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Last Year for the 455: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am

Mark K. found this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am equipped with a 455 cubic inch V8 engine and 4 speed transmission. There were only 7,528 Trans Ams built in 1976 with the L75 455 cubic inch V8 engine. This car is located in Littleton, Colorado and is listed here on Craigslist. While the car appears to be a project that has been stored for over 28 years, the seller is asking $15,500 to part with the car. The ad does not state if the car is in running condition but it is said to be a solid car.

Buyers had the choice of either a 400 cubic inch V8 engine or a 455 cubic inch V8 engine in the 1976 Trans Am. The base engine for the Trans Am in 1976 was the L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine that was rated at 180 horsepower. The optional 455 cubic inch V8 engine was rated at only 20 horsepower more (200 horsepower) with 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine was only available with a 4-speed transmission in 1976 and came with a performance 3:23 rear gear ratio. While those power numbers don’t look impressive, it is important to realize that this was in the middle of the 1970’s when Mustangs were powered by 4 cylinder engines, the Z28 was gone and so was the Dodge Challenger. Most Pontiac enthusiasts will tell you that a stock 455 can be modified to generate 400 horsepower and 500 ft lbs of torque using early Pontiac heads and exhaust manifolds.

The car has the deluxe interior option that came with upgraded “horse collar” seats and door panels. A dash cover is on the top of the dash which usually indicates that the dash is cracked or sun baked. The carpet is extremely faded and looks rust colored. The options on the car are not listed by it has an AM/FM radio and air conditioning.

Performance cars were not what they were in prior years but Pontiac carried the torch for big engines and great handling. This car has the optional 15×7 honeycomb wheels. It is going to need a lot of work to clean this one up and get it on the road but it should be worth it.

Comments

  1. Avatar RoughDiamond

    And it’s gone at 1:47 EST. Someone probably got a great deal on an awesome last year of the 455 Trans Ams.

    Like 16
  2. Avatar George Mattar

    Slow poke single exhaust terrible breathing heads. Just a great looking body. Yeah should kept mine. Sell for more than most C3 Corvettes.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Tommy T-Tops

    Always loved those rims.

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Doug

    I had a ’76 with the 400 4 speed. ordered it as a wedding present to myself. Had them leave the hood decal off at the factory. It was black over black.

    Like 10
    • Avatar 455RAIV

      Nice Memories – Friend had one like yours but tan interior – real Dual exhaust installed – open scoop – sure could shift those gears did some great burnouts with it :)

      Like 4
  5. Avatar joenywf64

    After the ’71-72 455-HO’s & ’73 -74 sd-455s, the non sd station wagon gas guzzling 455 was nothing to brag about & was at most a ridiculous 25 more hp than the 400 of the same model year. & the torque increase was nothing to brag about either, espec with the 7.6 to 1 compress ratio versions.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Michael Berkemeier

    This was a steal. Someone literally got a real bargain.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Johan

    The seller probably could have gotten a lot more if they’d have taken the time to clean it up! I’ll never understand that…

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Bick Banter

    Whoever put that stripe on it should be charged criminally!

    Like 0

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