When Pontiac introduced the Firebird in 1967, not only was it a “me, too!” response to the Ford Mustang, but it was also a mid-year follow-up to the Chevrolet Camaro. Clearly GM wanted to let the Camaro settle in the market before introducing the Firebird, which gave Pontiac time to perfect their package.

And when Pontiac introduced the Firebird on February 23, 1967, it’s likely both this coupe and convertible on eBay were seen by tens of thousands of American automotive enthusiasts. That’s because they’re the first and second cars off the line.

When introduced, there were two Firebird models in two body styles: Standard and Custom coupes and convertibles, with the main distinction of the two being a more deluxe interior for the Custom. You also had the option of choosing among five packages to create the Firebird of your dreams: the base Firebird with the OHC 230 six-cylinder rated at 165 horses; Firebird Sprint, with the 4bbl. OHC putting out 215 horses; Firebird 326, which came with a 250-horse V-8; Firebird HO, which had a 4bbl. 326 and 280 horses; and the Firebird 400, which came standard with the 400/325 (same motor as the 400/335 on the GTO) and had the option of the Ram Air motor.

12B
ST 67-22667 LOR SHOW1 BODY
TR 258-A R2 PAINT
L2 MSR 4F

The Firebird convertible on eBay has a VIN #223677U100001, which means it was the first one built at the Lordstown, OH plant. If you pay a visit to firstgenfirebird.org, you can read the data plate and figure out this convertible is a basic Custom 326 convertible painted in Regimental Red with black top and red Custom bucket seat interior, folding rear seat, and a few other options.

12B
ST 67-22637 LOR SHOW4 BODY
TR 259-B P2 PAINT
XL 2XGS 4F

The other Firebird has a VIN #223377U100002, which translates as the second Firebird built at Lordstown. This Custom coupe is a little more special because it’s a Firebird HO, which was somewhat of a junior supercar in its time. It was painted Silver Glaze with a black vinyl top and black Custom bucket seat interior. The codes at the bottom, which more often than not are not included on most GM products, show some of the more desirable options like 326 HO, four-speed manual with console, and power windows.

Both cars were built on 12B, which means the second week of December, 1966, which was WAY before the Firebird’s debut. Plus, look at the SHOW# BODY code – what does that mean? Referencing the firstgenfirebird.org site shows that both cars likely received special fit-and-finish treatment and were on display in a special venue.

Interior for car 001, the 326 convertible.

While not a Trans Am or even a Firebird 400, these two cars have a special collectible aura that can’t be replicated by any other car. How much of a Pontiac guy are you to step up to the plate and preserve these historical vehicles?