1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupe

Designer: Irvin Rybicki

Estimate: $40,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: 223379U131926

Decoded: 2=Pontiac; 23=Firebird; 37=2-dr Coupe; 9=1969; U=Lordstown, OH assembly, 131926=31,926th V8 equipped Firebird scheduled for assembly at Lordstown.

Engine: 400 cid, OHV V8

4-Barrel w/Ram-Air IV/366 bhp

4-Speed Manual Transmission

Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Performance Built Machine

Outstanding Workmanship All Around

Street or Strip-Sizzling Hot

The Model - Even though the basic platform for the Firebird was shared with the Camaro, the Pontiac version was built to enjoy much more in the way of performance, comfort and overall enjoyment. By 1969, the Firebird had come into its own with legions of dedicated owners, people that Pontiac listened to and also seemed to cater to. For 1968, the first Ram Air II induction system was developed, which would be joined by the Ram Air III later in the season. The following year, Ram Air IV replaced the original Ram Air II but had numerous upgrades. While officially these new engines were rated at 366 HP, the same as the R.A. II, they were much improved with cast-iron headers and weight-saving aluminum intake manifolds. For 1969, Pontiac introduced the Trans-Am edition of the Firebird which came standard with the 360 HP, Ram Air III, while the more potent R.A. IV was available and installed in just 55 of those rare cars. A total of 102 Firebirds received this top-performance induction system. With 4-bolt main caps, forged crankshaft and piston rods plus special valves, cam and heads, these engines would take on all comers and put to shame quite a few Mopar 426 Hemi V8s in their day.

The Car - Starting with a solid and complete 1969 Firebird, the build on this car is flawless. The beautiful black finish shows off the original designs and accent lines the stylist skillfully sculpted and brought out even stronger with dual red racing stripes. The interior of this coupe is immaculate with red vinyl bucket seats recovered in patterns that exactly matched the originals. This color scheme is matched for the dashboard, steering wheel, all vinyl door panels, floor carpets and even the four-speed's shift knob. Disc brakes have been fitted on all four-corners and to keep everyone comfortable, ice-cold R134A vintage air conditioning was also installed. "Look-a-like" 17" special wheels complete the picture of just what a Resto-Mod should be. Workmanship is top-shelf and professional, where nothing was overlooked. The front Endura fascia is lined up with the sheet metal better than what the factory could produce, while the hood, doors, and deck lid are perfectly gapped all around. Even the back of the car, with the rear panel emblazoned in red, sits level accented by the chrome tipped dual-exhaust and spread-wing Firebird emblem in dead center. Turn the key and listen to the Ram Air IV 400 cubic incher come to life, push in the clutch, shift into first and get ready to experience excitement, Pontiac style!