It’s not often that a second-generation Firebird pops up with the right combination of options to make Pontiac fans sit up a little straighter. This 1976 Pontiac Firebird, listed on eBay, is one of those cars—showing 99,000 miles, equipped with a manual transmission, and powered by a numbers-matching 455 HO engine. Add in factory air conditioning, and suddenly this becomes a genuinely compelling opportunity for anyone interested in a driver-grade classic or a foundation for a more detailed restoration. Thanks for the tip, Mitchell G.!
The seller doesn’t provide an especially long description, but what’s here is enough to grab your attention. A clean title, a 455-powered Firebird, and a 4-speed manual is a trio of traits that instantly puts this car on the radar of collectors and hobbyists alike. The 455 HO was Pontiac’s way of holding the line in the mid-’70s as emissions rules tightened—still offering big-block torque and that unmistakable Firebird presence. In a year when performance was disappearing quickly, a high-output 455 remains one of the strongest combinations you could get.
There’s no long story about its ownership, no detailed breakdown of service history, and very little information about condition beyond the basics. But sometimes that’s part of the appeal—a “blank slate” Firebird that hasn’t been talked up, over-explained, or wrapped in layers of mystery. The essentials are here: a rare drivetrain, desirable factory equipment, and mileage that suggests the car has been driven but not overused.
Buyers browsing the mid-’70s Firebird market already know how tough it is to find a numbers-matching example—especially a car that still retains its factory A/C components and has not been heavily modified. Even the fact that it’s presented as a simple, honest listing might work in its favor. The interior, paint, and mechanical condition will all need to be evaluated in person, of course, but the listing reads like one that could reward a buyer willing to take a close look.
At its core, this Firebird represents what many enthusiasts specifically seek out: a real Pontiac V8, a manual gearbox, and a car that still looks like the Firebird you fell in love with decades ago. Whether you’d treat it as a restoration base or simply sort out the basics and enjoy it as a nostalgic weekend cruiser, the bones appear to be here for something special.
Would you restore this ’76 Firebird to factory specs, or would you lean into a period street-machine style build?
Funny ad , I’m not sure if the 455HO engine was an option in 1976. Love the engine bay pictures.
It was the last year for the 455
A 455 was available as a package, however it was not called an H.O. as the author incorrectly states. It was a 200 hp station wagon motor backed up by a Super T-10 4 speed and 3:23 limited slip rear.
You’re correct. Pontiac caught grief over labelling the 455 in the ’75 as HO as it was not one that they didn’t repeat the mistake in ’76. There is a lot of work to be done with this car and you’re probably upside-down soon after starting the repairs. Paint alone would be $20K and that’s assuming little bodywork needs to be done.
Yes the 455 HO was offered in 76
Too much work for me, not enough time left.
Good luck with the sale.
Too old to take on a project. I buy done cars now. Can drive immediately and cheaper. Have restored several cars. VIDA loved me.
The Pontiac faithful still sing the praises of a well tuned 455 . Just a camshaft ,distributor & carburetor away from chirping the tires in 3 gears is what I’ve heard.
Horrible EBay ad. 6 crap pictures and a 2 sentence AI-assisted description that doesn’t explain anything you are seeing in the pictures.
How anyone expects to sell something at 20K with about 10 minutes worth of effort is beyond me.
After ‘72 the 455 “HO” was pretty much just a decal on the shaker, with a run of the mill station wagon 455 under it. A far cry from the round port monsters of ‘71-‘72!
This could be a fun project . But the price is way out of line as is . $7000 would be about right for this . It will cost you another $30000 just to have a good driver.