This discussion will use photocopies of magazine articles and factory literature to explain the actual car and its early Ram Air engine (Ram Air I). Therefore, since that information is available, I will only discuss finding the car – buying the car – and the miscellaneous details I have learned since purchasing the car.
Finding the car was easy – it found me! Jim Mattison, Founder and Owner of Pontiac Historical Services, had wanted one for years. From his daily discussions with people around the country, Jim found many 1967 Firebirds for sale, but none had been built with the Ram Air engine (these were only made for the general public in June and July of 1967). When they decided to make these for the public, only 65 cars were built (45 had manual transmissions, and 20 had automatic transmissions).
Suddenly, Jim got the call he was waiting for. A prototype had been built for Pontiac Motor Division Engineering at the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant and shipped to Pontiac. After the Pontiac Motor Division completed its analysis, it was sold via one of its Pontiac Dealers. Jim checked all the facts about the car for sale, and even though it needed total restoration, it was the real deal.
He shipped the car to noted Pontiac restorer Scott Tieman, bringing it back to its original condition.
So, back to my phone call – Jim wanted to sell the car. “Why the heck is it for sale?” I asked. “You’ve looked for one of those for years.” Jim responded, “I know, I know, but I’ve got a chance to buy a 1967 L88 Corvette in great condition, which I want more.” So, the proceeds from the ’67 Bird will help close the deal for the L88!”
The owner of the Corvette gave Jim one week to dig up the money.
I thought about his proposal and declined.
About six days later, I got another phone call. It was Jim. He said he was close to the asking price for the L88 and would sell me the Ram Air Bird for much less than he had in it. I said, “ok if it looks like a good move from your end and it appears to be a good deal from my end, I’ll buy the car.”
He said if I could get to Rochester, New York, he would meet me there. He would sell the car for the agreed price and be on his way to owning an L88 1967 Corvette. I sent one of my employees because I was heading for a show. He met Jim – they exchanged the proper paperwork, swapped the car from his trailer to our trailer – paid Jim and they were off in two different directions.
The ’67 Bird is wonderful and a real tour-pleaser.
Jim called about six months later and told me he was sorry he had to sell the ’67 Firebird but was extremely pleased with the L88 – he was happy we made the deal!
Steve Ames 2005
Lasted edited: August 2024, JA
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