It is undeniable that as the 1970s progressed, vehicles that had once been viewed as high-performance models were being progressively strangled by evolving emission regulations. The 1976 Pontiac Trans Am was no exception, but the seller has transformed this beauty into a fire-breathing beast with power befitting the badge. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic pony car that is more than a pretty face. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on Craigslist in Gold Canyon, Arizona. They set their price at $35,000 for a car that appears to need nothing.
Pontiac adopted a “business as usual” approach when it released the 1976 Firebird range. Cosmetic updates were relatively few, although the Trans Am Y82 Limited Edition brought a Hurst T-top to the party for those seeking a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. This car’s first owner didn’t follow that path, ordering the Trans Am in stunning Sterling Silver. The seller confirms that the vehicle received a recent repaint and was fitted with 17″ reproduction Honeycomb wheels at that time. The presentation is all that you would expect, with the paint and panels appearing flawless. There is no patchiness, while the decals look crisp and clean. I can’t spot any evidence of rust, and considering the Pontiac’s location, I don’t doubt the seller’s claim that this beauty is solid. The front bumper fit is slightly out, but that shortcoming should respond to some tweaking to improve the appearance. Otherwise, the plastic looks good, and the glass is clear.
The first owner teamed the Trans Am’s Sterling Silver paint with an interior trimmed in Custom Firethorn vinyl with air conditioning, a rear defogger, and a tilt wheel. The seller added an aftermarket stereo to relieve boredom on long journeys, but I can spot no other changes. It is unclear whether they performed any interior restoration, but the lack of UV damage suggests that it may have received at least a partial retrim. The dashpad is particularly noteworthy, being free from cracks and splits. There is no carpet wear, and no other issues requiring the new owner’s attention.
Okay, we’ve reached what many readers will undoubtedly consider this Trans Am’s party piece. The 1976 model year was the last where buyers could order these classics with the 455ci V8 under the hood, although this car’s first owner selected the entry-level 400ci powerplant. This motor delivered 185hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures well short of the 345hp and 430 ft/lbs available at the start of the decade. However, the seller has rendered those figures academic following an engine rebuild. Hiding inside the V8 is a set of 10.5:1 Speed Pro forged pistons and a steel crank. Add a Thumpr hydraulic camshaft, roller rockers, stainless steel valves, headers, and a 2½” exhaust to the mix, and the driver has 450hp at their disposal. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed Super T-10 manual transmission, which feeds the ponies to a 3.42 limited-slip rear end with Richmond gears. The seller ensured that engine temperature would remain under control with an aluminum radiator and a Black Magic electric fan, while the rebuilt suspension features coil-overs for sure-footed handling. Potential buyers can consider this Pontiac a turnkey proposition that runs and drives exceptionally well. It appears that flying in and driving home is a realistic expectation.
Although I have strong leanings towards Ford products, I am a classic car enthusiast first and foremost. I admire all vehicles, and have always admitted a fondness for Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range. This 1976 Trans Am is no exception, and although I prefer originality, I have no trouble believing the seller’s claim that it is a blast to drive. So, if you are seeking a classic from the 1970s that provides power and performance that would have been unthinkable in 1976, this Pontiac deserves a close look.
Yes i would fly out there. Check it out make a deal. Then pass the cash and drive home!! Hopefully i wont get tickets or jail time on the way to NY!😂 This is one hell of a ride. Love how the engine was done. It beautiful looking inside a d out. Well good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
This looks like a well sorted car, the choice of wheels was a good one. I’d change the headers to HO/Ram Air style exhaust manifolds since the cars current headers, especially the passenger side, have been flattened. I’d also want a thorough look underneath, picture 9 of 17 shows plugs on the rocker panel and door jamb consistent with rust proofing, which suggests it didn’t start life in the sun belt. This looks like a fun car with a great color combination and drivetrain, but for $35,000, any car needs a very thorough inspection.
Steve R
The last photo shows that the original selling dealer was in Yorkville NY, so it didn’t spend its entire life in the Sun Belt.
Thanks, I missed that.
Steve R
TransAmMan likey! Tasteful. First word in my head. If I didn’t want to stay married I’d be on the first plane for the best road trip home ever!
Nice find Primo. Those rear window louvers are a nice touch.
Very nice. The seller is not going to have a hard time selling this one. Very tempting to me as well.
Nicely done.
Classy, subtle. Belies its origins.
Nice job, good price.
GLWTS
Striking color combo and as Steve stated, good wheel choice. Looks like a nice TA. I despise those bendy one size fits all coolant hoses though…that thing would be in the trash can as soon as I got the car home.
Very nice Pontiac and I like that it is a manual and looks to have been done right. Not a big thing but I am not a big fan of the lower look and rims but still it is very nice!
No mention of air (in Phoenix). Can’t tell for sure from pix. Still very nice TA.
No A/C for a car like this in Arizona?
This might be better than the Camaro ahead of it. Buy it and drive it. This one is just down the street from me!
Generally speaking, while I am not a fan of mid seventies Trans Am’s because they were dogs, this one certainly takes car of that. This is a very nice car and with the motor work and the 4 speed I’ll bet it’s a blast to drive. The only things that I personally am not fond of are the price and the wheels. I thought that there was a “honeycomb” style wheel available on some of the TA’s that didn’t look so “modular”, and while I will not be surprised if the seller gets the asking price for it, I believe that it is too much, but she’s a beauty.
There was a factory Honeycomb wheel, they look nearly identical to these. The problem with the OE wheel is they were built around a steel inner with a rubberized outer, which incorporated the honeycomb, which would deteriorate and/or separate. They were common, but now are hard to find in decent shape and are usually well over $1,000 a set if you can find them. The wheels on this car can be bought from several restoration suppliers for about the same money.
Steve R
Reading between the lines of the ad, I would say that this does not have the original block. The seller mentions matching numbers tranny, but only says that the a Pontiac 400 has had a performance rebuild, not saying it is numbers matching.
That might not matter, but at 35K, I would expect it to be mentioned.
Wow, This seller has turned my favorite year Trans Am into a real sleeper. Priceless, Watching some stock Corvette owner roll up on this Trans Am and get a rude awakening.