FAST, FLAWLESS AND UNFORGETTABLE: This 1969 Pontiac Firebird is Both a Track Weapon and a Rolling Work of Art
December 16, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
In the world of custom cars, where form and function can sometimes clash, it takes a true craftsman to strike the perfect balance between raw performance and stunning artistry. This 1969 Pontiac Firebird, a masterful creation by BBT Fabrications, proves that a race car can also be a showstopper. Sprayed in a deep PPG British Racing Green, this car doesn’t just look fast ‒ it is fast, holding two East Coast Timing Association records with speeds of 200.3 and 213 mph in the standing mile and 2K Class RS8/7TG, respectively. Yet beyond its blistering speed lies a crafted machine that embodies the spirit of automotive excellence and craftsmanship, having been crowned the Ultimate Best of Show at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Cup competition in 2023.
The journey of this Firebird began as an ambitious, multiyear project led by Troy Gudgel, a 2015 SEMA Trendsetter Award recipient and one of the most respected names in custom car building. Over 10,000 hours and four years of work transformed this car from a classic muscle machine into the award-winner it is today. Starting with a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis featuring an independent rear suspension (IRS) setup and Penske adjustable coilovers, the foundation was laid for a car capable of handling both the rigors of high-speed racing and car show judging.
At its heart is a 482ci all-aluminum Butler Performance Pontiac engine, paired with twin Precision 68mm turbos. Tuned by Erin Carpenter of Carma Performance, this powerplant produces an awe-inspiring 1,200 horsepower. All that power flows through a bulletproof RS Gear T-56 “Tranzilla” 6-speed transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.50 gears down to a set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires that translate every ounce of performance into pavement-scorching motion.
No detail was left untouched in this Firebird’s transformation. BBT Fabrications crafted countless bespoke components, elevating the car’s aesthetics and functionality. The custom aluminum hood, hand-built by Gudgel’s team, sets the tone for the car’s custom appeal. Greening Auto Company added one-off headlights, while BBT’s own one-off mirrors, air-conditioning vents, door handles, dash knobs and more lend a seamless, sculpted feel to the entire build.
Even the smallest details received the custom treatment. The Pontiac Chief medallions, foot pedals, speaker grilles and headrest mounts were all fabricated as one-off pieces. Custom finishes like nickel-plating, powder-coating and crinkle-coating ensure that every inch of the Firebird looks as stunning as its performance demands.
Evod Industries contributed custom 19-inch wheels, as well as intake and valve covers, while ESP Inc. built upper and lower honeycomb grilles, hood heat extractors and vents that add a modern touch without betraying the Firebird’s classic roots. With widened front fenders, flush-mounted glass and removed drip rails, the car’s silhouette is both aggressive and refined, an ideal blend of muscle car tradition and modern sophistication.
Inside, the Firebird’s transformation continues with a Cato’s Custom interior wrapped in Moore & Giles leather. The seats, dash and door panels exude luxury, while custom Coachworks controls and a Holley Dominator ECU bring cutting-edge technology into the mix. The interior wasn’t just designed for comfort; it’s also built for safety, with a custom Butler race containment seat and removable parachute ensuring that high-speed runs are as secure as they are thrilling.
Despite its undeniable beauty, this Firebird isn’t just a show queen. It has proven itself on the track, running over 200 mph in the standing mile and earning national recognition as a true record-setter. But its achievements don’t stop at the finish line. With accolades like the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Cup Ultimate Best in Show, 2022 Goodguys Street Machine of the Year and 2022 Shades of the Past Street Machine of the Year, this Firebird has firmly established itself as a dual-purpose machine.
What sets this Firebird apart isn’t just its record-breaking performance or its award-winning design. It’s the philosophy behind its build ‒ a belief that a car can be both a track weapon and a rolling work of art. Every part of this vehicle, from its Inconel-wrapped headers to its custom side-exit exhaust, serves both form and function. It’s a testament to the skill and vision of BBT Fabrications and the relentless pursuit of automotive perfection.
With just 1,000 miles on the build since its completion, this 1969 Pontiac Firebird has achieved the dual status of being both a show-stopping beauty and race-ready beast. Whether it’s roaring down the track at 200 mph or sitting center stage under the bright lights of an awards show, this Firebird is ready to find a new home. Register to bid on it today.
Written by Nicole Ellan James