70s Firebird
 

I think there is a saying that you should never meet or drive your hero’s and I’ve always wanted a early 70s Pontiac Firebird or Stingray. Am I going to be horribly disappointed?

I’ve scratched my European sports car itch (356 to 911, Tr2-8, MK2 Jag to XKE, MGs) done the VW Bus thing so I thought I might try a muscle car as I grew up in the 70s and just adored that genre. A waste of my time and money or definitely one to cross off the bucket list?

I live in Los Angeles and the car would be used for pleasure. Not looking for an investment either.
Thanks.

I’d love to have a ‘67-‘68 Firebird V8 with a 4-speed. :)

Definitely cheaper than just about any Porsche as itches go. I personally have a thing for 66-67 Goats and 2+2 converts OR coupe with manual trans, so I see where you could have an itch for an early Firebird.
I have a friend with 67 & 69 converts with original 400 engines & 4spd trans. Has had them both since HS and they're part of the family at this point. If you're going to get one, recommend the investment in one like my friend's. Pretty fast and a blast to drive top down. I believe either year is more desirable than 68 but couldn't tell you why.

I have driven a couple. They aren't bad cars and performance wise, GM motors are dirt cheap to make power with. Lots of aftermarket support too if you go that way.

I've driven a few that were a real POS, just about ruined them for me. But, I remember one that was in nice shape and was fun to drive. Simple to work on and tons of parts/upgrades if you want to tinker with it. I'd check it out, drive a few and see if its scratches the itch.

Another thing, you aren't out much if you get into and back out of the game with these. I like the first gen the best, but the early 70s models are the ones I drove and the are nice as well. Never cared for the KITT generation of Firebirds/Trans Ams.

Pre 73, Firebird or Stingray. Smog era cars tend to be under powered and overweight. If you do not care about matching numbers the Vette can be bought fairly cheap. I put about 200,000 miles on my C3.

Something like this would scratch my itch...
https://images.craigslist.org/00a0a_...x9_600x450.jpg

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/irvine-1968-pontiac-firebird-400/6908551454.html

Buy one with a few mods or mod yourself and they will be a blast. Suspension, tires, brakes along with a few added ponies and you are good to go.

Good example

I lust after a 1970 firebird trans Am with 400 ci in HO ram air IV and four speed.
370 under-rated hp.
in my yoot a friend's older brother had one but I never got a ride.
That's one I would really really want.
But, they didn't make many of them. It'd be lots easier and cheaper to get one with the 455 HO engine and almost the same performance.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561581105.jpg

I think those SD 455 ('73-'74 TA) are running serious $.

The late 70's era TA were uni-body with T-roof and screaming chicken on the hood. With the Pontiac 400/Olds 403 they were under powered, under suspended, and badly under braked. I say find a couple good ones to test drive and go from there.

71 455 is the ONLY HO very rare and worth hunting for BUT very pricie
that was a one year only firebird only motor the only hi comp 455 with round ports
I found a ho455 4 BOLT MAINS SHORT-block but never could find the rare heads for my GTO
STOCK THE GTO ONLY CAME WITH ''D'' PORTS IN A 455

later 74-75 SD 455 has round ports but A low comp smog motor
with forged rods that EVERYBODY USES IN BUILT 455'S

HO good
SD bad

He is looking for a driver and not an investment. He csn buy a less desirable model and with a few easy updates can end up with a reasonably priced head turning and fun ride.

Not what you say you are looking for but these are pretty good.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561594237.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561594237.JPG
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561594237.JPG

My high school buddy had a 1970 Firebird Esprit. These were the luxo models so it had a lot of extra touches that were probably built to order by original owner. White with red interior, Ralleye wheels, retractable wipers, 400ci and TH400 trans (Esprit usually had 350/350). Everything original and it would light the single rear tire for a city block. Later he put in a 12 bolt positrac but saw fit to paint over the original paint and install a Formula hood and on and on. Almost impossible to find an equivalent car for less than 35K.

They are a very different experience, but they can be fun. I'd love to have something American with a big V8 from the 60s or early 70s if I had the extra space and money to have one as an additional car.

I'd think that something no later than 71 or 72 would be good UNLESS you got one of the HO 455 cars from a little later.

If it was me, I'd probably also end up doing some mild updates (car dependent, suspension, brakes, wheels/tires).

I love American cars from this era. Just make sure you have reasonable expectations. They can be built to go fast and handle, too, if you are so inclined.

Where were you when we were selling this?http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561598188.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561598188.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561598188.jpg
But I still have the GTA:cool:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561598232.jpg