Automotively, there seemed to be little to get excited about in 1977. Manufacturers focused on safety regulation compliance and devising strategies to squeeze power from engines hampered by emission regulations. Pontiac, always a company viewing itself as the performance marque within the General Motors empire, launched the Can Am in 1977. Conceived as a limited-edition model, the production run fell far below expectations due to bizarre circumstances. This Can Am is a survivor that presents exceptionally well. The seller’s decision to treat its 400ci V8 to a rebuild means it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder JDC for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in North Ridgeville, Ohio. The seller set their price at $42,500 for this rare, stunning classic.
Collaborations are not a rare occurrence in the automotive world, and joint ventures often produce vehicles that become classics. Pontiac wished to inject excitement into its 1977 LeMans range, offering an alternative to buyers who required more interior space than the Trans Am provided. It devised the Can Am program, planning a production run of 2,500 vehicles. Complete examples of the LeMans Colonnade Coupe left the factory, all finished in Cameo White. Their destination was Jim Wangers’ Motorworld facility, where cars received the Trans Am hood scoop, a rear spoiler, and unique tri-tone stripes and graphics. Most Can Ams rolled on White Rally II wheels, although some buyers ordered theirs with the Trans Ams Snowflake alloys. This Can Am is an absolute gem, with no cosmetic issues or shortcomings. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and I can’t spot any evidence of rust. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history. Therefore, if this Pontiac is a survivor, it has led a very sheltered life.
Pontiac may have adopted a “one size fits all” policy for the Can Am’s exterior paint and stripes, but the interior was open slather. Basically, any trim color, combination, or factory option offered on other LeMans variants could be added to the Can Am. This car features Red vinyl trim with air conditioning, bucket seats, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio. Many buyers ticked the boxes for a center console and a floor shifter, although this car features neither. As with the exterior, the interior is spotless. There is no wear on the vinyl or carpet, the dash is excellent, and the only visible addition is the aftermarket console. The faux woodgrain isn’t faded or lifting, and the gauges sport clear lenses and crisp markings.
Most buyers ordering a 1977 Can Am received the W72 version of the company’s 400ci V8 under the hood, although those cars destined for California received the “Olds” 403ci powerplant. There was no manual transmission option, and the combination of a three-speed automatic, power steering, and power brakes offered a relaxed and effortless driving experience. The seller indicates they recently treated this car’s numbers-matching 400 to a rebuild, meaning it should go close to producing the 200hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque quoted by Pontiac. They added a Flowmaster exhaust, which should bless the V8 with a deep, purposeful note. Although it isn’t stated specifically, I would expect any Can Am within this price range to be a turnkey proposition with no mechanical issues.
The quote, “The best laid plans of mice and men,” could easily apply to the 1977 Pontiac Can Am. The plan was for 2,500 of these classics to hit the market, although Pontiac received 5,000 firm orders when it announced production. However, one of those bizarre situations occurred that forced production to end when only 1,377 Can Ams had left the factory. The mold Motortown used to produce the rear spoiler broke, and without a spare, the proceedings ground to a halt. Pontiac management raised concerns that the Can Am would siphon sales from the Grand Prix, and took the opportunity to cancel the program before production reached its goal. Therefore, the 1977 Can Am became far rarer than originally envisaged, and pristine examples now command impressive prices. The seller’s figure for this car is realistic, and although it has been on the market for over three weeks, I believe that it will find a new home. Do you agree?
I think this is the nicest Can Am I’ve seen in decades. Absolutely stunning!!! The first thing I looked at was that rear wing. By 1977 this was about as hot a Colonnade you could get with that Pontiac 400. I was a little surprised at the lack of a console and floor shifter myself, but quite frankly, if I had the money and was wanting one of these, it wouldn’t deter me one bit. They always say find the nicest one you can find this just may be it. Great write up Adam!!! I enjoyed it.
I agree with Driveinstile on the condition, and I agree it is rare to see these without the buckets & console but it doesn’t bother me, lets the honey get closer. The price however seems astronomical for a Colonnade GM from the malaise error. I think closer to $30k would be reasonable.
In 1973 Pontiac made their best colonnade; the grand am 400/4speed. A 455 automatic was available too. These can ams fall short but were done in Pontiac last gasp form-they gave it all they had.
Looks more like a Canned Ham to me. That spoiler detracts from the Colonnade’s normally good looks and the rest is mainly decal packaging. No way will this go for $42k, even with the hood scoop, it still has the malaise era’s version of a “performance” engine.
it’s a beauty for sure. like i always said it’s the family man’s Trans-Am
Only saw one of these that I can recall from way back then. Sat on a side street about a block or so from Thomas market on St. Joe Avenue. I really wanted one back then and still do, same problem today as it was then, don’t have the funding. Also have other things I need more than a car like this. But it would still be cool to have one. Didn’t seem like that long ago you could still get a nice one for under 20K