It’s far from common to find a first-generation F-Body in this condition. Usually plastered with lashings of modifications, this one is different – and all the better for it
When it comes to early Firebirds, there are typically two directions people take with their F-body: restore it to showroom condition or adapt the muscle car for street/drag racing prowess.
While it certainly does happen, it’s not often that you stumble across a 1969 Firebird in flawlessly restored condition. It remains rarer still to find a blower hidden under the hood, along with supporting modifications to boot. Yet, that's the exact description of the example we just ran across for sale.
There are a few things to note about this car before diving into things that give it some extra grunt. First thing – it appears to be a Trans Am clone. Back in 1969, cars weren’t given a VIN that broke information down specifically with trim levels or engine options. It’s also important to mention that this is not a perfect car, it does have some paint chips and things of the sort, but the restoration was definitely completed to very high professional standards.
The seller bought the car in this condition four years ago. Prior to that, the F-Body was restored 13 years back, installed with a stroked 467ci Poncho engine (bonus points for not being LS-swapped) force-fed by a Paxton blower.
Outfitted with a FiTech Go EFI 8 fuel injection system, MSD ignition and distributor, upgraded radiator, and throaty exhaust, the extra mechanical support gives the beefy engine dollops of extra performance.
Backing the engine is a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual transmission that funnels power to a 3.55:1 geared posi-traction rearend, where 610-horsepower and 690 lbs-ft of torque then meet the rear wheels.
Interestingly enough, when sorting through feedback about the car, the biggest complaint in the slightly larger 18-inch aftermarket wheels, with one person citing they prefer the 'purity of form'. However, the car’s powertrain is already a bit of a contradiction to the show car appearance, but then again, that’s a marker of a great restomod build.
