Featured in the catalog for Barrett-Jackson’s 9th Annual Las Vegas Auction, set for October 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, is a pair of 1967 Pontiac Firebirds — VIN #001 and VIN #002 — that are the first two ever built by Pontiac.
“Original, high-end American muscle cars have continued to perform well at our auctions,” said Barrett-Jackson chairman and CEO Craig Jackson, “and we’ve had the honor of auctioning numerous first production and prototype cars over the years. We’re excited to add the first two Pontiac Firebirds ever built to that growing pedigree of vehicles when they cross our block in Las Vegas.”
The 1967 Pontiac Firebird Convertible #001 (above) and Firebird Coupe #002 are the very first production Firebirds ever built and two of the most significant Firebirds ever produced, representing a huge piece of automotive history. The cars, to be sold as a pair, were used for auto show and advertising purposes before eventually being released and sold. They have been together since their production, and were carefully restored to their original glory.
“Our Las Vegas Auction is an incredible opportunity for car aficionados to see some truly significant American metal up close and in person,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “There’s no doubt that Barrett-Jackson has become the world’s stage for fans to experience some of the world’s most desirable cars.”
Also included in the Las Vegas docket is a wide range of Detroit iron, including a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback and the rare 1970 Plymouth Superbird used to perform air-quality tests for the Environmental Protection Agency. The Mustang Boss 429 Fastback selling at No Reserve is a matching-numbers, all-original car that has only 21,400 original miles. It features a 429ci V8 early-production S-code NASCAR ebgine with a 4-speed manual transmission and has only been titled to two owners since it was originally sold in 1969. Also selling at No Reserve is a Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible, one of only 231 Acapulco Blue 1968 Shelby GT500 convertibles. It features the original 428 Police Interceptor engine, is equipped with a rare combination of automatic transmission and air conditioning, and has been meticulously restored to its original condition.
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird, also known as the “The EPA Bird,” was purchased in 1972 by the Environmental Protection Agency to perform air-quality tests while chasing commercial jets down runways. Nichels Engineering was commissioned to perform the tests and install special testing equipment inside the car to monitor air pollution, noise and tire dust being omitted. The car has undergone an extensive three-and-a-half year restoration to return it to its original Nichels specs.
For more information on becoming a bidder for Barrett-Jackson’s 9th Annual Las Vegas Auction at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, please vsit http://www.Barrett-Jackson.com
