1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible

We have recently noticed that the speedometer is currently inoperable, possibly a faulty cable but it doesn’t detract from the drivability of the car

Capitalising on the arrival of its new V8 engine in 1955, General Motors' Pontiac division reinvented itself for the 1960s adopting a sporting, youthful image promoted by a series of evocatively named high-performance models: Bonneville, GTO, Grand Prix, Firebird and Trans Am. Such was the success of this policy that Pontiac occupied third place in the US sales chart for most of the decade. Effectively an upmarket Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac's Firebird was introduced in February 1967, using the same bodyshell as its Chevrolet counterpart but readily distinguishable by its divided front grille. Engines ranged from a 230ci (3.8-litre) overhead-cam six-cylinder unit to a 400ci (6.6-litre) 325bhp V8. Two body styles were offered: a two-door hardtop coupe and a convertible. Pitched at an altogether more luxury-oriented market, the Firebird had sculpted 'Coke bottle' styling like the Camaro but with a distinctive corporate 'twin grille' front end.

This stunning example of the Firebird in its second year of production was a fairly early arrival into the UK coming in 1974 and was more than likely enjoyed and used doing the things that 1960s American convertibles did up until the early 2000s, when it was treated to a full strip down and total restoration over a five-year period and finished in its original factory colours.

Fitted with the more desirable manual gearbox, this fabulous Firebird comes with documentation supporting the restoration as well as period records on the car's build-spec, option list and historic advertising brochures. The car is superbly presented in Windward Blue with a matching blue Vinyl interior and sits on American Racing alloys with Galaxy Radials. Restored examples in this super condition rarely come to market, making this particular Firebird desirable, collectable and, at this guide, rather inviting.