First-ever Firebird Heads to Mecum Kissimmee 2021 Block
Joining the second-ever Pontiac Firebird at Mecum’s first auction of 2021, Firebird No. 1 a convertible restored down to the nuts and bolts.
A while ago, we reported the second-ever Pontiac Firebird to leave the factory would roll down the red carpet at Mecum’s Kissimmee, Florida happening January 7 through 16. That example, a silver coupe, was restored down to the nut and bolt by its current owner, Richard Rawlings.
Turns out the coupe won’t be alone, though. According to Motor Authority, the very first Firebird, also owned by Rawlings, will join the coupe on the red carpet on the final day of the auction, Saturday, January 16.
Rolling on a fresh set of period-correct Goodyears, Rawlings found the Regimental Red-on-red convertible with the silver coupe in the home of former NBA player Chuck Aleksinas. Rawlings bought both Firebirds in 2014, then restored them at his Gas Monkey Garage on his Discovery Channel show, Fast N’ Loud.
Under the long red hood is the Firebird’s original 326 V8 with two-barrel Rochester carb, linked to the rear through a two-speed Powerglide automatic. Output is 250 horses. The entire stable logged almost 80,400 miles through at least a few sets of tires.
With the black soft top down, everyone can see the sea of red within the Firebird’s cabin. Front buckets and steering wheel come from a Firebird Deluxe, while a bar on the glovebox gives plenty for the passenger to hang onto when business picks up. A floor-mounted clock keeps the time, while the push-button AM radio waits to send some live baseball to your ears. None of those bits matter, though. Not when the 396 is singing its highway song to the world around you.
Finally, the trunk of this special Firebird includes the factory-correct trunk mat, jacking equipment, and a spare. Documentation includes the original build sheet, a cowl plate establishing the car’s history as a show piece, and the VIN on the door letting the world know this ride was the first of its kind.
Mecum expects this unique piece of history to fetch between $175,000 and $225,000. Certainly leagues above the Firebird’s original base of $2,998 in 1967 (nearly $23,400 in 2021). This ain’t no ordinary ‘bird, though.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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