When I bought my 1968 Pontiac Firebird, I did a lot of research and noticed that the actual version of my car had a middle console.
Image of my setting attached.
Also, it is clearly visible that I (joyfully) own a deluxe steering wheel and the door panels are deluxe as well.
But now I'm not entirely clear.
Are the seats or door panels that have been installed simply the wrong ones?
Because they have the pattern of the standard version, or have the wrong ones been fitted at some point? In the image there had other seats installed but I changed them to the standard seats because they have been part of the purchase.
I also see that the dash panel is in black, but I can only find photos of Deluxe versions with wood grain dash panel and wood grain centre console. Also, an example image from A/T version attached (1968)
Can you please help me sort this out if I want to restore the car concours?
Please find attached some recent photos of the car.
The Custom Trim Option (AKA Deluxe) on the PHS is on different pages. On the ordering card it is the "Color" and "Trim" boxes. That can then be decoded (highlighted by the PHS people) on a page with the exterior colors and seat options.
That Custom Trim Option, if there, includes the custom upholstery (Comfortweave) seats, deluxe steering wheel, deluxe door panels, and some other stuff.
Your deluxe door panels would either indicate yours has the custom trim option or a PO has replaced the originals.
Those seats don't look original. 1st because the upholstery is not original type and 2nd, they have headrests and your PHS does not show the option.
Your deluxe steering wheel looks like it was original. It would have come with a custom trim option or in that Decor Group your PHS shows.
The original dash panel was the burlwood pattern in the '68s. A previous owner has put on a Camaro panel.
You have the center console (code 472) on the PHS so it been removed.
Your PHS shows the optional hood tach but I cannot see it on the hood and a PO has one on the steering column.
Your original Rally 2 wheels have been replaced.
Your PHS shows a 4 speed 400HO. That's a great combo if it has those options. Have you checked the engine for originality since it sounds like that is your goal.
I am not trying to be overly critical, just answering your questions. It's a good-looking '68. Is it a US or Europe built?
It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but it looks like your car has the aluminum headliner trim moldings, like these (best seen in picture 2 on the linked page): https://www.oerparts.com/product/*r342.html
The cars with standard interior had plastic headliner moldings, in the same color as the headliner. The cars with the custom trim option had the aluminum headliner moldings. I didn't know that they had started reproducing the aluminum headliner moldings (until I found the one´s above), they have earlier been difficult to find.
Hi everyone, first of all thanks for the great information, I realise that I'm dealing with real enthusiasts.
I can tell you that the car was built and driven in America and eventually found its way to Switzerland. I bought the car there, and it is now in Germany.
I assume that, based on your information, the interior kit was ordered, but the complete console comes from a Camaro. Just like the seats are not original. The background is that, apart from your tips, I noticed that the Firebird on the glove compartment is missing, and the console is missing.
The engine is original and has matching numbers. The gearbox has been swapped but replaced with a rebuilt one which has the same specification as the original gearbox.
Don't make any assumptions based on having or not a glove box bird. Personally, my '68 with custom interior did not get one. The documentation says the Custom Trim Option includes one but some cars discussed in this forum did not get it.
