The Pontiac Trans Am is one of those cars that instantly brings back memories of 1970s muscle, and this 1976 example could be just the ticket for someone looking for a running project. Listed here on craigslist, this yellow Trans Am is equipped with the 400 cubic-inch V8 paired to a TH-350 automatic transmission. The seller describes it as a true survivor that has just received a full round of maintenance, including a tune-up, ignition components, a rebuilt carburetor, new fuel system parts, and fresh brakes. Offered as a running and driving car with no major rust issues, it’s being marketed as a great candidate for either restoration or enjoyment as-is. Thanks for the tip Jack M.!
The exterior wears a well-used coat of yellow paint that shows its age, particularly on the hood where surface corrosion is visible. That said, the seller emphasizes that there are no “huge rust issues,” which can make a big difference when considering a project from this era. The classic Trans Am styling cues are all present, including the shaker hood scoop and flared fenders, but the car clearly needs paintwork to really shine again.
Out back, the familiar wraparound taillights and rear spoiler remain intact, though the bumper area shows some wear. The seller notes that all of the glass is good, and the car presents as a “nice complete car.” For someone handy with bodywork, this could be the start of a rewarding revival.
Under the hood sits Pontiac’s 400 CID V8, which has had the valve train and engine components gone through to “ensure overall performance,” according to the seller. The engine bay shows the patina of years gone by, but the fresh mechanical attention means it should be capable of hitting the road with confidence.
Inside, the Trans Am wears later-model bucket seats and retains its original machine-turned dash. The steering wheel has been swapped, and some interior trim shows wear and missing pieces. Still, it’s serviceable for now, and redoing the upholstery could transform the cabin for not too much money.
Overall, this Trans Am seems to check the right boxes for someone who wants an affordable entry into the muscle car hobby. It’s a running, driving car with major mechanical work already completed, leaving the next owner to decide whether to dive into a cosmetic restoration or just enjoy it in its current survivor condition. At a time when restored second-gen Trans Ams are commanding serious money, this one could be a budget-friendly way to get behind the wheel of Pontiac’s muscle icon.
Would you bring this Trans Am back to show condition, or would you drive it proudly as-is with its survivor character intact?
In all my years as a Pontiac fan. This is the first time I have ever seen a yellow Trans Am. It does nothing for me. Plus the wheels have been neglected. I began thinking that since this car needs paint (and most likely body work) Why not replace the current nose/bumper with the ’70-’73 model? And then change the color completely more appropriate. (in my opinion) White, comes to my mind and leave off all the graphics!
I had the same sequence of thoughts as you. Thank you for saving me the trouble of concocting a reply. I’ll add that this giant plastic nose piece always made me think of the rubber masks worn by various monsters in hokey 1950s monster movies like: “The Horror of Party Beach” and “The Hideous Sun Demon” or “It, the Terror From Beyond Space.” And Yellow is a hard color to do right and this yellow is not right.
In all my years as a Pontiac fan. This is the first time I have ever seen a yellow Trans Am. It does nothing for me. It just looks wrong! Plus the wheels have been neglected. I began thinking that since this car needs paint (and most likely body work) Why not replace the current nose/bumper with the ’70-’73 model? And then change the color completely to something more appropriate. (in my opinion) White, comes to my mind and leave off all the graphics! Where is the A/C compressor?
I’m more into Buccaneer Red than yellow and I’d change the seats if I could to a pair of the deluxe seats. I’d like to know which 400 it has but it doesn’t have T-tops which is a huge plus for me anyway and if it really has minimal rust, I’d be sorely tempted to do some negotiating if it wasn’t in Washington State.
That’s Goldenrod Yellow and not sure how many were made – I haven’t seen any either.
I’m pretty sure there was only 1 400 available in ’76 – L78. The other engine was the L75 455.
The tune up on the engine , is a short term fix. With 147000 miles on it, How ever buys this will have to pull the drive train with in a year and have full rebuild on it .
This car would be fun to play with .
This Pontiac has the potential for a lot of fun (if the current rust really isn’t bad?) However, at $12 1/2 grand I would want to know where, the air conditioning compressor and all of it’s parts went? Why, are there wires draping across the brake pedal.. is there an electrical problem? Why, are standard dashboard gauges missing? AND WHY, if top end work was done on this 49 year old vehicle to ensure it’s performance.. does the entire engine compartment look untouched?
I purchased somebody else’s mess once, I won’t do it again.
Never saw a 76 this color, but a buddy of mine had a 78 that was. Actually was a good looking car. This car has definitely been driven hard and put up wet as the saying goes! That engine bay has more than patina. Hard to believe that with all the rust showing in the engine bay there’s not a lot more underneath and in places you can’t see. Give the location it’s a good bet this car has seen many a salted road – I.e. there’s rust in every nook and cranny. I’d steer WAY clear of this one. Shame too, potential could’ve been ther bu a long time ago.