We've arrived at a time to where the "blue book" values for muscle cars are nothing less but guidelines. Knowing that first gen Firebirds are being offered and selling at this day and age between $8k to $180k depending on condition, restoration detail, restomods (becoming more popular) and bone stock original fair-excellent condition and # of owners it had, along with 6cyl, 326, 350, 400, HO, Ram Air, auto, 4 speed, convertible/hardtop and option package. So, depending what you like and what you value will establish the money you need to spend. Considering you can buy a decent new, all plastic car for $30k, loosing $5k on depreciation, a year, a classic that gains value for the same money may not be so bad. I restored many birds and know the cost of a thorough and detailed restoration and $30k for a car that's been gone over is very reasonable (if its a no BS body and mechanical plus interior resto). You may find a 400 car for around the same $ but most likely not a ragtop. So you see, it all depends what it is worth to you and how long you want to be searching for the "right" car.