1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air I – Matching Numbers, Swedish-Sold, Documented and Award-Winning

Basic Information and History

The Pontiac Firebird Gen 1 holds a very special place in muscle car history, but this 1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air I is something truly extraordinary. A rare bird—literally—since only 321 cars were produced with this 4-speed combination, and this is the only one registered in Sweden.

The Ram Air I package was the flagship among Firebirds, officially rated at 335 hp but in reality closer to 400 hp! It is not only a very unusual model—this example also features matching numbers for the drivetrain, confirmed by PHS USA documentation.

It was delivered new to Sweden in 1968, sold to Gustaf Bergman at Biltjänst i Sundsvall AB, and has since had only 18 owners, of which the last two have cared for the car for more than 40 years. Current mileage is 90,456 km, verified by Carfax documentation.

The April Gold paint (with its unique ability to shift between green and gold depending on light) highlights the car’s fine original interior. This is also an award-winning car—it has taken home “Best In Show” and was featured on the cover of Bilsport Classic magazine, issue 9, 2024!

In short: a unique collector’s dream, with rich Swedish history and documented condition that is extremely rare even in the U.S. market, where these cars are already highly sought-after and valued.

Equipment and Options

1. 347 – Firebird Ram Air
2. 358 – 4-speed manual transmission
3. 361 – H.D. Safe-T-Track Diff (original 3.90:1, now 3.52:1 for better cruising, original axle retained)
4. 404 – Rear window defroster
5. 424 – Remote-controlled side mirror
6. 434 – Hood-mounted tachometer (missing, but available to buy)
7. 444 – Rally Gauge Cluster
8. 453 – Rally II wheels, now fitted with Centerline wheels
9. 472 – Console
10. 481 – Dual exhaust system
11. 501 – Power steering
12. 502 – Power brakes
13. 532 – Soft Ray Glass (tinted)
14. MC – F70x14 Redline Wide Oval tires (original) – now 295/50-15 in the rear
15. Pioneer stereo with USB and Pioneer speakers from the 1980s

Modifications and Improvements

1. Edelbrock RPM intake and carburetor
2. Headers
3. Final drive changed to 3.52:1 for better highway comfort (original axle retained)
4. Professionally built steel rear fender flares to fit wide Centerline wheels and tires
5. New hood installed (replaced aftermarket fiberglass hood)
6. New steering wheel (original missing)

Condition

Body and Exterior

1. Recently repainted in original April Gold by professionals, show-quality finish
2. No issues with sheet metal, paint, chrome, or glass
3. Glass, chrome, trim, lenses, and emblems in fine condition
4. Professionally installed steel fender flares over 40 years ago, still crack-free
5. New hood installed

Interior

1. Original interior in very good condition
2. Dashboard and upholstery flawless, headliner intact
3. Only carpet and seat backs show slight fading
4. Sport steering wheel and upgraded Pioneer stereo with 1980s speakers

Wheels and Tires

1. New tires all around (at least 8 mm tread depth)
2. Wider Centerline wheels for a classic muscle car look

Mechanical and Function

1. Engine in excellent condition, refreshed with new gaskets and rebuilt heads
2. Strong and tight drivetrain, brand new clutch
3. Drum brakes all around, working well
4. All mechanical systems checked and in good order
5. Stable and precise handling

Service History

1. Regularly maintained, oils and filters last changed in 2024
2. Receipts for work and parts available, though not a complete service book
3. Engine, heads, and gaskets rebuilt with receipts
4. Carfax documentation for mileage
5. Last inspected around 2016, then carefully maintained and upgraded by enthusiast

Technical Information

1. VIN: 223378L103742 (Firebird Hardtop)
2. Engine: 400 cid – 4bbl Ram Air I (code WI)
3. Transmission: 4-speed manual (close ratio)
4. Rear Axle: H.D. Safe-T-Track (3.90:1)

Factory Options: Firebird Ram Air (347), 4-speed close ratio (358), H.D. Safe-T-Track (361), Rear defroster (404), Remote mirror (424), Hood tachometer (434), Rally gauges (444), Rally II wheels (453), Console (472), Dual exhaust (481), Power steering (501), Power brakes (502), Soft Ray glass (532), F70x14 Redline Wide Oval tires (MC).

Production Info:

1. Built: May 3, 1968, Van Nuys, California Assembly Plant
2. Delivered to: Dan Day Pontiac-GMC, Palo Alto, California

Ram Air I – Performance and Uniqueness

The Ram Air I was an exclusive high-performance option, an evolution of the Firebird 400 HO. Though officially rated at the same 335 hp, in reality it made closer to 400 hp. Upgrades included a 4-bolt main block, special high-chrome steel valves, dual valve springs, Ram Air pan with functional hood scoops, 744 camshaft, and special free-flow exhaust manifolds.

Upgrades:

1. Headers
2. Edelbrock Performer intake & carburetor
3. MSD distributor
4. Custom steel rear flares for 10" Centerline wheels & 295/50-15 tires
5. Pioneer stereo with USB and discreet speakers
6. Matching numbers engine (code WI) and heads (code 31) – rebuilt
7. New clutch, tight and leak-free

Summary

This is your chance to acquire one of Sweden’s most unique muscle cars—a 1968 Pontiac Firebird Ram Air I with proper documentation, original Swedish history, matching numbers, and preserved originality.

With its rarity, well-documented provenance, and excellent technical condition, this is a true collector’s piece—ideal for the discerning enthusiast or anyone seeking something truly special for their collection.