1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible
Back in the late ’60s, Pontiac introduced a new sports car to the lineup and called it the Firebird. Originally, Pontiac wanted to create a two-seater car based on their Banshee concept car, but GM feared that it would take sales away from the ever-popular Chevrolet Corvette.
Designed as a Pony Car to compete with Ford’s Mustang, Pontiac’s Firebird was introduced in February 1967, the same model year as GM’s platform-sharing Chevrolet Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang.
What made it famous: The first generation Firebird had characteristic “Coke-bottle” styling shared with the Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird’s bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird’s rear “slit” taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Most buyers opted for one of three V8’s: the 250hp, 326 cu in with a 2-barrel carburetor, the 285hp, 4-barrel “HO” 326, or the 325 hp, 400 cu in from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors’ second barrels from fully opening. A “Ram Air” option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 RPM.
It’s the slightly more plush version of the Camaro, but still retains enough heat to make it a threat on the street. Plus, it’s a convertible!
Originally, the car was a “consolation prize” for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the “Pony car” market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet.
