Marketing gurus deserve credit where it is due, and the good people at Pontiac realized there was a hole in their 1977 product line that required filling. The mildly facelifted Trans Am was selling up a storm, but there was a need to provide an alternative for those requiring similar performance levels but greater interior space. Thus was born the 1977 Can Am. There is no better way to promote a new variant than by advertising it as a limited edition, but the reality was that the Can Am sold in lower numbers than initially planned. Our feature car is a spotless Can Am with a documented 62,000 miles on the clock. It appears to need nothing but a new owner. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Omaha, Nebraska. They haven’t set a price but are willing to consider offers. A big thank you must go to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this rare beauty.
The Can Am was the brainchild of a gentleman named Jim Wangers. For those not conversant with the history of Pontiac, Mr. Wangers developed a successful career with the company without ever being on its payroll. Although he was not involved in the development of the GTO, he was responsible for marketing the vehicle to the point where it was featured on the cover of the prestigious Car and Driver magazine. He also contributed to including the Trans Am in the Smokey and the Bandit movie franchise and assisted with the release of the final generation of the GTO in 2004. He identified a hole in the company’s product range for 1977, suggesting a limited edition of the LeMans Sport to complement the existing Trans Am. The plan was to produce 2,500 vehicles, with most cosmetic upgrades performed by a company called Motortown. The process involved cutting the hood of the Cameo White LeMans to accommodate the Trans Am’s distinctive scoop, applying black to the rockers and side window openings, laying on unique and bold graphics, and rounding out the package with a “duck-tail” rear spoiler. Rally II wheels were standard, although buyers could order their Can Am with Snowflakes. The build proceeded smoothly until the mold for the rear spoiler broke when only 1,377 cars rolled out of the factory. Rather than produce a replacement, Pontiac brought down the curtain on the Can Am. Our feature car is spotless, with no significant paint or panel issues. It is a rock-solid, rust-free survivor that retains all its distinctive features. I hesitate to describe its condition as “showroom,” but it is one of the tidiest examples to grace our pages at Barn Finds.
The positive vibes continue when we focus on this Can Am’s interior. The aftermarket speakers in the rear parcel tray suggest there is a hidden stereo, but I can’t spot any further additions. The red vinyl upholstery is immaculate, with no wear or other problems. The same is true of the carpet and headliner. There are no dash cracks, and the faux woodgrain has avoided the common issues of fading and lifting. For the era, it features some welcome luxury touches. These include air conditioning, power windows, the sports gauge cluster from the Grand Prix, the optional sports wheel with tilt function, and a remote driver’s mirror.
It is easy to view the Can Am as little more than an appearance package, but that does the vehicle an injustice. Lifting the hood reveals a 400ci V8 producing 200hp. There was no manual transmission option, with buyers receiving a three-speed Turbo 400 unit and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. If someone aimed this classic at the ¼-mile, the journey would be a memory in 16.5 seconds. If they kept the pedal to the metal, it would run out of breath at 121mph. Placing that into perspective, the Trans Am could storm the ¼ in 16 seconds, but its top speed was 118mph. There’s not much to separate the two, and the Can Am achieves this while carrying an additional 156lbs and providing significantly greater interior space. Our feature car is numbers-matching and unmolested. The seller claims it has a genuine 62,000 miles on the clock, and they have supporting evidence. They also hold PHS documentation confirming the car’s authenticity, with the included paperwork being important factors when considering its potential value. It runs and drives well, with the seller saying they would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.
It is easy to underestimate the potential of the 1977 Pontiac Can Am, but the figures tell the story. In most circumstances, it could closely shadow the Trans Am, but it offered increased interior space to improve occupant comfort. The Can Am remained ignored during the late 20th century but now enjoys a strong following. Consequently, values have trended upward at an impressive rate over the past five years. Recent sales results suggest potential buyers may need to commence negotiating at around $30,000 but be prepared to increase that figure significantly if they seriously wish to become the next owner. It’s a lot of money, but it remains less than you might pay for a Trans Am in a similar condition. Would that thought be enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
Nice car- what are you looking for price wise?
Hey Kevin, they don’t specify a figure, but it would be worth contacting them via their Craigslist advertisement. If you do, I’d like to wish you luck. Cheers, Adam.
I cannot figure out how to make an offer?
I love these and want one. But 1370 of them must have been made with that headache-red interior.
I nearly passed on a car once because it had a red interior…but I bought it and actually liked it a lot. It was much like this car, red with lots of woodgrain.
