1968 Pontiac Firebird Sprint Convertible

The 1968 Pontiac Firebird Sprint Convertible showcased that high-speed performance and convertible designs could coexist seamlessly. While some muscle car purists believed only hardtop coupes were worthy, 16,960 convertibles were sold in 1968, accounting for nearly 20% of that year's total Firebird production.

Pontiac Firebird Image Gallery

Convertibles were approximately 300 pounds heavier than their hardtop coupe counterparts and shared the same range of powertrain options.

In 1968, new side marker lamps, mandated by law, featured the Pontiac emblem. All models above the base level were equipped with multi-leaf rear springs and staggered shocks to reduce the issue of "wheel hop."

The base overhead-cam six-cylinder engine in the Firebird expanded to 250 cubic inches, boosting horsepower by 10. A monojet carburetor was introduced for manual transmission models, available in both three and four-speed configurations.

The six-cylinder engine's crankshafts and connecting rods were now manufactured by Pontiac, replacing the previous Chevrolet-supplied parts. The four-barrel Sprint version delivered an impressive 215 horsepower, enhanced further by optional features like a hood-mounted tachometer, console, and Rally II wheels. The Sprint package added $116 to the base model's cost.

V-8 Firebirds saw increased production, with only 17.3% equipped with the overhead-cam six-cylinder engine in its available forms. Automatic transmissions made up 69.3% of production, while four-speed manuals accounted for 17%.

While a front bench seat was officially offered only in coupes and remained uncommon, at least one convertible owner successfully acquired this setup directly from the factory.

To learn more about muscle cars, see: