1968 Pontiac Firebird - Nifty in Night Shade

Sure, it looked like dark silver to us but what do we know? We're just magazine guys. Little did we realize, at first glance, that the green tint meant that this Firebird was Nightshade Green--a seldom seen color for 1968--at least in our minds. Then there were the "Ram Air 400" emblems on the hood that we had never laid eyes on, yet looked eerily familiar. They had the correct font and size for a Pontiac emblem, but why hadn't we seen them on other Ram Air Birds? The owner, Don Happe of Flower Mound, Texas is researching it but after speaking with Pontiac historian Jim Mattison, it appears that the emblem is most likely an aftermarket piece since he was unable to locate any factory information to prove its existence. Did I neglect to mention that Don's F-body is home to a 1968 335-horse D-port Ram Air 400? It was sales code 347 and UPC L67 but those numbers meant a whole lot more on the street.

Strange Ram Air Fact

Replete with its recalibrated carb and distributor, the rumpety-rump 744 cam with 301°/313° duration and .413/.413 lift and casting #31 heads with 2.11/1.77 valves along with HD valve springs, the Ram Air 400 for 1968 was the top Firebird engine option. And while the bottom-end was pretty much standard 400 fare, there were, however, 4-bolt main caps. The engine was more powerful than the HO, despite the fact that the 335 hp rating was identical for both powerplants. Also shared with the HO were free-flowing long-branch exhaust manifolds with the necessary oil filter adaptor.

And let us not forget that beautiful Ram Air system, which is a feast for the eyes each time the hood is popped. The 1968 models were still a fair weather system, which was open all the time unless the owner chose to replace the open scoops with the closed units. It was simple, and lighter than the intricate flapper systems that debuted in 1969.

As had been the case in the previous year, Pontiac made sure that its hi-po engine option was backed with all of the HD components needed for reliable and quick road duty. A Turbo-400 or a Muncie close-ratio 4-speed transmission was a mandatory option. Also mandatory was a 3.90 Safe-T-Track rear axle. Of course the HD suspension from the Firebird 400 was included and this particular model was ordered with the ride and handling package, power disc brakes, Rally II wheels and F70x14 Wide Ovals too.

The options didn't stop with the drivetrain and suspension as tinted windows were ordered and Deluxe interior with a fold-down rear seat in basic black was checked off and remains original. The cabin features an AM/FM radio with manual rear antenna, a wood wheel, a console with a clock and a walnut shifter knob. Optional underhood and trunk lamps, exhaust splitters and a black Cordova top were specified as well. Despite all of these extra-cost comforts, the engine bay is still unadorned by power assist for the steering.

Notable Upgrades For 1968 Firebirds

With its wondrous array of optional equipment, its Ram Air engine and unique color, you may believe that this is a rare and expensive Firebird. You'd be half right. With just 413 total (321 4-speeds and 92 automatics), the D-port Ram Air Firebirds certainly are rare. But expensive? Most are, but in this case, it depends on your viewpoint. As Don describes it, "This was my e-Bay success story! I found the Firebird on e-Bay with only five hours left on the auction. The gentleman from whom I purchased it was not very familiar with Pontiacs, so I talked him through getting me the numbers on the car. Once it checked out, I had to have it. After owning between 15 and 20 1967-69 Firebirds, I had yet to see a Ram Air '67 or '68 model." Five hours and $17,500 later, Don was the proud owner of his first 1968 Ram Air Firebird showing just 56,000 miles.

What little history Don was able to glean from the previous owner includes the fact that the Bird had been restored around 1996--two owners ago. Don believes that the Ram Air F-body was repainted and the engine was rebuilt but the interior is thought to be original, save the carpet. Though some aspects of this very special Firebird continue to be a mystery to its new owner, the fact remains that it is a rarity, that has all matching numbers, a hot engine and a unique color. And it was a steal. Even us magazine guys can appreciate that.