Im in Omaha, and a friend has one. His has white seats with red everywhere else. You don’t see many of these any more.
I’d like to see a closeup of the documentation to be sure it isn’t a 403 Olds California car.
I think on the trans ams, the shaker decal said 6.6 Litre instead of ta 6.6 on the 403 cars. Not sure if this is the same.
No – the 403 and the 7.8 to 1 compression ratio (L78) engine got 6.6 Liter badges. the 8.2 to 1 compression ratio (W72) engine got the T/A 6.6 badging.
Ad states 400 cu in W72. Pontiac.
The Oldsmobile engine has an oil fill tube towards the front. The engine in this car does not. It’s probably the Pontiac version.
I agree with you Tony, this looks like a Pontiac V8 to me. Allen L, here is a pic of an Olds V8. https://barnfinds.com/16k-original-miles-1979-pontiac-trans-am/1979-pontiac-trans-am-4-9/
Beautiful car. I had a ’73 Lemans coupe 40+ years ago. Not that quick, but it cruised really nice on the highway.
The photo(s) provided show the Pontiac engine which was also massaged a bit, prior to installation. Advertised performance numbers are not to be believed. Only 42 were manufactured with the California/Olds smog motor which makes them rare but still undesired. It should also be noted that prior to the rear spoiler tooling damage, there were still a couple thousand Sport Coupes waiting, in the que, for modification, WITH the modified engine AND suspension upgrades. Very few people know about those cars but, the folks that do are willing to pay an appropriate premium.
Tell me more about the engine massaging. Wesley. What, if any, documentation do you have???
I had one of the builds after spoiler mold was broke. My PHS document said build date right after mold issue. Came as Lemans with W72 engine, correct trans, white with window treatments. Different dash and bench seat. White seats, dash black and interior plastic white. I converted it to clone, found spoiler, ordered graphics and painted black to lower rockers. Changed interior plastic to black redid seats, headliner left white. Sold car it is now in Michigan
You can tell by picture of engine it’s not a 403. No oil filler tube in front. I also have one with the 403 and what keeps it from running as fast as the 400 is the 2.41 gears.
That is not an Oldsmobile engine. Clearly a Pontiac.
TA 6.6 was 400, 6.6 liter was 403 I believe
Here’s all you need to know about the 1977 Pontiac Can-Am from Hemmings. The owner they featured could have been the original owner of this one for sale. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1977-pontiac-can-am
These are not the same car. The Hemmings Can-Am has crank windows, but the Barn Finds Can-Am has power windows.
It appears to not be the same one. The car from Hemmings has crank windows and this one has automatic.
NO emails the add states but no phone number listed, what is wrong with people? I wanted to call!
59poncho- At the CL ad, you have to click on “reply” and then this info shows up along w/ more links:
reply by email:
cf280f6cc1b93c21a3bd502a532f6449@sale.craigslist.org
copy and paste into your email:
cf280f6cc1b93c21a3bd502a532f6449@sale.craigslist.org
call or text:
(402) 378-8338
Yes I HAD TO email and he sent me the number-thanks Lothar!
Phone number is in the ad if you hit the reply button
Not for me, is there 2 CL adds?
These cars are awesome, but I really wish they had just called this car the GTO in 1977. Why not? The name wasn’t retired. It was based on a mid sized Pontiac with the best engine Pontiac offered at the time just like the old one had been. Why call it a “Can Am”? It sounds like, a can of Campbell’s soup, or “tin can”, or something like that.
S (I guess that stands for “Secret Name”),
The Pontiac Can-Am was named for…
“The Canadian-American Challenge Cup, or Can-Am, (which) was an SCCA/CASC sports car racing series from 1966 to 1987.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can-Am
Google is your friend. It’s not different, or less cool, than “Trans Am” (Google that yourself, I’m done teaching for the day).
Not for me, is there 2 CL adds? I’ve used CL once or thousand times
Can-Am series did not last until 87
S, I agree. Should have been called GTO.
I love these. No price mentioned they want Big Bucks!
While it’s widely believed that the mold for the rear spoiler broke, another story I’ve heard was that the Can Am used the Grand Prix dashboard. And since sales of the more profitable Grand Prix had increased, Pontiac decided to cease production of the Can-Am.
MyDad bought a 77 LeMans Safari late 77, I’m sure he got a good deal cause the downsized 78’s were on the lot.
Saw one of these in a magazine a few years ago, much upgraded drivetrain and suspension, pro touring style, and a really slick black paint job, the car looked great. Often thought I’d like to duplicate it…
Luv it….except for the headlights/grill. Too much like a Gran Prix.
