This Firebird left the factory with a 400 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission. But that may not have been potent enough and the drivetrain now consists of a 455 with a Borg-Warner 5-speed manual, neither period correct. These are not the only changes, so if you’re looking for a car that’s not cookie-cutter, maybe give this one a closer look. Another great tip from Pat L. and the desert around Pahrump, Nevada, this Pontiac is available here on craigslist for $12,000.

Before the Trans Am came along in 1969, the most powerful Firebird you could order was the 400 with the largest motor that GM would allow in cars this size. The Firebird 400 didn’t wear a bunch of stripes or bold graphics, just subtle 400 badging and a hood with twin scoops that could be made functional with Ram Air. The 400-package added just $274 to the price of a base Firebird, but that was to lure you in as the rest of the goodies could run the sticker up to more than $4,000. Buyers were pleased with what they saw and more than 36,000 were sold in 1968.

The seller or a predecessor has continued to make changes to the mechanical bits and pieces on this ’68 Firebird. It now has 4-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, poly bushings, modifications to the A-frame for better handling, sway bars fore and aft, and a Flowmaster exhaust system. We’re told the Pontiac runs and drives but not how well, so perhaps more work is needed for a roadworthy pony car.

Photos are in short supply for this machine, so we don’t see much of the exterior. In one photo, we witness only a few scratches and – in another – discoloration in the paint. Perhaps the interior is okay, but we don’t know. But the vinyl top and Rally wheels look good and if you think the battery is missing, look in the trunk. If the 5-speed isn’t your thing, the seller saved the parts to go back to an automatic shifter.