Firebird Promotional Models
Contributions by John M. Witzke

The first factory assembled Firebird Promotional Models appeared in 1967 coinciding with the introduction of the real car and continued through 1974. Starting in 1975 and continuing through 1980, Firebird promos were unassembled kits known as a "Promo Kit". The promo kit consisted of approximately 25 parts and was finished in factory colors. These promo kits were packaged in colorful boxes depicting pictures of the real car. Between 1981 and 1992 no Firebird promotional models were produced. With the introduction of 4th generation car in 1993, Pontiac once again offered Firebird promotional models, however 1997 would be the last year. These assembled miniature 1/25th-scale models were made by MPC from 1967 through 1980 and by AMT/Ertl from 1993 through 1997. These models were pre-assembled versions of the same 1/25th-scale kits that were available at hobby stores.

In addition to being finished in authentic factory colors and available only at Pontiac Dealers, these promos differed from the kits in several ways. The entire model was molded in a factory color. This meant the body, interior, and chassis are the same color. The hood, doors, and trunk could not be opened. The tires and wheels were a two piece construction including one chrome wheel and one tire. This differed from the regular 1/25th-scale kits, which included a three-piece design; chrome wheel, tire, and back wheel. Two steel axles were used for both front and rear wheels. This allowed the model to roll easily. An engine/transmission block off plate was used in place of the kits detailed motor. The chassis was highly detailed with a complete front and rear suspension, drive train and exhaust system. The front and/or rear license plates had the year of the model on them. Finally four small screws held the body and the chassis together. They came in white boxes with the year, make, and color printed on the end of the box. The purpose of these models was to provide Pontiac Dealers a detailed replica of the real car to give to a potential customer. Hence the name "Dealer Promotional Model."

First Generation 1967-1969

 The first generation 1967-1969 Firebird promos were available in coupe and convertible. Colors were limited, generally two or three colors for the coupe and one or two colors for the convertible. Many of the first generation promos have become difficult to obtain in presentable condition. This is due to the fact they were given to small children to play with making the attrition rate very high. For example, the 1968 Firebird Convertible is one of the rarest Pontiac promotional models and is considered the most sought after of the first generation models. Value of the first generation Firebird promos in near mint condition generally range from approx. $225.00 for a ’67 coupe to $475.00 for a ’68 convertible. Please keep in mind that values can and will fluctuate. These prices represent the value for promos in near mint to mint condition that I have experienced while collecting these models. The following is a detailed look at the 1967-69 Firebird promos.

    


 

1967

Regimental Red '67 Coupe


Tyrol Blue '67 Convertible (29382 bytes)

Coupe – The only color known to exist: Regimental Red. It came with Redline tires, Rally II wheels and featured a blacked-out grill with the name Pontiac highlighted in silver. Engine designation was 326 on the hood. The interior sported front bucket seats, console with vacuum gage and chrome 4-speed shifter. An interesting detail on the chassis is the two traction bars at the rear axle. The real car had traction bars on V8 models only. Value of this model is generally in the $275.00 - $300.00 range for a mint condition example.

Convertible – – The only color known to exist: Tyrol Blue Metallic. It came with Redline tires, Rally II wheels, traction bars at the rear axle and featured a blacked-out grill with the name Pontiac highlighted in silver. Engine designation was 326 on the hood and the interior detail was the same as the coupe. Value of this model is generally in the $325.00 - $350.00 range for a mint condition example.

 


 

1968

Verdero Green Coupe

Meridian Turquoise



Solar Red Convertible

Alpine Blue Metallic Convertible

Coupe – Colors known to exist: Verdoro Green Metallic and Meridian Turquoise. It came with "400" CID engine designation on the twin hood scoops. 1968 was the first time a hood tachometer and Pontiac Crest on the front grill appeared. It also had Redline tires, Rally II wheels and a blacked-out grill with the name Pontiac highlighted in silver. It was a 4-speed car however there was no shifter. The interior featured a console with vacuum gage and nicely molded seat belts on the front bucket seats and the rear seat. The traction bars were deleted on the 1968 promos. Value of this model is generally in the $325.00 - $350.00 range for a mint condition example. 

Convertible – Colors known to exist: Solar Red and Alpine Blue Metallic. It came with "400" CID designation on the twin hood scoops. It also featured the same hood tachometer as the coupe, Pontiac Crest on the front grill, Redline tires, Rally II wheels and a blacked-out grill with the word Pontiac highlighted in silver. It was a 4-speed car however there was no shifter. The convertible has the same interior detail as the coupe. The traction bars at the rear axle were deleted. This is a very rare model and appears to be the most valuable of the first generation promos. Value is around $500.00 – $525.00 for a mint condition example.

 


 

1969

Champagne Metallic Coupe

Liberty Blue Metallic Coupe


Golden Rod Yellow Convertible

Carousel Red Convertible

Coupe – Colors known to exist: Champagne Metallic and Windward Blue Metallic. It came with "400" CID engine designation on the twin hood scoops, a hood tachometer, Pontiac Crest on the front all chrome grill, Redline tires, and Rally II wheels. A 4-speed car but like the 1968’s, no shifter. 1969 was the first year for headrest on the front bucket seats while the seat belts where molded on top of the front and rear seats. The interior also had a console with vacuum gage. Value of this model is in the $300.00 – $325.00 range for a mint condition example.

Convertible – Colors known to exist: Goldenrod Yellow and Carousel Red. It came with "400" CID engine designation on the twin hood scoops, a hood tachometer, Pontiac Crest on front of the all chrome grill, Redline tires, and Rally II wheels. A 4-speed car but had no shifter. Interior detail is identical to the coupe. Value of this model is nearing $350.00 for a mint condition example.

 


Firebird Promotional Models continued...

 

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