Featured is a very nice looking 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible. This was the second model year for the Firebird and was in the first generation. The Pontiac Firebird was destined to be a classic from day one.
The Pontiac Firebird was produced by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 1967 to 2002. The Firebird was also introduced during the same model year as the Chevy Camaro. The Firebird actually came out about six months after the Camaro and became an instant hit with pony car buyers.
1968 Pontiac Firebird Styling
When the Pontiac Firebird debuted in 1967, the model had what is called a coke-bottle-like design. This design was also shared by it’s corporate cousin, the Camaro.
In 1968 there were some nice changes from the previous year. For the 1968 model year there was the addition of side marker lights as per new federal safety regulations.:The blinker lights were larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the automobile. The Pontiac Arrowhead logo was added to each side of the car’s rear. Also absent were wing windows. Single pane glass was used on the doors. While these were moderate changes to the previous 1967 styling, the 1969 Firebird’s would receive a major restyling.
All in all, the high performance Pontiac Firebird went through four generations and was in production for thirty-five years.
The Pony Car Wars
The Firebird gave Pontiac a chance to compete in the hot pony car market. GM and the Pontiac Division wanted to have a vehicle that could compete against the Ford Mustang. The Firebird served as Pontiac’s version of the Camaro and thus would be another GM car to go against the very popular Ford Mustang.
1968 Pontiac Firebird Specifications
Several engines were available for the 1968 Pontiac Firebird. These consisted of two Inline Six cylinder configurations and six V-8 configurations.
The straight sixes were 250 cubic inch with horsepower of 175 and 215. The six V-8 configurations included 350 cubic inch, 400 cubic inch, and a 428 cubic inch. Horsepower for the V-8’s ranged from 265 to 390.
Transmissions included a three and four speed manual and a three speed automatic.
Dimensions were a 108.0 inch wheelbase, 188.8 inch overall length, 73.6 inch width and a 50.2 inch height. Weight was 3,350 lbs and average Firebird new car sales price was just under $3,000. The highest priced Firebird was the convertible.
The 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible is an ideal and relatively rare classic car. Pontiac for 1968 built 107,112 Firebirds and only 16,960 were convertibles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below..
Reference material for this article includes…Pontiac Muscle Car Performance Book by author Pete McCarthey…Firebird Red Book by Peter C. Sessler…Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
1968 Pontiac Firebird Collector Popularity
The muscle car era of the latter 1960’s and very early 1970’s was all about performance. It was the time prior to the federal emission and safety standards put forth in 1971-72. The muscle car era was exciting then and remains exciting and popular with classic car collectors to this day.
Pontiac Firebirds and Trans AM models are some of the most sought after by classic car enthusiasts. 1968 Pontiac Firebird examples can be found in a price range today from about $30,000 to $100,000.
Asking prices and auction sales depend on the originality, condition, mileage, and restoration history. As mentioned, there was a wide selection of engines available, both sixes and eights. There were also hardtops and convertibles with convertibles usually commanding a higher price.
As of this date there is a 1968 Convertible 350 cubic inch V-8 example with about 45,000 miles and an asking price of $37,000. Another 1968 Firebird Convertible with a 400 cubic inch V-8, automatic transmission and about 83,000 miles has an asking price of $43,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)