Pontiac Firebird, White, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $24,995.

Survivors are great investments these days, and this 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 has certainly earned the title. With 100% original paint, interior, top, and a matching-numbers drivetrain, it would probably be a crime in some states to restore this car. What you get for your money is a great F-body you can drive without worries, and one that will continually amaze onlookers everywhere it goes.

The paint is the original code T Primavera Beige, and while it shows some signs of being more than 40 years old, it has held up remarkably well, especially for a high-performance muscle car. There's a lovely soft glow that original paint develops over time that no body shop, no matter how talented, could ever re-create. Clearly it has never been hit or damaged, and all the panels are 100% factory original. There's no rust in the rockers or quarters, thanks to clean living down south, and perhaps the only way it could be better is if it just rolled out of a barn covered in 20 years of dust, which is the fashionable way to present survivors these days. The code 8 Gold vinyl top remains intact, but may be the weakest link on the car, however as a survivor, it's probably not a worthwhile upgrade to replace it. Experienced restorers know that one thing will inevitably lead to another. .

The code 257 Medium Gold custom vinyl interior needs no excuses, however. The seats show very little wear and no splits or tears in the seams, more proof that GM was building quality in 1968. The color has quite a bit of green in it, giving it a period-perfect hue. Equipped with a console stll wearing its original burled walnut appliques, as well as factory A/C, this is a very nicely optioned Firebird. Take a look in the trunk and you'll find no noteworthy damage or perforation-this is an extremely solid car that can be used as-is.

As odd as it may seem, survivors are usually base models, but you're in luck with this Firebird which carries its original 400 cubic inch V8. Clearly never raced or modified, it drives the way only an original car can. We've all experienced fresh restorations that just don't feel right, but that never happens with a survivor like this. The engine starts and idles well, and moves the car with authority. The suspension is tight and doesn't have that someone didn't tighten all the bolts feeling, while the transmission shifts with a precision that's hard to duplicate. The chassis shows honest maintenance, just like you'd hope to find, and it still rolls on the original Rally II wheels and recent BFGoodrich redline radials.

Ten years ago, this car would have been overlooked, or worse, taken away and restored. Today, it will be the hit of any show and its value lies in the originality, not its specific condition. A wonderful car that will put a smile on your face every time you see it. Call today!