Though many auto enthusiasts are quick to blame Vin Diesel and The Fast and the Furious movie series for the ricer epidemic, the truth of the matter is that there have always been tasteless modifications for automobiles. Yes, that includes even our beloved muscle cars, and although we may revel in the purity of an unmolested Mustang fastback, cars like today’s eBay find were not all that unusual.

Designer and inventor John Fitch took a 1967 Pontiac Firebird and added a pair of flying buttresses to the C-pillar, resulting in the so-called Fitchbird. Supposedly as few as six Fitchbirds were ever built, all but one fitted with Pontiac’s venerable 400 cubic-inch V8, and one of these rare birds has ended up on eBay with a quarter-million dollar starting bid.

This is clearly a case of wishful thinking on the seller’s part, as the Fitchbird is in what can generously be described as “rough” condition. It looks like most of the car is there, but beyond the flying buttresses, Fitch made just a handful of modifications to the standard Firebird. This includes Koni shocks, a revised suspension and a tweaked steering setup, as well as an available front mesh grille, additional vents and badges, and then-new radial tires.

Despite its rarity, the Fitchbird never made much of an impact on the muscle car scene, and few would miss it from their collections. Even in pristine shape, a base ‘67 Firebird would only bring in perhaps $40,000 on a good day at auction. We could see paying an additional $10,000 to $20,000 for the rarity and uniquity offered by a Fitchbird, but beyond that? This ain’t no Shelby Mustang.