When an owner customizes a classic car, the changes will often evolve as time passes. However, there are sometimes exceptions to that rule, which this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am perfectly demonstrates. The custom touches across this car represent a window into the scene in the 1980s, but they are reversible if a new owner prefers to tackle a faithful restoration. It is a solid vehicle that can be driven and enjoyed with little effort, making it ideal for someone wishing to be hands-on. The seller needs the space, so they have listed the Trans Am here on Barn Finds Classifieds in Grand Island, Nebraska. It could be yours for $19,999.

Custom touches abound on this Trans Am, with the first and most obvious being a color change that occurred in the 1980s. The original owner ordered the car in Cordovan Maroon, but it now sports a more vibrant shade of Red. It has a few flaws, defects, and faded spots, but it remains presentable if the new owner wants to engage in some immediate classic motoring enjoyment. It retains the iconic Screaming Chicken on the hood, but custom graphics that are in keeping with the period can be found across some exterior surfaces. The builder added a 1977 Trans Am nose and bolted on a set of wider Cragar wheels to provide a more aggressive appearance. That theme continues with the functional chrome sidepipes that guarantee that this Trans Am makes a noise that will turn heads. The seller states the car has always been garage-kept, which explains why the few visible spots of rust in the fenders are the only issues with the vehicle. That makes it a rock-solid proposition for restoration or preservation.

Lifting the hood reveals this Pontiac’s numbers-matching 400ci V8, with the remaining drivetrain components including a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. This V8 produced 185hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, and although those figures meant it was no longer quite as fast as it had been at the decade’s start, it could still show an auto-equipped ’76 Camaro Z28 a clean set of heels. The power and torque figures could be hypothetical with this car because the upgraded headers and exhaust should allow the spent gases to exit more efficiently. That is always a recipe for a welcome power increase. The seller says the V8 runs well, but it hasn’t been started for a couple of years. Coaxing it back to life shouldn’t be difficult, and this Trans Am might be ready to prowl the streets again following a thorough inspection and some basic maintenance.

The interior shots reveal further upgrades that provide an insight into the mindset of the 1980s. It retains much of its original Firethorn Deluxe vinyl, which is in good condition for a driver-grade classic. The same applies to the carpet, headliner, tilt wheel, and machine-turned gauge fascia. The dash and console sport custom Red cloth trim, with the creator adding a radio/cassette player, a graphic equalizer, and a CB radio. It is presentable in its current form, and the upgrades are reversible. However, you have to think it would command plenty of attention if the new owner rocked up to a Cars & Coffee with the Trans Am in its current form.

Some enthusiasts will decry the changes made to this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am and would set themselves the achievable goal of returning it to its original form. However, that approach could represent a lost opportunity. There is often a focus on preserving custom cars from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s as a window into a specific era, and I see no reason why the same shouldn’t be true for those from the 1980s. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this classic, but is it a challenge you would willingly accept?