1968 Pontiac Firebird GS 400 HO

OVERVIEW

Every once in a while we get the opportunity to be offered a first class example of some rare Pontiac automobiles. But, we have to say that this car is definitely simply outstanding! Read on to find out more.

Pontiac may have broken late from the gate in the pony-car derby, but it quickly made up ground. Carefully considered alterations made the 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 perhaps the best compact muscle car of the year.

During 1968 Pontiac engineers continued to refine the Camaro-spec suspension forced on them by GM. Performance versions of both makes got new multiple-leaf rear springs with shock absorbers staggered fore and aft of the axle, reducing wheel hop in hard takeoffs was diminished.

Horsepower on the standard 400-cid V-8 increased by five, to 330. Ram Air continued as the rarest and strongest engine option at about $600 over the regular 400. It again had a hotter cam, stronger valve springs, and exclusive use of functional hood scoops. At midyear, the 335-bhp Ram Air mill was replaced by the 340-bhp Ram Air II.

However, the example you are looking at here features one of the rare 400 engine variations debuting in 1968 which was the best blend of machismo and manners. The 400 HO, or High Output, cost about $350 over the base 400 and used free-flow exhausts and, like this Firebird 400 offered by Precious Metal Classic Car Sales, it was factory hooked to a four-speed, that also came with its own revised cam. It too was rated at 335 bhp, but redlined higher than the base engine and below the Ram Air.

Let's take a look at the highlights of the Firebird 400 HO that we have listed for your consideration:

HIGHLIGHTS
* One of 1415 High-Output WQ equipped examples produced with a 4-speed
* No expense spared complete rotisserie restoration completed in 2008
* Original Broadcast Sheet included with the vehicle and all PHS Documentation
* Original drivetrain including WQ engine, 4-speed transmission, and original Safe-T-Track rear end with 3.36 gearing
* Finished in the very desirable Verdoro Green
* Optional Gold Firebird Custom Interior
* Optional Rally II Wheels with F70 x 14 Red Wide Oval Tires
* Optional Console with Electric Clock
* Gardner supplied reproduction Dual Exhaust
* Optional Ride and Handling Package
* Optional Dual Stage Air Cleaner
* Power Steering added during the restoration using OEM parts
* Front Disc Brakes added during the restoration using OEM parts
* All receipts for all parts used during the restoration and original documentation dating back to 1980's

This is a must have car for the first generation Firebird or Pontiac enthusiast. With a powerful engine and a completely restored example this car is a blast to drive and will win many trophies at your selected car shows.

We can definitely see why the Firebird 400 HO was featured in a 1968 Car and Driver comparison test, and bested a 390-cid Javelin, a 390 Mustang, 390 Cougar, a Camaro SS 396, and a 340 Barracuda. Not only was the Poncho quickest of the bunch, but its engine was the smoothest and its handling the friendliest.

Being Pontiac lovers ourselves we definitely agree when Car and Driver made the statement that - "For sheer enjoyment and confidence behind the wheel, the Firebird was almost in a class by itself."

View over 150 pictures and the upcoming video at PMClassicCars.Com and then call Tris at Precious Metal Classic Car Sales at (574) 276-1326 to see about getting behind the wheel of this beautiful car!