In 1976, the Pontiac Grand Prix had just one model year left to follow before the car received a major downsized restyle in 1978, but the fourth-generation GP was still soaring high in the mid-seventies with tasteful lines that look great even to this day. Some new touches for ’76 included a quad-set of rectangular headlights up front and restyled taillights in the rear, with one last for the model being the availability of a 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood, even though it only made about 200 horsepower. The owner of this 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ here on eBay didn’t think that was sufficient, so he upped the ante to not double, but triple the factory output, so if you’ve been looking for a sleeper this one may be an ideal choice. The car is from Kimball, Nebraska, with bidding up to $6,100 so far, and understandably short of reserve.
Prior to the seller’s acquisition last year, the car had been with the previous owner for the past 36 years and at some point underwent a major drivetrain improvement, but it’s not clear if the work was done before or after the seller bought the car. Either way, the changes are quite impressive, starting with a .040 bore of the 455, which was then fitted with forged aluminum pistons and a solid roller cam plus a laundry list of other high-performance goodies inside. It was then topped with a Holley 850 on top, and after all was said and done the result is 600 horsepower, backed by a built Turbo 400 and a GM positraction rear end with 3.90 gears inside. More good news is the Pontiac also comes with a trunk full of extra parts.
Things outside are mostly factory original, including the majority of the Polaris Blue finish which still looks exceptionally good overall to be nearly 50 years old. The seller mentions one area behind the right rear quarter panel that’s had a touch-up and also points out some rust around the rear wheel openings, but aside from these areas only a few small nicks and dings are said to be present in the paint. Some new exterior items include a few trim pieces and re-chromed bumpers a few years back, and with the presentation still looking this good, I’d probably leave everything just like it is, at least for a while.
Most of the interior also features the original components, including the carpet and cloth which are all said to be in excellent shape, although the driver’s seat is showing some wear but it doesn’t appear extensive. A couple of aftermarket items inside include a Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette Stereo and a cool Autometer tach where the clock once resided. I’m really impressed with the builder’s vision here and finding very little anywhere not to like about this 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ, how about you?
Nice job! Subtle until you stand on it, innocuous appearance, this will catch more than a few by surprise.
I doubt that they’ll fiscally get out of it what they’ve got into it, but too I hope they get close and it goes to someone who’ll truly appreciate what’s been done.
That stock air cleaner isn’t going to fool anyone and it’s costing about 20 hp.
Without having to make a ridiculous scoop on the hood,the stock air cleaner is a good choice,and haven’t you ever heard of a k&n filter?you actually gain hp with one,even in a stock air cleaner assembly.
K&N is no good, the filters let more partuculates through. just run a good paper filter. are you more worried about 5 hp at a supposed 600hp, or keeping dirt out of your engine, your choice.
Black cloth? Looks blue to me. I’d have to change those gears for cruising.
Listing ended!
What a fine machine !!!
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved the Colonnade style Pontiac Grand Prix. This one looks brand new, like it came from a Pontiac dealer. Given its condition, I’d pay between $5000 and $10,000 for the car.
This listing was ended by the seller because the item was lost or broken.
Strange post but it is gone.
Relisted.
Currently 7 bids, $2,475!
Can we have a link to the new posting?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/225684237409
Here is the relisting:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/225684237409
The “item” must have been found and/or fixed. LOL!
Thanks guys!
I will take a dozen at 5 -$10 k please
My mother bought one, back in 76. Blue on blue, with a white half vinyl top. She opted for the pinstripes as well. 350 with a 350 turbo. It was a beautiful car. I actually prefer it to the 77. Only real difference, the front header/light panels layout, and the rear tail light lens.
With the crazy market being what it is, and how rare it is to see one from 76, I’d expect this one to go for between 20 and 25 grand fairly easily. Quite possibly more. We have all seen crazy money asked for, for what are either basket cases of “few parts left” cars. It just seems to be the way it goes now.
This Pontiac is really kick-ass!This is a real deal sleeper here,no advertising and very unassuming in appearance.A perfect car….
Dump that tach and wire a shift light into the Fasten Seat Belts idiot light. If you want to keep it sleepy, do it all the way. And never open the hood. As somebody said above, don’t bother with the stock air cleaner. With all the rest of the go-fast lookin’ gear underhood you won’t be fooling anybody. You may as well go for the gusto.
I got the message. G’bye.
As a kid. I bought a 1975 GP SJ . Lime green inside and out. I hated the color, but price was right fir a 16 year old.
455ci to boot.
Car was a tank. I beat on it hard. It just kept going.
I loved it, except the color
Another beautiful colonade and with the hp they should have been built with and yes these were tanks riding on a cloud
I’ve seen these big boats take such abuse and come out the other side with barely a scratch when we were kids buying these for a week’s pay like new cause nobody wanted to put gas in them or another brand new one was only a few Grand more than spending money fixing up the old one that was starting to get rusty by then but we loved them gutless or not we could work them pretty good a 455 is still a torque monster no matter how many hoses you plug into it
I wonder if this car is running the stock air cleaner to keep the noise down, further adding to its sleeper-ness.
Cool Fast Sleeper – there’s a 1969 Grand Prix that run’s 8’s in the 1/4 mile with a 500 ci. Pontiac V8 at Major Pontiac power events etc. :)
oh man, the memories…..I bought a 76 SJ Silver/Charcoal with burgandy pinstripe, and burgandy leather interior, from the neighbor across the street.
I was maybe 20 years old. It had a 400 and while I worked at an auto parts store, and had big plans to retrofit earlier years factory dual exhaust, as far as I got was an ignition advance kit and a Trans Am steering wheel, before some 15 year old douche bag cut in front of my gf on the interstate, knocking her into the jersey wall, sigh.
he had stolen his grandfathers car and had no ins, and my ins kicked me to the curb after paying me…….I loved that car