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Pontiac Firebird First Generation 1967 to 1969

The first choice for the Pontiac division of GM was a two-seat sports car, but GM was afraid it would hurt Corvette sales. Therefore, the second prize from GM management was the Pontiac Firebird, which would compete with the other pony cars. Pontiac made the Firebird from 1967 until 2002 with built many of the engines. But from the vast array of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines offered over the years in the Firebird, there are representative engines from all divisions of GM.firebird 67

© Mybaitshop | Dreamstime.com 1967 Pontiac Firebird Front View

The first-generation Firebird had a Coke bottle body style, bumpers integrated into the body and horizontal, slit-style taillights. The car came in two-door hard-top and convertible models only. In 1968, the Firebird’s front signal lights and taillights wrapped around the bumper to create marker lights and signals visible from the side in keeping with new federal safety laws. Also in 1968, the vent or no-draft windows disappeared, replaced by a one-piece front door window.

firebird 68 quarter panel© Mybaitshop | Dreamstime.com 1968 Pontiac Firebird Side Close-up

firbird 68 grill

© Mybaitshop | Dreamstime.com 1968 Pontiac Firebird

firebird 68 yellow

© Clewisleake | Dreamstime.com – Classic 1968 Pontiac Firebird 

The 1969 model got two new style chrome bumpers capable of withstanding 5 mph impact without damage, again to conform to new U.S. federal safety laws. Inside the 1969 Firebird, the instrument panel and steering wheel changed; the ignition switch was now on the steering column. Pontiac produced the 1969 Bird well into 1970 since the Pontiac engineers had design and manufacturing problems with the new second-generation models.

firebird 69

© Steirus | Dreamstime.com – 1969 Pontiac Firebird Coupe Photo 

The entry-level Firebird came with an inline overhead cam six powered by a one-barrel carburetor. One step up, the Sprint had the same six with a four-barrel producing 215hp (169 kW), but most customers opted for a V8 and the base eight-cylinder engine was a 326-cubic-inch (5.3L) power plant with a two-barrel, which developed 250 hp (186 kW). The next step up was the same engine with a four-barrel producing 285hp (213 kW), this was the H.O. (high output) option. The high-performance engine choice is the 400-cubic-inch (6.6L) V8 producing 325hp (242 kW). With this engine, a Ram Air option was also available that included functional hood scoops, high flow heads with stronger valve springs, and an upgraded camshaft. The Ram Air engine offered the same horsepower but peaked at a higher RPM giving the car more torque.

In 1968, the six-cylinder engine changed to a 250-cubic-inch (4.1L) with the same carburetor options as in ’67. A 350-cubic-inch (5.7L) replaced the starter V8. The H.O. version with the hotter cam developed 320hp (240 kW). The other engines had a marginal increase in horsepower ratings.

The year 1969 saw the introduction of “The Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package.” Included in this package was a rear spoiler, with 689 hard-tops and eight convertibles, so equipped. Also in 1969, there was an additional Ram Air IV engine option for the 400-cubic-inch, developing 345hp, with the older style Ram Air III developing 335hp (250 kW). The 350 H.O. engine got a different cam and cylinder heads giving it a boost to 330hp (250 kW).

Test drive a 1968 Firebird 400 click the link:

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12 thoughts on “Pontiac Firebird First Generation 1967 to 1969”


  3. So, Mark…when are you going to buy this for me. This is my favorite. It’s better than the camaro. I had a 1983 Chevy camaro Z28…cross fire. With t tops and hated it so much.

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