcGNR0kqk

Suspension Steering Brakes: The front and rear suspension upgrades include heavy duty coil springs 5 leaf rear springs supported with heavy duty mounting brackets. High performance steering box. Mickey Thompson Sportsman R/T 235 60 15 street tires on Pontiac Rally II wheels. New power disc brake set up. The car stops great and is very tight. Lots of fun to drive.

Interior: Recovered seats nice foam new seat backs headliner and audio components. Additional battery temp and oil gauges tastefully added to the front of the interior console as well as a small steering column tach. Perfect dash - no cracks.

Chassis: Floor pans were replaced and typical chassis repair work was done during the body restoration.

Summary:

This car has it all - classic iconiclook of the Firebird 400 model -built right with loads of great performance upgrades across the board including a monster powerplant. This is the ultimate street cruiser. I welcome all interested bidders to come inspect the vehicle you won’t be disappointed. Any questions feel free to contact me.