This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am not only looks great all the way around, but it’s also said to be a low-mileage original, with a history that’s traceable all the way back to when this one was new. The third and current owner is also an ASE-certified mechanic, with more than 40 years of experience restoring classic cars for a living, and he’s put a lot of time and effort into this F-Body since it’s been under his care. This black beauty is in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and can be found here on eBay, where 22 bids have taken the price up to $25,600 so far. However, that’s not enough to exchange hands, as the reserve has yet to be reached.
The story goes that the seller purchased the Trans Am from the second owner, who acquired it from the original buyer in 1981. The car had previously been stored for a quarter century, and as a result, a total of only 64.000 miles have been accumulated. Most of the black paint is said to still be the factory finish, with the bumpers believed to have been resprayed at some point, plus a few touch-ups here and there on the body. The exterior is described as very presentable and shiny, with no rust anywhere, and the decals are stated as original.
It’s certainly a positive that the seller is a mechanic, as he’s already gone through the drivetrain and serviced everything to make sure the car is road-ready. The gas tank is new and all soft fuel lines have been replaced, along with the carburetor getting a full rebuild. A new water pump and radiator have been installed, including the coolant being flushed, plus all of the belts have been replaced. The transmission has also received attention, including a fluid and filter change, and it’s said to be shifting perfectly. Everything is claimed to be well sorted out, with no strange noises or rattles, and the engine operation is described as flawless. Sure, it’d be cool if this one was a 455 with a 4-speed, but it was born with the base 400, and thankfully, it’s still the numbers-matching component.
Just about everything inside remains in very nice shape, with no cracks in the dash and the clock mentioned as the only instrument not functioning. The original radio has been replaced with a Kenwood AM/FM/ Cassette unit, but the factory Stereo is also included in the sale. This one seems well-kept and ready to be enjoyed by the next owner, and I’m guessing the price will continue to increase before the hammer falls here. What are your thoughts on this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am? Any ideas on where the seller may have set his reserve?
Love it,my favourite front end styling,not a Banshee front end style fan(dont like square lights..lol…) this is prime Trans Am’ing :P
I think it looks great, but why the fish-eye lense for the photographs? That triggers my paranoia about the condition…
I used to have 2, 78’s one was a Trans Am, the other was a Formula Bird both 4 speed. Had a ton of money in the Formula Bird, but when I moved out of the home state my ex mother in law gave my “junky” car to the guys working on her house. Rebuilt motor, tranny, rear end, deep dish mags in back cost 1000, bucks, and another 1000 on Hooker headers and side pipes. Car only needed a paint job. Didn’t even call to ask me. Told my wife, Oh, my new husband wanted the other garage, so I gave Michael’s junky car away… 30 years later, and I still want to fly up there and slap her…
The decals are NOT all original. It has the incorrect, later fender decals on it. They should match the front and rear “TRANS AM” decals.
Very nice clean Pontiac
I’ve said it before and I will say it again. I simply don’t see allure of these. While I will admit that they are semi-attractive, they have very little else to offer. They are absolute dogs, particularly when equipped like this one and like most GM cars from this era, quality control was non-existent. I know that there will be a ton of people that will disagree with me, but that is my firm opinion.
Well I guess I’m going to have to disagree with you. I had a 1976 Trans Am, bought it new. My car was never a “dog”, and never unreliable. 455/4 speed, 3.23 rear end. Only modifications was removal of smog controls after warranty expired, open up the hood scoop, slight change to the carburetor fuel rods, and a couple very minor modifications. She was fast, very fast. Top speed 147 mph. And she was a blast to drive on a twisty road. 160,000 miles on her when I let her go because I needed a family car. Worst decision of my life.
A 455 4 speed is a long way from a 400 automatic, which is what we are talking about here.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion oldrodder. Some people are reminded of certain cars at certain times in their life.
As they say, “to each his own”.
Of all the malaise era sports cars the Pontiac Trans Am still maintained style and excitement. I’m amazed at the rate of appreciation but I’m not surprised.Two of my siblings had the 76 with the 400 engines so I have fun memories.With more than enough performance the Trans Am for 76 and those looks. Nice collector 76 Trans Am.
Michael I feel your pain. My little brother gave me his 1970 Buick Skylark convertible. My mom thought it was just an old car. He left it to me in his will and my mom sold it to help with burial expenses without even asking me. They say the people closest to you can hurt you the most. It took awhile to get past this but I did eventually.
Michael I feel your pain. My little brother left me his 70 Buick Skylark convertible.The brother l gave my first car to. My mom sold it without even asking me. Family can hurt you more than strangers sometimes.
I’ve also got a 76 455/4 speed with original silver paint and red leather gut that loves to get up and go. 37k original miles, no rust/no accidents and would need 55 to consider separating. To me this isn’t a bad deal for a very nice driver. These cars look cool and handle like race cars and with minor mods really can be pretty radical for a mid 70”s car