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A Worthy Project: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 455

Pontiac built just a little over 7k Trans Ams with the big 455 cui V8 in 1976. While this particular example isn’t the Limited Edition, it’s still a very desirable Firebird. Not only is it a 455 car, but it was also optioned with the 4-speed. It currently has an automatic, with is a bit of a bummer, but it’s going to need a complete restoration anyways. Given the value of a real 455 car, you will want to check the numbers closely, but it does come with the PHS documentation so it shouldn’t be too difficult to prove it’s real. With a $5,000 asking price, this one seems like it’s worth a closer look!

1976 wasn’t just the US’s Bicentennial, it was also Pontiac’s 50th Anniversary and the last year that they built the single headlight Firebird. And, it was the final year that you could option a Trans Am with the 455. With all the changes to emission and fuel regulations, both the 400 and 455 were down in power, but they still made great sounds and had enough torque to spin the tires. We get a decent look at this T/As engine and as you can see, things are looking pretty rough. It looks like the major components are present and in place, so hopefully, the engine isn’t seized.

The interior is also in need of a total redo (as the seller puts it, “it’s a frightening mess and needs completely redone”), but it looks like most of the major pieces are present. I’m not sure what the story is with the passenger seat, there appears to be a seat in there but whether it’s a Trans Am seat or not is a complete unknown. Given how popular these are and their relation to the Camaro, finding all the pieces to restore it won’t be all that difficult.

Now we get to this Trans Am real issue, rust. The seller, Larry B, admits that the body is rough but feels there is little outer body rust. Without a closer look, it’s hard to know for sure just how extensive the rust issues are, but plan on replacing some sheet metal. That being said, it’s a desirable enough car that it would be worth the work to fix up. There are plenty of unknowns but Larry is more than happy to show it to any interested parties. You can contact him via the form below to schedule a time to look at and you can find additional photos of it here on Fotki.

  • Asking Price: $5,000
  • Location: Quincy, IL 62301
  • Title Status: Missing

Contact The Seller

List your car here on Barn Finds for only $50!

Comments

  1. Avatar Taz

    Look at the brake pedal in the 11th picture, this was an automatic transmission 400 car at birth
    A 4 speed car had the small brake pedal, no 1976 cars with a 455 were made with an automatic.
    I had a 1 of 110 50th anniversary 455 4 speed T top car in 1980.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar TimM

    The drum between the seats is a nice touch!! Makes me want to put a drum between the seats of all my old classics!!!

    Like 1
  3. Avatar CCFisher

    For me, the missing title would be a bigger issue than the rust.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Tempo Matador Ray

    The dates on the listed Fotki files are nearly four years old. Add those additional winter wear years to this outdoor stored project and you’re in for the challenge…

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Del

    Grab it for the engine and put it in that 69 Chevelle from yesterday

    Like 1

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