This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am recently awoke from a twenty-five-year slumber and has been returned to a roadworthy state. It has a known history and is an almost totally original survivor. The one apparent change made during its life is easily reversed for those who want to slip behind the wheel of a classic in its factory form. The seller has listed the Trans Am here on eBay in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They set their BIN at $38,500 with the option to make an offer.

The 1976 model year was one of evolution for Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird range. Cosmetically, the most obvious change was the company’s adoption of urethane bumpers to comply with crash test regulations. Otherwise, it was business as usual for the Trans Am. The seller indicates that they are this Pontiac’s third owner, becoming its custodian about two years ago. They purchased from the second owner, who bought it from the original owner in 1981. When the seller took delivery, the car had been in storage for twenty-five years. The environment must have been virtually ideal because this Trans Am hasn’t suffered unduly from the experience. Its Starlight Black paint shines richly, although it is hard to determine whether there are minor chips and marks, or if the car is perfectly reflecting its surroundings. The seller admits there is evidence of a few touch-ups, but states that most of the paint is original. The panels are straight, and the iconic Gold graphics look excellent. Rust is sometimes a problem with these classics, but not with this rock-solid example. The trim and glass are impressive, and it is fitting that this Trans Am sits on Honeycomb wheels since 1976 was the last year that Pontiac offered these before transitioning to the Snowflakes.

The 1976 model year wasn’t merely the last for the Honeycomb wheels, because it marked the swansong of the 455ci V8. However, this car’s first owner passed on that option, equipping this Pontiac with the L78 version of the 400ci powerplant. They teamed this with a three-speed automatic transmission, and with 33,752 buyers choosing that combination, it was the most popular found among the 46,704 Trans Ams to leave the line in that model year. The engine produced 185hp off the lot, according to the company’s Sales Brochure, offering competent, rather than startling performance. The seller has extensive experience with classic cars, performing one of the most meticulous revivals you would find to return the car to a roadworthy state following its hibernation. No aspect of the vehicle escaped their attention, with the fuel system, suspension, brakes, cooling system, and engine all receiving appropriate TLC. The results justified the effort because this Trans Am is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly. They claim that it has a genuine 64,000 miles on the clock, and the included collection of documentation may contain supporting evidence.

The “basic Black” theme continues inside this Pontiac, with the upholstered surfaces finished in vinyl that is in exceptional condition for an unrestored classic of this vintage. The matching carpet, headliner, and plastic are equally impressive, while the wheel and machine-turned gauge fascia are excellent. Someone installed a Kenwood radio/cassette player that functions perfectly. However, the seller includes the factory radio for those preferring a stock look. It isn’t fitted with options like power windows, but the air conditioning should make life bearable on hot days.

Will this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am find a new home at the seller’s BIN price? That’s a tough call to make, because its originality, known history, and the low odometer reading combine to provide a compelling argument that it will. However, those equipped with the 400ci V8 tend to command a lower price than cars featuring the range-topping 455ci powerplant. That means that it is swings-and-roundabouts in this case. I believe the seller may need to compromise, but with the healthy listing view and Watch List tallies, I may also be off the mark by miles. What do you feel would be a fair price for this Trans Am?