One Owner Survivor: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am

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We see our share of classics at Barn Finds that stretch the definition of the term “survivor” to its limits. Some will have received a restoration or significant upgrades. However, this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is the real deal, because it is a one-owner classic wearing the chips and marks that prove that has been driven and enjoyed as its creators intended. The time has come for the Trans Am to find a new home, with the seller listing this classic here on eBay in Sylmar, California. They set their BIN at $31,900 with the option to make an offer.

I have long considered the 1976 model one of my favorites within Pontiac’s Trans Am range. The frontal styling is crisp and clean, possessing an elegance that was lost during subsequent styling updates. There is also no color more iconic than Starlight Black, which was the shade chosen by the owner to grace this classic’s exterior. A close inspection reveals a wide selection of chips and imperfections, proof that this Trans Am has seen active service. It would undoubtedly benefit from a light cosmetic restoration, although leaving it untouched as a proud survivor is a choice that some might find irresistible. The panels are straight, and the decal condition is consistent with the car’s unrestored status. The best news is that life in California has left this Pontiac rust-free. The typically prone areas like the trunk pan, rear valance, and the area around the back window are rock-solid. That is another reason why preservation might be the best option for the new owner. The glass is in good condition, as are the honeycomb wheels.

The 1976 model year marked the last where buyers could order their Trans Am with a 455ci V8 under the hood. However, this owner selected the 400ci powerplant, teaming it with a three-speed automatic transmission. The V8 should produce 185hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, meaning that performance is more competent than dazzling. The seller confirms that it received recent suspension work and that the engine now sports headers. Otherwise, it appears to be as it left the factory. The seller includes a significant collection of original documentation and Dealer paperwork, and as this YouTube video demonstrates, this Pontiac is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives beautifully.

Apart from the headers, the only other visible modification performed by the owner was to swap this Trans Am’s original radio for an aftermarket stereo. Otherwise, it is unmolested. The Black vinyl trim complements the exterior paint shade, and the condition is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. There is a developing hole in the driver’s seat that might respond positively to a blind patch. The remaining trim is in good order, as are the dash, pad, and console. The owner confirms that the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold, which appears to be the only functional issue. Otherwise, the power windows and other features work as they should.

This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is a rock-solid survivor that might appeal to purists. I believe that the seller’s BIN is probably optimistic, as is their belief that this classic will one day be worth $90,000 in its current form. Values have dropped during the past year, although that trend has stabilized in the last few months. Buying a classic purely as an investment is always a calculated risk, and while some cars deliver, others don’t. I suspect that anyone considering this Trans Am in that light may need to bide their time to achieve a reasonable return. However, if the lure of owning a genuine survivor produced by a marque that is now a distant memory is appealing, is this one that you might consider?

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Comments

  1. MarkyMark

    This will not be a $90K car in our lifetime, yes it’s original but I see no mention of the mileage which is concerning and likely not low enough to be a selling point. The addition of hood pins is a disappointment. With that said, the inflated market for 70’s T/A’s may mean the seller gets close to his price. I recently saw a restored ‘73 with 455 (not a super duty) go through Mecum in the $50’s, which to me is a much more desirable and collectible car than this one.

    Like 9
    • rudy

      “The addition of hood pins is a disappointment”

      First thing I spotted.

      Like 0
  2. Stan 🏁Member

    Milder powertrain selection, still probably one of the quicker cars around in 76′

    Like 6
  3. AzzuraMember

    I bought a new 1976 Camaro, 350, auto in black. Had the front and rear spoilers, vinyl interior. Looked a lot like this TA but without the silly hood bird and wheel spoilers. A much cleaner design to me. Put 60 series tires and Cragar mags all around and added Monroe Load Leveler shocks on it. Tinted the windows black, the first car in my city with tinted windows. Got stopped several times and hassled by the cops over it, but there was no law in Texas yet concerning window tint. Blacked out the chrome trim also. Was a quick car in the day. And stylish. Rust finally started consuming the wheel arches so I sold it. Just add it to the list of cars I wish I still had.

    Like 4
  4. AzzuraMember

    BTW readers. If you are having problems with the thumbs up, log out then back in, that will fix it.

    Like 4
  5. Rob

    Too slow. A motor of disappointment.

    Like 0
  6. oldrodderMember

    Another mid-seventies Trans Am with an overly optimistic seller. Not only will this car never be worth 90K, but it is also not worth the current asking price. If it were a 455 4 speed, you would have some decent value here, but still not nearly 32K.

    Like 3
  7. JoeNYWF64

    That steering wheel is incorrect/aftermarket.

    Like 0

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