455/4-Speed: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am SE

I can honestly admit that this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am slightly confused me. The seller listed it as a Special Edition, but I always believed that Pontiac didn’t release such a beast until 1977, but I was wrong. In fact, the company released what is sometimes referred to as a Limited Edition to celebrate the marque’s 50^th Anniversary. However, it carries the same RPO code as the following year’s Special Edition, which is why it is often referred to by both designations. This Trans Am is a beauty, with its engine bay housing the 455ci V8. It has 36,000 miles on the clock and is an extremely tidy survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Hollywood, Florida. The seller set their price at $69,500 for this turnkey classic.

With a half-century of passenger car manufacturing looming, Pontiac celebrated the milestone by releasing a Special Edition of the 1976 Trans Am. All cars featured Starlight Black paint and Gold graphics, creating what has become one of the Trans Am’s most iconic combinations. It is sometimes difficult to determine the authenticity of these vehicles because there are plenty of clones kicking around. However, the seller includes the original Window Sticker and other documentation confirming its authenticity. Its presentation is consistent with what we would typically expect from a cherished survivor. The paint is in good condition, and the graphics are crisp and free from shrinkage and checking. There are no major panel imperfections, and the car is rust-free. The glass and trim are excellent, and the Trans Am rolls on its correct Gold Honeycomb wheels.

Apart from celebrating the company’s Golden Anniversary, the 1976 model year was significant in the Trans Am’s production life for a more profound reason. It was the last where buyers could order one of these classics with a 455ci V8 under the hood. There was no self-shifter option for those selecting this motor, with the driver controlling the action via a four-speed Super T10 manual transmission. As indicated on the Window Sticker, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. Emission regulations had severely impacted the 455 by the time this car rolled off the line. It delivered 200hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque, although it was still a better performance proposition than the Camaro Z28. The seller confirms that this Trans Am is numbers-matching. They don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage, but it may exist among the included documentation. The car runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition.

This Trans Am should provide the new owner with a comfortable driving experience. The first owner ordered it with air conditioning, a console, an AM/FM radio, an 8-track player, and a tilt wheel. There is an additional gauge by the driver’s right knee, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. The Black “Custom” interior trim is in good condition, with no evidence of severe wear or other shortcomings. The dash and pad are excellent, and while this interior isn’t pristine, its condition is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle that has always been treated respectfully.

Pontiac originally planned to produce 2,400 examples of the 1976 Trans Am Special Edition. However, buyer demand pushed the tally to 2,590 vehicles. Interestingly, only 319 of those featured the 455ci V8 and no T-Top. That makes this Trans Am a relatively rare beast, and its overall condition makes it pretty special. Recent successful sales suggest that the seller’s price is realistic for a well-documented, low-mile Special Edition of this caliber. It has been on the market for only a short time, and it will be fascinating to see how easily it finds a new home.