Pontiac Firebird, Green, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $39,995.

Honestly, cars don't get much nicer than this matching numbers 1968 Firebird convertible. Someone has poured vast sums of money into the restoration, which was completed a few years ago, and the result is a first-place winning show car. Nice car doesn't even begin to describe this one.

Code Q Verdoro Green is the car's original color, so that's what went on when the body was restored in 2005. Of course, this car received much more than a simple repaint. Before they fired up the paint guns, the restorers spent hours and hours straightening the bodywork, block sanding the substrate, and getting everything arrow straight. A great deal of time was invested getting the doors to fit properly, the hood to sit flush, and the pesky decklid to align with the quarters. Once all that stuff was right, THEN it was time to lay down the new paint. There seems to be quite a bit of gold underneath, and the finish has a nice glow to it that really pops in the sun. Although it's subtle at first glance, this is the kind of car that you never get tired of looking at.

The black vinyl bucket seat interior was also restored to stock specs. Pontiac was looking for an upscale buyer with the early Firebird, and dressed the interior accordingly with burled walnut appliques on the console and dash, and simple European-looking stitching on the seats. It's hard to say whether the gauges have been restored or not, but they look awesome with crisp markings and clear lenses with few signs of age. Even the hood-mounted tach is fully functional! A wood rimmed steering wheel continues the Euro vibe, while an AM-FM radio was state-of-the-art in car entertainment in 1968. Seal out the weather with a tight-fitting black vinyl convertible top that features a crystal clear rear window, while the trunk features an original space saver spare, inflator bottle, and complete jack assembly for show purposes.

The engine is the original Pontiac 350 cubic inch V8. Pontiac made their own small block, and it was famous for its durability and torque production, emitting an entirely different sound than the venerable Chevy powerplant, too. Finished in Pontiac Turquoise paint with the traditional chrome valve covers, it is nicely detailed for show, right down to the tag on the reproduction Delco battery. Pontiac experts will note that the air cleaner is from a 1970 Trans Am, but that was the owner's preference and it certainly looks at home under the hood. The original 4-speed manual transmission delivers power to a 10-bolt rear end, while the fumes are routed through a reproduction dual exhaust system. The floors are solid, the gas tank is new, and the fuel and brake systems have been fully rebuilt. Beautiful Pontiac Rallye II wheels wear modern redline radials, a welcome improvement.

The more we look, the more impressive this car becomes, especially with a build sheet and complete documentation package. Call today!