As with all anthropological claims, the bones are the proof. In this case, even the bones would not prove it. The 'bones' would be all bolt in so there will never be any conclusive evidence. At least not enough to change anyone's mind. Even if I could produce the car I saw with my own eyes and produced the original owner with his believable (or not)story. It would not be proof enough. You could find a picture from the late sixties with a Chevy engine in a Bird and it wouldn't be proof. TOHCan picked a task that was quite easy; Prove something to be false that was impossible to prove true in the first place. It will always take some amount of faith or unsubstantiated testimony to ascertain that any 1st gen Firebird had a Chevy engine first.

It would be easy to prove to be true - just one documented case! If anyone can find one, I'll gladly concede!

I think someone stated the opposite opinion earlier, that you can have tons of evidence showing that Firebirds only came with Pontiac engines and still not eliminate the possibility that one or more existed, until you have PHS documents on every last one. So rather than gather hundreds of thousands of documents that support the non-existence, I'll be happy to see just one that proves the myth. And not every myth has a basis in fact, rumours are enough. Maybe calling it a myth gives it too much credit!

I didn't take delivery of a new FGF in Canada, so I can't even positively say that it had an engine when delivered, Pontiac or not!

Rather than PHS I think that these people with their extensive records of cars sold through all the Canadian delearships would have the only proof.

http://gmcanada.com/english/maintenance/parts/parts_vint.html

Maybe they have all their records in a database that can be searched with engine make as search criteria. I sent them an inquiry.

That would be great if they have the info! Did you ask about GTOs as well, since the myth mentions muscle cars?

No. I wanted to keep it specific. I asked if it was possible to search by engine make in a 1st gen Firebird. I supposed if they say it's possible to search that way for Firebird then it stands to reason they could do it for GTO. I have a feeling they aren't going to help much because it's not a 'money maker' for them.

They should be able to show production numbers and options, but at least through their service any possibles could be checked.

Here is the response that I received:

Due to the age of the vehicle in question, we are unable to assist you through this resource. Our Vintage Vehicle Services may be of further assistance to you, and can be contacted directly at 1-888-467-6853.

The phone service that I have gets a huge service charge to Canada. It's at least $10 a call. Maybe someone with a better international rate or someone in Canada could give them a call?

Leave it with me. I'll call tomorrow and let you know what they say.

Nice work, Jim.

Still waiting for a response..will call once more Monday. I'll only update again if I get a response.

Any updates?

Yep, here's your update;

In that quote, I see he references "For Sale." It occurs to me that the car in question might have been a test mule or a specially produced car that wasn't for sale. Does that change the argument?

Under TOHCan's rules, it would have to be a regular production car to back up the myth. For the myth to become fact someone would have to produce a PHS type document.
I believe that TOHCan was asking for Pedlondarite's update on what the Canadian documentation service said. Probably the last chance for anything factual coming......

Yep!