A Hurst shifter, a factory...
A Hurst shifter, a factory walnut-colored shift knob (code 534), console (code 472), and AM-FM radio (code 384) are some of the specific-content factory options ordered for this Comanche. Grant Hamilton Pontiac added a Sun SuperTach 8,000-rpm tachometer to the car, as it did to every Comanche it made. Note the switch for the Marchal foglamps located underneath the dash to the right of the steering wheel.
A Crane XRI electronic ignition and high-intensity coil send spark through date-coded Packard wires to ACDelco 43TS plugs. The original M21 gets its shifts from a rebuilt Hurst Competition Plus shifter and its smooth engagement from a Centerforce 11-inch Dual-Friction clutch. Power is transferred rearward to the original 3.90-geared GM 8.2-inch ZK-code nodular rearend with a new Auburn posi. Fuel and brake systems were restored to stock specs.
The bumpers, 400 hoodscoop inserts, and original Comanche emblems were rechromed by Midway Plating, in London, Ontario. Richard removed the stainless-steel bright trim pieces, straightened and buffed them using a Brador buffing wheel, and reinstalled them. In addition, he completely disassembled the convertible-top mechanism, repainted it with PPG DP90 epoxy primer, and reinstalled it with a reproduction convertible top and an original-style plastic window.
Then Richard removed the original interior, stripped it to bare metal and primed and painted the dash and steering column, matching the color from the inside of the original glovebox door. He shot two coats of Dupont Satin Clear and installed a replacement dashpad, dash bezels, carpet, rear-door panels, and restored gauge pods and front door panels.
Comanche emblems replaced...
Comanche emblems replaced the factory's 400 emblems on the hood and decklid (not shown).
"The seats were the most difficult part because of the rare factory leather/Morrokide seat covers, which are not currently reproduced," Richard says. "I located a matching hide through C.C. Leathers in Toronto, Ontario; then Dixie Auto Trim of London cut leather pieces from the cowhide to exactly match the original leather panels. The material allowed me to redo the top leather surfaces of the seatcovers, while PUI Gold Mustard vinyl yardage was used for the seat bottoms, sides, and piping."
Conclusion
According to Jacques Duval, writer of the article in Track and Traffic, 13 '68 Firebird Comanches were produced and a '69 Firebird Comanche limited-edition was in production at the time of the story. (A '69 Firebird Comanche appears in the sales brochure and in advertisements.) Steve has located two '68 Comanches-one coupe and one convertible-and three '69 Comanches in addition to his-one coupe, one convertible, plus the coupe that Early Birds parted out. His estimate (and we stress that it is his estimate only) is that less than 50 Firebird Comanches were produced in total over the two model years. It appears that no records exist documenting exactly how many Firebird Comanches were made for 1969, however.
A close-up view of the Comanche's...
A close-up view of the Comanche's front fender shows its aggressive paint treatment.
In addition, there are no records of any Firebird Comanches being made off of a Second-Generation Firebird for the '70 model year. All indications are that the Comanche was a two-year production only.
"The Firebird Comanche is truly a unique car," Steve says. "Mine is the only example with a 400 H.O./RA-III that I've located so far, and it's doubtful many more Comanches, base 400 or H.O./RA-IIIs, survived the years. I feel honored to have added to the story of this cool piece of Pontiac history."
Steve Johns has started a registry of Firebird Comanches and their owners. He can be contacted at sjohns@tcc.on.ca.
Comanche Exclusive Content
• Vinyl roof with special emblems (coupe only)
• Special exclusive exterior paint color with special stripes
• Marchal foglamps
• High-speed driving lights with quartz bulbs
• Special chrome louvers on hood
• Pirelli Cinturato tires (205/70R14 and 225/70R14)