Although it wouldn’t be until 1977 that the Pontiac Trans Am got more exposure on film than it had ever received previously, there’s something almost magical about the revised front end and single round headlights on the ’76 model that almost makes me wish Burt and company had started a year earlier. I’d have a hard time choosing between black and red as my favorite color for a T/A, and it’s so close, I might have to consider it a tie! When it comes to performance, this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am here on Craigslist isn’t quite as much of a beast as some of the others, but it’s nicely preserved and scores high in the looks department. Priced at $28,499, this one’s located in Bennett, Colorado, and we’d like to thank reader Jack M. for the tip here!
Little specific information is provided about the body, aside from the seller noting that it looks fantastic and the paint is beautiful. Fortunately, he offers a good selection of photos to view, which seem to support both statements. There’s no indication of any corrosion on the body, with both the undercarriage and the trunk specifically stated as rust-free. One imperfection to note is that the front bumper is sagging slightly, but hopefully, it won’t take too much effort to get it back into place.
1976 is also remembered as the last year the 455 V8 engine option was available in the Trans Am, but this one has the base 400. By this time, the 455 had been demasculated down to 200 horsepower, and the 400 was making only 15 HP less than the big boy. While many prospective buyers would likely prefer three pedals, this one is equipped with an automatic transmission.
The black interior is described as looking like new, and with the condition still this strong, I thought the 23,534 miles listed may be actual. However, thanks go out to reader Steve H., who later pointed out that the ad states that the odometer has rolled over. The owner also mentions that there’s a great sound system inside, although no specific details are provided. I love the quad headlights and fresh grille on the following model as well, but I’d be equally happy to own this beautiful 1976 Pontiac Trans Am, and I’m pretty sure it won’t take long for this one to find a new home. Any thoughts to share about this sporty F-Body?
Another creampuff Poncho.
Although the seller reports this as a Turbo 400 transmission, the 2nd gen Fbody received a THM350 when equipped with automatic starting in 1975 up to the end.
I had a ’76 TA back in the 80s that had a TH400. Maybe it was avsilable as an option?
No. The 400 trans would not fit next to the new GM wide pancake cat converter. If yours had a 400 trans, either the GM cat was removed completely or swapped for a narrow aftmkt cat.
Non – original water pump @ 23,000 miles ? It always make me laugh when they replace a water pump and can’t find a can of spray paint so it will match the engine. ? ? ? Front bumper alignment not the best . Low optioned TransAm. I think an original type radio would be a better fit / value
The car is 49 years old and uses green coolant.
Back in the mid 70s, I found myself in a friend’s fairly new Trans Am on a Texas freeway when he decided to put his foot down and see how fast the car would go. I felt confident, given the all the spoilers and little ground effects, that the car would be nice as solid all the way to top speed. After all, isn’t that what that stuff was for?? But instead, as we passed around 130, (indicated) it started to get a little weird. The front end seemed to lift and the car started darting around in the lane to the point that I thought my buddy might lose control when he started wrangling on the steering wheel trying to make the car stay put. He gave up on it at about 135, but by then, I’d already sworn off Trans Ams.
Brake pedal shows significant wear on the right side, more than it should be if miles were actual. It’s more than likely 123,xxx miles IMO.
People forget this little detail. One thing I always look at for low mileage claims.
Might not be 123k. These cars are easy to clock. Who knows…
It says it rolled over in the add.
I didn’t catch that the first time around – over there in the lower right corner.
Steve, thanks for pointing this out! I missed that detail the first go round.
That and the skewed odometer tell you it is definitely 123,xxx miles.
The scoop on the hood should say 400 for an original 1976 Trans Am. Pontiac didn’t start putting 6.6 on them until 1977.
Beautiful car but I’m biased. A few months ago I bought a 76 TA that came up in this site. Same Firethorn red exterior and matching interior. The only other differences that stand out are mine has the custom interior and exterior trim options. This car’s under hood condition is better than mine. Nitpicky, but the T/A 6.6 hood scoop decal on this one is incorrect. It should be 400. T/A 6.6 was introduced in 1977.
Beautiful survivor. Base engine, automatic and modest equipment meant it was purchased for owner satisfaction rather than to please the gallery. Nice car.
Fun fact, Burt’s T/A was a 1976. Pontiac wanted to hype the new ’77 model, so they refitted the nose cone for the not yet released ’77 model.
& also changed the hood to the flatter ventless ’77 one & swapped in the much lower less rounded hard to open up ’77 shaker scoop.
Very nice clean Pontiac here. wish it had the third pedal. The inside is very clean.
!976 was my favourite of the 2nd gen Firebird family,mainly due to the very clean good looking front end.I did not at all like the 1977 Banshee front end and even less the hoover front end of the 1979.So this would be my Trans Am of choice and in a dark red which is one of my two favourite colours on cars..the other being dark green.