Considering what a mundane period the mid-seventies was in the domestic auto industry, it’s almost hard to believe a car like the Pontiac Can Am even existed, and it just barely did. Introduced midway through the 1977 cycle, the Pontiac had originally been intended to produce 5,000 units, but that number was cut way short when a mold for the rear spoiler broke. While the exact number made remains a mystery, estimates suggest that between 1,133 and 1,377 of these cars were manufactured, making it an exciting rarity among Poncho enthusiasts. This 1977 Can-Am here on Craigslist needs a complete restoration, so if you’ve got the skills and funds, it’s in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and priced at $7,500. Jack M., thanks for finding this rarity and sending us the tip here!
This car was based on the Pontiac LeMans, and selecting code WW3 on the options list got you the Can-Am package, which exponentially improved the exterior appearance. The bodies were painted Cameo White and originally featured yellow, red, and orange decals, along with side window louvers and a rear deck spoiler. The seller is quick to point out that he realizes this one is ugly in its present state, but he also assures potential buyers that the metal remains solid throughout. Hopefully, the panels will all be salvageable and smooth out without too much effort, and then receive some fresh paint.
California buyers got the Oldsmobile-sourced 403 V8, but most of these came with Pontiac’s 400 powerplant, corporately known as the W72. It was borrowed from the Trans Am and produced 200 horsepower, 20 more than the standard 400 found in the base LeMans. The Can-Am also featured a hole in its hood for the shaker to protrude through, but that component is missing here, and the seller also indicates that the engine is locked up. In addition, he reveals that this car has been sitting for the past 32 years, so it’s been a very long time since this Pontiac was last on the road.
Although the interior will need attention, most of it still appears to be there, and a photograph shows a replacement dashboard that has yet to be installed. This one also includes power windows, door locks, cruise control, and a tilt steering column, so there are some desirable accessories that weren’t found on nearly all vehicles back then. Plenty of work awaits the buyer here, but this one deserves to be saved, and I hope this car ends up in the hands of someone who will make it like new again. Is this 1977 Pontiac Can-Am one you’d consider taking on as a project?
I’ve always been a closeted fan of this particular colonnade. I hope someone steps up to give it a fresh start.
looks like its missing the inner fender on dr side ?
When you’re done touching ever inch of this car? You’ll have a beautiful $25,000 Pontiac Can-Am.
You are an optimist! I’d triple that when you include the price of the car.
That all you’d get for it. After you put way more into it.
Ahhh, ok. You’d have a beautiful $25,000 Pontiac Can-Am for $75,000. Sounds like 2026 investment math to me, LOL!!
I’d say add $10,000
As interesting as these were, I wouldnt pay more than 10k.
Good price for this one. Mecum had one go for over 40k which is not there typical price. Bet it’s the only one at the car show. Love them so much i have two.
The 70’s were a mundane time in auto industry, no doubt. Cars like this, however, were little bones car makers threw out to enthusiasts, keeping the spark of performance alive.
A neighbor friend next door to my home wanted to give me one of these and it was running / driving, this was in 1984. I did a hard pass then and this POS is a joke.
Why do you say POS? Is that because of the needed work on this one or the car in general…………because the 400 Pontiac & 400 trans is a great combination.
Eek
I spent $7,500 for mine and it was a running, steering and stopping car that is registered and driven every few weeks. THIS CAR is NONE of those things AND it needs a motor! . . . . . This is a $500 dollar parts car. . . . .
As the owner of one, I would think you should have some idea of the value of the parts as well as the rust free body. $500 isn’t even close.
“As the owner of one”, I know all of the places to look for “the rust” and this car has it in all of those places. I even know where the rust is that you can’t see. That . . . and all of those (unavailable) interior parts. $500 is a gift. . . . . This car needs $50,000 dollars of body work before it even gets primed. And then, there’s that locked up turd of a 400 and all of that steering, brakes and suspension issues. And then, there’s all of those seized body mount bolts and rock hard body mounts.
I also own one. You should have mentioned that you had personally inspected this car. Questions – What’s the replacement dash pad worth if not cracked? I know what Just Dashes charges to redo them. How about a complete rear spoiler? All the other misc. parts? Value far exceeds $500!!
I remember these from high school and I always thought the looked like a dressed up dog!
trying to get sticker price for it. pretty beat down. if i really had to have i might give 2k but no more. easier to find 1 better or done and pay the 20- 40k and be done with it. all this is, is agony on wheels for decides to buy it.
Respectfully, seller said it sells $45 – $50K all day after restoration. probably would cost that much or more to get everything correct. if money is no object, then is find. but for an average joe better off buying one in unrestored in #3 condition or restored in # 3 or better. is find if seller lower to let say $ < 1000 & new owner restores it himself if his cup of tea. either way shame to let go on this rare one. I have seen them in 1/2 dozen times in car shows within last 30 years.
This is a mistake, right? An extra zero in the price??
It’s a mess, but it’s a desirable mess! Some elbow grease, a good engine guy (if it can be saved) and some cash will get this back to condition to drive around and get oohs and ahhs!
There is a fella here in town that has one of these. He moved in over 20 years ago and for exactly 2 days he had his ’68 GTO and his CanAm uncovered in his carport and both looked very nice and tidy from the street.
He covered them up and I, nor anybody else has have never, ever seen them again. I drive by his house every day and they have not moved.
I tried to strike up a conversation with him one time and he waved me off without a word.
Do you have to be a member to get the little thumbs up icons to work now? I used to like to click on the comments that I agree with, but last week or so they don’t do anything. I’ve tried with my PC and phone.