1969 Pontiac Firebird Information
Everything we have on the 1969 Pontiac Firebird — its history, how to decode and verify your car, the factory options, and the original ads — gathered on one page. Use the jump links to skip to what you need.
History
For 1969, the Firebird was extensively restyled — now longer, wider, and heavier, with a new one-piece Lexan front bumper-grille. Other changes included a theft-prevention steering-column ignition and gearshift interlock, a variable-ratio power-steering unit, and optional single-piston-caliper disc brakes. The optional Koni shocks and wire wheel covers were discontinued during the model year, and head restraints became standard.
Under the hood, the 250 OHC six, the 350 two-barrel V-8, the regular 400, and the 400 H.O. (Ram Air III) were largely unchanged; the 350 H.O. was upgraded to 325 hp, and a new 400 Ram Air IV (345 hp) was introduced.
The Trans Am arrives. In March 1969, the Trans Am debuted as an optional (WS4) Cameo White coupe or convertible package — 400 H.O. engine, three-speed manual, improved suspension and steering (400 Ram Air IV optional). It added front-fender air extractors, dual hood/roof/deck stripes, a blacked-out grille, a rear-deck spoiler, and a three-spoke wood-grain steering wheel.
1969 Production Numbers
| Model | VIN Code | Qty. Built |
|---|---|---|
| 2-dr Coupe | 22337 | 74,673 |
| 2-dr Convertible | 22367 | 11,641 |
| Trans Am Coupe | 22337 | 689 |
| Trans Am Convertible | 22367 | 8 |
Just 8 Trans Am convertibles were built in 1969 — among the rarest first-gen Firebirds.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
On the 1969 Firebird the VIN is on a plate visible through the windshield on the driver’s-side dash (also stamped on the left door-jamb hinge post).
Reading the 1969 VIN, digit by digit
| Position | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1st digit | GM line — 2 = Pontiac |
| 2nd digit | Series — 2 = Firebird |
| 3rd digit | Model/engine — 3 = all 1967–69 models |
| 4th–5th digits | Body type — 37 = Sport Coupe, 67 = Convertible |
| 6th digit | Last digit of model year — 9 = 1969 |
| 7th digit | Assembly plant — L = Van Nuys, CA · N = Norwood, OH · U = Lordstown, OH |
| 8th–13th digits | Sequential production number — starts at 600001 (L6) or 100001 (V8) |
Decode yours instantly: enter your number in the VIN Decoder, or see where every stamping hides on the Hidden VIN Locations page.
Body Tag Information
The Fisher body (cowl) tag records the model, body style, paint color, interior trim color, and date of manufacture. On 1968–69 cars it’s riveted to the firewall near the master cylinder.
Reading your tag, line by line
| Code | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Time Built (above “ST”) | Month and week the body was assembled. 05A = May, 1st week. |
| Model Year (right of “ST”) | The model year — 69. |
| Division / Series / Body | e.g. 2 23 37: 2 = Pontiac; 23 = Firebird; 37 Coupe (67 = Convertible). Note: for 1969 this does match the first five digits of the VIN. |
| Assembly Plant | The Fisher Body plant — LOS = Van Nuys, California; LOR = Lordstown, Ohio; NOR = Norwood, Ohio. |
| Consecutive Build No. | 511905 — the body’s sequence off the line. Does not match the sequential VIN number. |
| Paint Code (below plant) | Two-letter/number body color — or upper/lower on a two-tone, or a stripe / convertible-top / vinyl-top color. 73 E = Verdoro Green body with Parchment vinyl top. |
| Trim Code (left of paint) | Three-digit interior color + seat material. 206 = Midnight Green Vinyl. |
Show all 1969 paint colors, top codes & interior trim
Convertible Top Selections
A — Ivory White · B — Black · C — Dark Blue · E — Parchment · G — Dark Green
Cordova (Vinyl) Top Options
B — Black · C — Dark Blue · E — Parchment · G — Dark Green · H — Dark Fawn
| Seat Style | Codes |
|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl Buckets | 200 Blue · 202 Gold · 206 Green · 207 Parchment · 208 Black |
| Custom Knit Vinyl Weave Buckets (Optional) | 210 Blue · 212 Gold · 214 Red · 216 Green · 217 Parchment · 218 Black |
| Knit Vinyl Weave Bench (Optional) | 227 Parchment · 228 Black |
| Custom Option Leather Bucket (Optional) | 283 Gold |
Decode your own tag: the Body Tag Decoder translates each line for you. See also Paint Codes and Options & Trim.
Accessories for your 1969 Pontiac Wide-Track
Built from original 1969 Pontiac documentation, the full factory option sheet lists every option and accessory available on the Firebird — by UPC and body-tag code. Pair it with a Billing History Card to verify exactly what was originally equipped on your car.
For 1969, Pontiac grouped popular options into six factory packages:
- Basic Group (Y88) — AM radio, visor-vanity + remote mirrors, clock, deck-lid release, H.D. air cleaner
- Trans Am Package (WS4) — the new Trans Am option
- Decor Group (Y86) — dual horns, deluxe wheel covers & steering wheel, wheel-opening & drip mouldings, pedal trim
- Power Assist Group (WS6) — Turbo Hydra-Matic, variable-ratio power steering, front power disc brakes
- Turnpike Cruise Group (WS5) — cruise control, tilt wheel, power bucket seat
- Rally Group (WS8) — Rally II wheels, custom sports steering wheel, Rally gauge cluster + clock, Ride & Handling pkg.
Standalone favorites included the Rally II wheels, the Ram Air IV engine option, center console, hood-mounted tach, Custom Air Conditioning, power windows, and the folding rear seat.
See the full 1969 factory option list »
Original Advertisements
An original 1969 Pontiac Firebird ad, recreated for viewing.
Deep Reference
Large technical references, kept on their own pages so they stay easy to browse:
Helpful Links
- Car Storage Information — prepping your Firebird for winter storage.
- First Generation Firebird FAQs — hundreds of community answers.
- Forums — ask questions, buy/sell parts, connect with owners.
Content last modified: July 18, 2026 at 12:20 am
