Seeking a 1968 Convertible.
Numbers matching, and original paint color.
Be great to have low miles or refreshed/rebuilt engine & transmission

I've just started my search and checking the various sites couple times a week. Hemmings, ebay, Autotraders.
But maybe some on this list can help me.

Must Haves:
Manual Transmission (= more fun to drive!)
Original Paint Color: Black, Blue, Red, Burgundy....maybe one of the darker greens.
Engine: V8 (350, 350H.O., 400) not picky...today.

Rust free and not a fixer-upper.

Nice to Have:
Disk Brakes
Gauge Cluster (Fuel/Temp/Volts/Oil combo)
Power Top
Fold Down rear seat
Good/Excellent Interior

Price range?

Price...well...it depends on the car, but ideally between $20K and $35K.
I think some are over priced...and they aren't selling.

Prepare for a possible wait to find one, esp. if you are looking for a 4sp. Took me a couple of years, but patience paid off- got more than I was looking for
FYI- when you talk 4sp, people are less willing to come down in price.

Good hunting and welcome to the site!

Just checking. It seems there are quite a few people that expect to find a rust free, 400 convertible in showroom condition for $10k.

I may consider a 1967 model year.
I have found many that match my desire list and price range.
Hmm, I like the 68 a bit better from the slight cosmetic differences and i think a few upgrades.

Anyone have input on 67 versus 68? and what else I should be looking at or considering?

I prefer the 68, however, 67's have some better color combinations especially for verts.

I have owned both, and was amazed at how differently they rode and felt. My only big gripe with the '67 was every time I got out of the car, I cut my shoulder on the sharp tip of the vent window. It may have just been the goofy gangly way I get out of the car, but I bet I drew blood a dozen times in the two years I was driving it. Cosmetically, I like the rear marker lights and deluxe interior of '68 much better than '67. Driving wise, the '67 seemed a bit smoother, but the 326 definitely did not have the pep my 400 has. Maybe a 326 HO would be a bit better there. The '68 350's had more pep, but not to the degree of the 400. For overall cruising, ALL models are great! The mono leaf rear suspension was also a bit stiffer for '67.
It all comes down to colors and taste. I'd take any of them over a 'Maro any day!

Thanks.
I would have never thought about the vent window...and I bet others may have experienced the same.
I totally agree...the little detail of the side marker is just beautiful. I know the law required that additional marker in 68, but what a great design to address the requirements.

I too would take a firebird over a camero AND mustang. I have been in love with the firebird since the early 90's.
and it has outlasted brief love affairs for other cars. hahah.

now comes the waiting game...i really love convertibles and stick shift.
Currently I own a british sports car - roadster. TR6. I loved it as a teenager and saved my money and bought one as fast as I could. restored it as needed. my point is, for a fun car i really love the treat of having a convertible and driving a stick.

Wow, I'm a big guy and don't think I have ever hit the side vent window, ouch. I personally like the side vents because they bring in a lot of air if you are moving. However, most people don't like them because they are not as clean looking as the 68s. IMHO, Pontiac did a real nice job incorporating the side markers for the 68 year verses all the other manufacturers. If first year has an appeal to you, go with the 67. If you like the 67/68 look go after the one that fits the rest of your needs because both are great cars. Also consider that 68s with manual transmissions could not be ordered with A/C. Did not know that until I talked to Harold.

The 69s are a love/hate story for most Firebird fans. You either love the look or not.

How the heck do you catch the vent window, when its open?

67 likes;
Park lamps in front, and go out when headlamps are on.
Vent widows if doesn't have A/C.
Mono leafs if into better launches. Especially M/T.

68 Likes;
Rear marker lamps are pro titties!
Multi leaf has smother ride.
160 mph speedo. Bother years will exceed 120(at least my 67 400 does).

Are you open to a non numbers matching motor? Your chances of getting one in the condition you are looking for are much better in the price range you listed, and are way easier to come by. The last numbers matching 68 vert 4sp I saw was nice, but not show went for mid 40's , non numbers match and 350 cars seem to go for less unless its a resto-mod and they have sunk a ton of money in them.

Are you watching this one. Ebay Link

Wow, if that price holds..... What a deal!!!!!!! If i was still looking, i would be taking a drive for sure to check that out!

Sure not much for pictures. May hurt pricing.

I wish I could test drive some of these myself.
I am debating whether to hold out for a manual or just go ahead and get an automatic.

I *think* I would prefer convertible/manual. and ideal in black.
And now that I think about it...maybe it would not be so awful if it was not numbers matching.

I did see a black convertible a month or so ago with auto trans and a 350 asking price at $22K i think.
the ad went down before I could inquire. someplace in ND if I recall.

Starting to realize I need to compromise. just now need to figure out what and under what circumstance in the big picture. sigh. Even if I had more money to 'invest' - it would take a while to find the right one. which is fine. not in a hurry. Just not sure if and when an ideal one would come for sale.

Are you still looking for a 68 convertible? I have almost exactly what you are looking for, but I am not really looking to sell it. I bought just over 3 years ago. It had 21644 miles on the odometer, which I believe to be correct. It is numbers matching although it does have one number off as has been discussed previously in the forums. I checked with PHS and they said that is no big deal. It is red with a white power top and Deluxe white interior, Air conditioning, 4-spd, PS, 350 2 BBl engine, 3:28 axle, Rear manual antenna, Rally II wheels, AM radio, Custom Sports Steering Wheel, Console, Front Disc Brakes, Tinted glass, and Custom Pedal Trim Plates.
I am a snowbird and spend the winters in AZ. The car is kept in AZ year round. I have added a Hood tach, New side mirrors, and replaced the AC compressor. I bought the car as a "driver" but I haven't driven it much; it has only 22600 on it now. It is definitely an eye-turner and I almost always have people coming over to talk about it whenever I take it out.
Now for the negatives: When I wrote to PHS I found out the car was produced as a Verdoro Green car with a Black top and interior. The Paint and Trim plate in the car have been changed to reflect the current color and trim. That seems like someone went to a lot of trouble and brings into question whether any other changes were made. I do have documents that show the odometer is apparently correct.
I love the car but I am really not driving it that much to justify keeping it. I am 77 years old and don't find the 4-spd to be as alluring as it once was. I paid $32,000 for it 3 years ago. If you are interested please reply.

I can't believe that blue 400 4-speed sold at $21k what a great looking car at a great price. It was right down the road from me too. I guess I'm glad I didn't see it - would have been tempted to have three.

IMHO, try to get a 400 - a clone is okay just don't overpay, and realize it will only go up so much in value. I have a 67 400 vert clone, and a 68 350 2bl coupe - love em both. The coupe is such a great cruiser and very smooth. But the 400 vert turns the heads wherever we show up.

I like the deluxe interior (Comfort weave seats) on the 68s and the wood look counsel, and rectangle side mirrors. I'm also a big fan of the Parchment and Blue interiors, and darker exterior colors. Harolds car is a great example of a beautiful color combination. Good luck - ocaisionally I'll post one for sale on our FB page.

Ken
Midwest Firebirds