Rare Bird Sighted: 1969 Pontiac Firebird (more than 10 photos)

 A 1969 Pontiac Firebird recently hit the road for the first time after being restored by a Carter County father-and-son team.

"I just got it finished. This is the second time I've had it out. I built it with my dad, Larry Stegall," said Zack Stegall, who fired the restored Pontiac up for a visit with Madison Berry to see her grandparents, Sherman and Sally Berry.

"It has 12,000 original miles," Stegall noted.

The original paint scheme, Sunburst Red and White, was revived by painter Jason Warren of Grayson.

The car was purchased from another father and son who had hoped to complete the project together. The son, however, received notice he had been selected to serve as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and advised his dad to sell the car. 

Stegall said he could have reworked the Firebird's stock engine, but instead opted to have Paul Ramey of Olive Hill drop a 5.3-liter LS2 engine from a Suburban under the hood. He estimates the car will average around 20 miles per gallon.

The interior features upgraded white upholstery with added Firebird symbols.

Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON

Carter County Post