[1965gp]

Verdero68’s post about getting his son his first project seemed like ironic motivation to post my latest project with my dad…. A Verdero Green 68! (I know right???)

I will try to make this as short as possible but it’s a 50 year story….

My mom picked out her Verdero Green 68 Firebird around 1971. 350/2 car. In 1975 they were having a second kid (me) so they needed something bigger; they sold the 68 Firebird and bought a 70 LeMans two door hard top 350/2 car. The LeMans has pretty much spent it’s life with me, but they missed the Firebird and honestly I wanted it too!

After several years and many, many project cars with my dad we just never found the right 68 Firebird. Most were either too rusty, too beat up or too expensive

About two weeks ago he was at a trade event and he was talking to someone in his industry that also collects Trans Am’s. They were talking about the TA Nationals (they both live in Dayton) and the guy said he was taking a car to sell this year ….yup, Verdero Green 68 Firebird. Unfortunately a friend of his had passed and he was helping to sell his cars.

Now obviously this seemed like some good karma so dad went to check it out. Thinking it would be a normal Ohio car with its share of rust what he found was a very sold, complete original car. The previous owner bought the car in 1973 so he owned it for over 50 years. A deal was made and now the fun begins!

The PHS shows the car as a 400/4 speed car which it still has. The car has about 50k miles on it. Some nice day 2 mods were done to the car (headers, Holley, traction bars, cam, and a 4.11 rear) but it came with the original parts.

Hopefully we have the car running and driving by the end of the year, then off to the body shop in Q1 of next year.

Here are a few pics

[1965gp]

While we run through our share of projects, this was one is significant as it is one of the last two cars that we felt we really needed to add to our collection. There are cars that would be nice to have, and cars you buy because they are a deal, but in my opinion the collection wasn’t going to be complete without this car. Most of the cars we have were either deals or a car that made an impression on my dad or myself (sometimes both) at some point.

The other one I feel we will eventually want is a 77 Can Am, but there is plenty of time for that.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Very cool car.
I never found the right circumstance 68 Bird back in my car buying days.
Too rough or too high , always.

My first Pontiac was a 68 Bird.
Really sharp bondo bandito that I wrecked a couple times and sold it cheap to some younger guys just to get it out of the driveway.

[gtospieg]

Nice find...

[spartazoo]

Great find! My son and I are also looking for a 68 Firebird for his first car. I have the motor to build a 400 car for the PSMCDR... just need the car.

[kingbuzzo]

What a gem and the beginning of a great ending to the story...well optioned too

[Verdoro 68]

Looks like good bones and great options. They're still out there!

[1965gp]

I really haven’t been this excited about a car in a long time. Probably since the General Lee. This is just one I feel like I’ve been looking for my entire life.

[1965gp]

Here is a pic of the 70 LeMans that replaced the original Firebird…. One pic after I pretty much destroyed it and one after I restored it.

[1965gp]

Well I came to Ohio this weekend for the Southeast Gassers at Kil Kare drag strip but the event got rained out. Did a little planning in the shop and wanted to get the 68 ready to ship to TX. Was very excited when it fired right up and ran good. Oil still looks good as well as oil pressure.

I was able to drive the car around today and confirm that it runs, drives, stops and turns well enough to be picked up and shipped to. We found NOS wheel well trim along with all of the windshield molding that is in very good shape just needs some buffing. If all goes well this car will be road ready and getting painted towards the end of the year.

Made our list for Ames so as soon as the WS6 is out of the body shop this one is ready to go.

[Hunter98TA]

My sister had a 68 in that color, 326 auto. I learned how to replace the timing chain on the side of the road. I was about 14 at the time. LOL

What a great find and even better story!
Matt

[GTOLiam]

Great looking project!! My best friend had one that looked identical to that we spent many nights in and wrenching on during HS. It was only 18 years old then, but was in the same condition as yours now lol. You will definitely have a special car when it's finished and good luck!

[Limelight69]

Going to be a beautiful car when it’s done. I’m partial to green Firebirds though. 😉 (Green on green as well)

[1965gp]

I’m really excited about this one- hopefully it will be in TX in about 6 weeks. Gotta get that 58 done to swap it out with first.