1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Heads to Auction With a Stick-Shift Surprise

Few first-generation pony cars leave the factory with a manual gearbox tucked behind a V8, and that rarity is exactly what sets this 1968 Pontiac Firebird Convertible apart. Offered through a Barn Finds auction out of Dayton, Ohio, the car pairs a 350-cubic-inch V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor to a three-speed manual shifted from the floor, with dual exhaust rounding out the drivetrain. A clean title accompanies the sale.

The current owner has kept the Firebird for a number of years and presents it as a genuine driver rather than a trailer queen. According to the listing, the car runs strongly and is ready for the road, with a mechanic having swapped in fresh rear leaf springs within the past year. A supporting letter identifies both the engine and the transmission as original to the chassis, and the engine bay has been dressed up over time with a chrome air cleaner, finned valve covers, and red ignition wires.

Inside, the cabin still carries its black bucket seats, center console, woodgrain accents, and factory AM radio. The odometer photo reads 78,399.3 miles, consistent with the seller’s claim of a figure just under 79,000 — though as with any five-digit gauge, paperwork and inspection are the only real way to confirm total mileage. Upholstery appears usable in the photos, while high-contact surfaces like the console show the patina of regular use.

Cosmetically, the red paint and its Cragar wheels wrapped in wide BFGoodrich tires give the convertible plenty of presence, but the seller is upfront that this is not a fresh restoration. Swirl marks and finish wear are visible on the hood, corrosion has taken hold along the inner trunk-lid lip, and additional paint blemishes and spot rust are disclosed. A repaint is described as an eventual likelihood. The black soft top earns an eight out of ten from the seller, with its inner lining showing discoloration and age.

Bidding opens at $100, with the auction scheduled to close on October 16, 2026 and a five-percent buyer premium applying. For someone who wants a V8 convertible with a three-pedal setup they can actually drive, this Firebird makes an appealing case — the question is whether to leave its honest, worn character intact or commit to a full cosmetic overhaul.