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Greatest Muscle Cars of the Sixties |
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1969 PONTIAC FIREBIRD 400 CONVERTIBLE |
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Estimated Value from $90,000 for Ram
Air III to $280,000 for Ram Air IV Pontiac's upmarket version of Chevrolet's Camaro ponycar appeared in mid-1967. Brought to market under John Z. DeLorean's watch at Pontiac, the original Firebird offered deluxe accoutrements, in addition competitive ponycar performance. From 1967 to 69, Firebird offered an unusual single-overhead-camshaft inline six, available with a 4-bbl. carburetor in Sprint models. Pontiac's 326- and 400-cid engines comprised the V-8 offerings. Firebird was little changed for ’68, with deleted vent windows and added side-marker lamps among its minor updates. A redesigned SOHC six was touted, while the mid-year 340-hp Ram Air II 400 V-8 reigned as the year's most powerful engine. The Firebird was restyled for 1969. During the year, the first Trans Am Firebird was released; 689 coupes plus eight convertibles were produced. A 400-cid V-8 was standard in Trans Am and Firebird 400 models. The 400 model’s optional Ram Air IV V-8 promised 100 mph quarter-mile acceleration. The 1967-'69 Firebirds are relatively scarce, compared to Camaros of the same vintage. The '69 trades just slightly more often than '67-'68 versions. Genuine ’69 Trans Ams will always be blue-chip Firebirds. The ultra rare Trans-Am convertible version with of this model could bring as much as $500,000 in perfect shape. |
