1968 firebird 400 HO 4sp convertible

Price: - Item location: Holland, Michigan, United States
Description:

1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

1968 Firebird 400 H.O.

Pontiac Firebird 400 H.O. 4 spd. Convertible

400 c.i.d. engine W.Q. coded block335 hp, 430 lb-ft torque

Long Branch Manifolds w/ 2.5" dual exhausts10.75:1 compression

Muncie M-21 4-spd transmissionHurst Shifter with Floor Console

3.90 HD Differential Saf-T-Track (posi-trac)Front disc, 4 wheel power brakes

Hood Tachometer, Rally II 14" WheelsDeluxe steering Wheel

Verdoro Green Metallic PaintBlack Deluxe Interior

Rare Rochester 4 BBL Carburetor 7028271Rally Gauge Cluster

In 1968 the L74 H.O. (High Output Engine) was borrowed from the GTO lineup as a way to give the Firebird 400 a performance engine option.It came with a free flowing exhaust and its own cam and carburetor when connected to a 4-speed transmission.When released in 1968, Car and Driver magazine published an article comparing the best "Sporty Car" models of the year. The comparison included an impressive lineup for its day: the AMC Javelin, Mercury Cougar, Chevy Camaro, Ford Mustang and the Plymouth Barracuda.It's findings were that the Firebird 400 H.O. was at the top of nearly every class from acceleration, quarter mile, handling and braking− it was pronounced to be "In a class by itself" scoring 118 points (which was 39 points higher that it's similar looking twin, the Chevy Camaro).

There were 2087 L74 Firebird 400 H.O. models produced in 1968. 1415 of those produced had manual transmissions and approximately 125 were convertibles.

The 1968 Firebird 400 H.O. National Registry tracks down and records any 1968 Firebird 400 H.O.'s that have survived.The registry captures the options that each one had as it rolled off the assembly line and produces its findings from that statistical data.The national registry has currently located 39 1968 Firebird 400 H.O.'s (21 convertibles and 18 Coupes).Only nine 4-speed convertibles have been located to date.

This Firebird was built the third week of January 1968 in Lordstown Ohio and was delivered to Pontiac Motor Division in Southern California.It was then sold at H&R Pontiac GMC in El Centro CA. This second-owner car underwent an amateur restoration completed by its owner.The restoration began in October of 2016.Completion of sheet metal work, welding, panel replacement, bodywork, paint and mechanicals are a testament to what can be done with a little know how and the help from YouTube videos and online forums.

Availble to buyer are a recent evaluation and appraisal for insurance valuing the car at $47000

Also available is a dyno sheet from recent dyno-testing showing car at just under 300HP to rear wheels.

Then engine has only been broke in with just under 100 miles, The engine compartment was just detailed this last winter and shows amazing everything is new from hoses to wiring to brake lines.

Things worth noting and potential vehicle negatives. I want to represent this vehicle fairly and want to disclose any know issues. this vehicle is being sold as-is and if you have any questions i will answer them the best that I can. during the restoration only things not completed are under the dash, there is no heat as there is no functioning heater box or hoses. I never planned to run in cold winter. the convertible top does function and is free from holes, the back window though needs to be replaced as it is considerably yellowed and is difficult to see through. The deluxe steering wheel is rare to find uncracked. The steering wheel on this car is in great shape the few cracks it has are covered with black tape and are well concealed. The paint is new and very shiny, there are a few defects as it was painted in a garage. When looking close some small defects are noticeable in the hood's paint. The driver's side door has a touch up of paint that needs to be professionally repaired to make it perfect you have to look closely as the paint matches closely.

this is not a numbers match car, but it is a code correct car. For those that like extreme details, the EUN of this engine does not match the VIN, but it does have all the correct coded pieces of a very rare engine combo, correct WQ block which is very hard to find, correct coded heads, intake manifold and carburetor, the 708271 carb was specific for the 400HO model with a 4 speed and sell for over 2k on their own!