The Single headlite on each side ala the LeMans (or Laguna S)…..would have been more appealing….imo.
Beats the very common Trans Am….like a mule.
By 1977 the square headlights were becoming the “in” thing and only the lower Chevelles still had the round lights . Some GMs were equipped with the stacked square lights , and some like this Pontiac were the better looking side by side…but yes, I liked the single headlamp set ups on the Collonades
I buy and sell a lot of cars. I always thougt “taking offers” was such an arrogant way to try to sell a car. Who would make an offer……..youre selling it what do you want? Anything anyone offers wont be enough……youre bidding against yourself.
And when you do “make an offer”,they get deeply offended.
Give us some kind of starting point,so we know what you have in mind.
Just like when they put “$5” in the price,when they
want $5000 for it.I wish people would bombard them with
e mails/phone calls saying “I have a $5 bill,I’ll be right
over to buy it!”.
No sale price???
What kind of Scam are they running???
I would rather have a Grand Am.
The Tempest body lies were very well done. It was a very nice body style no matter which model or color trim combination that was chosen.
I think what you do with this one is buy it and drop a 400+ HP and 500 ft/lbs of torque crate motor in it. Upgrade the brakes and suspension and you have a bada** daily driver that can smoke the tires at will and embarrass those hideous “Too Fast Too Furious” foreign poop box cars
It’s been my experience that when a seller wants you to make an offer, he over-values what he has and wants more than the item is worth. These sellers get offended easily when you make them an offer because it’s never enough. I’ve always told sellers like these that if they want to sell their item, come out with a price or I’m leaving. That usually gets the ball rolling. Another tactic you can use is to tell the seller to call you with the best offer they have received, and you’ll see if you can beat it. Either way, forget about getting a deal.
Love these, and this one appears to be a nice, well optioned car, but 100% rust free is a pretty bold statement. Looking at the bottom corner of the passenger side door it looks a little weird. Maybe rust? Maybe not.
Pretty sure you are correct. That door bottom is rusted. Hard to say if there’s more or not.
Well gentlemen, the seller is a stand up guy and responded promptly to all my questions. I sent him a text soon after the listing and he responded immediately. We spoke yesterday morning and quickly agreed on a price. It just took a simple question “What will it take to buy your car?” I presented a counter offer and we agreed in the middle. Car is already paid for and will be coming to Texas. I have a large personal collection of 70’s GM cars and the Can Am was missing. We both were realistic on the current value of his car which made the transaction a breeze. You know it’s a good transaction when both parties feel they got a fair deal.
Congrats! Beautiful car. Sounds like you knew in advice what these bring. Have fun and I envy you.
Congratulations. Do you know where it was originally purchased?
That’s fantastic, Stufish. Congratulations. I’m glad it’s going to a new owner who will undoubtedly appreciate it. I hope it provides many miles of motoring pleasure.
I doubt this has more room inside than a 2nd gen firebird. The trunk of course tho is much larger.
Odd that Pontiac did not bother to tool up a red console & red panel below the steering wheel – IMO, they clash with the rest of the interior & just do not look right here.
Have you ever sat in the rear seat of a 2nd gen Firebird. Probably not. Two adults can sit in the back of this car.
Yes, if you have/with the STANDARD seats which are thinner – or better yet, a ’70 1/2 model which has even thinner carry over seats from the ’67-69 gen. No problem for 4 people if the front seats are not all the way back. (Same with early pintos with the thin bucket seats – plenty of room for 4!! – astounding for such a small car!) I am 6 foot tall & have the ’74 STANDARD(& looking IMO) firebird driver’s seat closer than all the way back because the formula steering wheel would be too far away!!
Problem is too many people got the bulbous thick fat delux seats in the 2nd gen, including the bandit, that take up too much room!
I would not want to TRY to sit in the back seat of ANY pony car 1982 or newer, let alone any 21st century 2 door, or even a “modern” compact ugly 4 door vehicle – worse legroom than on a plane! lol
I have this car with a black interior. It belonged to my husband who recently passed away. It has been in a garage for the past 30 plus years. We recently moved to a friends garage and he is going to get it up and running. It does not have the stock wheels. Has about 80,000 plus miles on it. I have the original window sticker for the car. My husband was the second owner on the car, purchased it in April, 1979……
@Patty Pinker – If you decide to sell it, please consider listing it here on the site: https://barnfinds.com/sell/
I wouldn’t even now how to put a price on this car. Any help would be appreciated.