1976 was the end of the road for 455 availability in the Pontiac Trans Am, which is how this one left the assembly line almost 50 years ago. While it no longer retains the born-with engine, there is still a 455 in the bay, with a fun surprise on the top that necessitated changing out the hood to a Formula component. This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am here on eBay seems like an excellent driver, with the seller inviting potential buyers up to Vancouver, Washington, for an up-close, in-person inspection. So far, the one bid of $15,000 isn’t enough for a sale, as that amount falls short of the reserve.
The performance level of the 455 is described as no joke and super fast, with the seller stating that this one’s not for kids! It was built by a previous owner, who chose to add a pair of Edelbrock carbs on top, causing the need to incorporate a Formula hood to replace the previous T/A component. Although originally a 4-speed car, a built Turbo 400 automatic now takes care of shifting duties, with a positraction rear end out back. This one’s said to be very streetable, but the seller warns future drivers that it would be pretty easy for this F-Body to find a pole on wet pavement.
Silver was the original factory color, with the finish here mentioned only as a newer paint job. The seller is forthcoming that his car isn’t perfect, with a crack in the clear by the top of a door being one of the imperfections pointed out. I feel the owner might be understating the condition here when he says you wouldn’t embarrassed to take this Trans Am to a show, as I’d be quite proud to be seen driving this one anywhere! The chrome trim around the windshield and rear window has been sprayed to match the body, but I sort of like how it all blends. However, it probably wouldn’t be difficult to change this back to stock, should the next owner choose to do so.
From the factory, the interior was originally red, but it’s all black in here now. Nothing from the photos leads me to think there’s anything inside that needs immediate attention, but a few small spots of presumably rust are mentioned as being on the floorboards, plus a couple of quarter-size holes in the trunk. The seller says none of this is anything major, and I would just enjoy this one as-is for the foreseeable future. What are your thoughts on this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am?
Was never a big fan of Trans Am’s. I always associated them with mullet hair cuts. But this beast is no ordinary Pontiac. Should have kept it red inside though. Liked for “seller warns future drivers that it would be pretty easy for this F-Body to find a pole on wet pavement.”
HMM Burt Renyolds with a mullet. what i would like to know why this excellent trans am for an engine , trans, rear differential , and color change on the interior. did it not already have this stuff installed. they must have been wealthy, or did not want to waste the time to get it all together. these old trans am’s are easy to get together with telephone poles , porches , cement walls , and other non moving objects. all in all a nice ta but id change the quads . try synchronising those carbs on a pontiac. 1 more thought with the engine are the rocker arms stiill torqued to 20 ft. lbs… when adjusting the cam
Probably hydraulic lifters. High lift, long duration cams aren’t necessarily solid lifter.
Nice looking car, but in what world is it OK to take the 4 speed out of a car like this?
I agree. Removing the 4spd on a car like this is blasphemy!
When my health from an accident wouldn’t let me shift anymore I sold it and found one that was an automatic.
I agree Oldrodder. It’s the same “Cancel Culture” that took the stick and extra pedal out of new cars and trucks.
Sometimes I think it’s not understood how it works so it should go away. I was recently at the mall and some early 20’s kid has a Fox Body Mustang with a 5.0 and a stick. He couldn’t drive that car anymore than the man on the moon. Constantly running at about 2000 rpm dumping the clutch and killing it in any gear but first. I miss driving a stick!
Exactly.
They took something that was already rare, and devalued it.
NOT JUST A 4 SPEED CAR but a 4 speed car with AC. this ta would stand out any where nice paint. whats with the high back buckets seats. they look different from factory…
It’s OK in a world where the owner develops a disability and can no longer drive a stick.
Someone should buy it and swap the stick back into it. It will more than pay for itself.
Needs another carb.
I used to own a silver 76′ Trans Am.A 400 with a Turbo 350 trans.The one big problem it had was the 2.43 gears,that’s what you got with a 400 and the auto trans.The 455 cars like this one came with 3.23 gears and a 4 spd,the only way they came.In 74′ that was the last year you could get a TH400 trans.The dual quad setup looks impressive,but is there a big enough cam for it?Great looking T/A that could pass alot of vehicles,but not a gas station.Single digit mileage for sure
I always liked the Formula’s better.
I loved Jim Rockford’s Gold Formula.
Wasn’t his an Esprit?
It probably would be difficult and expensive to change this back to stock
I’d probably replace the intake and go back to one four barrel. Since it has been unsmogged I’d leave the rest alone. Too bad they didn’t keep the red interior though.
does the original 4 speed go with the car, since you mentioned you still have it…
I agree red is a better contrasting color with the exterior. The interior was probably replaced due to wear and tear. The 1976 455 probably had 200 hp net. But the torque and luxury of having the big engine in the TransAm added to the car’s mystique and popularity. I remember seeing one every day in my college parking lot but I’m guessing now it was a 1974 455.
My friend in highschool had one of these we called it the transformula! Add the t/a ram air scoop paint it gold and you have ponches car!
No way would I have removed the shaker hood to put two carbs on. And no way I would have removed the 4-speed tranny! Yikes!
how about 2 shaker scoops like on a crossram…what
if you only had 1 leg…google mickey thompsom cross ram.
The unique 1 yr only ’76 formula hood made no sense for Pontiac to have tooled up. Is the original ’70-’76 t/a hood still available?
I agree with all the comments about why anyone would take out the 4-speed and put in an automatic! And what did they do with the manual trans and associated components?
on ebay they states hes got 4 speed trans and maybe parts????? they say
I was planning to put the 4 speed back in and keep it but I am out of room! I’m to the point that some of my toys have to sit outside.
NOW IS THE TIME TO NEGOTIATE . IF ITS NOT ALL GONE ALREADY … SNOOZE YOU LOSE…if the trans is available dont forget driveshaft and other components . this stuff might be already gone . he wants to sell it but barnfinds has a timeline to sell
The guy does not say he has spare parts for it or a 4 speed. Just was planning on it. Auction ended anyway.