Owning the product of a high-class automotive shop is a dream most of us can relate to. Not only do they scream “show winner,” they also bring with them a class of their own- one that can only be accomplished by the greatest of the industry. Well, almost. For the 1972 Code Red Firebird, a Goodguys finalist, SEMA show car and an Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational competitor, it is the exception.

An amazing car with so many accomplishments, the Code Red Firebird is a legend in the pro-touring scene, and to think that it was built mostly by one guy in his two-stall garage is amazing. The attention to detail is, in itself, astonishing and the countless recognitions this car has received are tell-tale signs of the car’s true superiority.

Recently, we came across this notorious car on eBay, the second time (that we know of) that it’s been on the auction site in its life. While owner and builder Bob Bertelsen is offering the car for sale, we’re sure this isn’t the last that we’ll see of the potent g-Machine.

We first came in contact with the Code Red Firebird back in 2010 at the Annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Proudly on display, we were able to take in all the car has to offer, including its massive Mast Motorsports-built LS under the hood.

With 416ci, Code Red’s L99 small-block with variable valve timing gives the car quite the boost with 575hp at 6,300 RPM  and 540 ft-lbs of torque at 4,600 RPM. Backing this potent piece is a paddle-shifted 4L80e transmission built by Bowler, which transfers all the car’s power to the ground via custom Rushforth wheels wrapped in meaty Nitto rubber. Underneath, the car sits on a complete Detroit Speed Engineering suspension system with a front subframe assembly and a four-link rear. All this is backed by beefy 6-piston Baer brakes for perfect pro-touring braking power.

But the car’s performance features are only a fraction of the amazing build. Just like professional shops, Bertelsen layered detail upon detail to create the perfect aesthetics for the car, with the help of master builder Jason Rushforth. Having an idea in mind for his perfect pro-touring car, Bertelsen hired Rushforth to put his ideas down on paper and the rest, as they say, was history.

In addition to every body panel having been modified in some way, the car also features a shortened and recessed rear bumper, custom taillight panel, quarter panels that have been extended into a custom underbody pan, and a custom rear spoiler fabricated out of 18-gauge steel.

While Bertelsen didn’t have much experience with fiberglass prior to this build, he made use of time at a local man’s place that made fiberglass animals for miniature golf courses to expand his knowledge of the art.

Using his acquired skills, Bertelsen was also able to give his Firebird a custom nose piece, hood and belly pan that meet or beat even those fabricated by experts.

Inside the car, you’ll find just as much detail, from the Buckskin leather seats and door panels, to the Vintage Air climate control unit and Kenwood stereo system with integrated GPS navigation. Topping this one-of-a-kind car off is Viper Red paint laid by Bertelsen himself.

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While the industry expects to see professionally built cars win top awards, Code Red has competed for and won some of the biggest designations anyone could ask for. This includes being a SEMA Show car, OUSCI competitor, and a Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year finalist. The car has also made multiple magazine and calendar appearances.

The Code Red Firebird is an amazing car to say the least, and to be built as such by dedication of one man in a two-car garage is outstanding. While the auction lot for Code Red ended without anyone taking her home this time, with a Buy It Now price of $179,990, we expect to see Code Red up on eBay for a third time in the near future. Watch out for the listing, because this could be your one and only chance to own a mostly home-built car like Code Red.