The Pontiac Trans Am faced possible extinction in the 1970s, but the company’s decision to persist with production as part of the brand’s performance image was rewarded with excellent sales as the decade progressed. Subsequent generations offered significant performance improvements, but many enthusiasts crave a car from an era when the Bee Gees dominated the charts, and Rocky dominated the silver screen. This 1976 Trans Am is an original survivor, and while it isn’t perfect, its solid condition makes it ideal for a light restoration or preservation. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Middletown, Ohio. Moderate buyer interest has pushed the price to $13,162, which is below the reserve.
The Second Generation Trans Am remains a firm favorite among enthusiasts seeking a classic from the 1970s. Pontiac came close to discontinuing the badge in the face of tightening emission regulations, but it received a second wind courtesy of star turns in shows like The Rockford Files and the Smokey and The Bandit movie franchise. The original owner ordered this car in Sterling Silver, and it remains presentable for those preferring a survivor-grade car. It would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but deciding whether or not to pursue that goal is something the new owner can consider carefully due to the lack of pressing issues. The panels are straight, but this classic’s rust-free status could be its strongest attribute. The seller confirms there are no existing or prior rust issues, and the included images support this. The decals, including the iconic Screaming Chicken, show their age. However, with replacement kits easy to locate, addressing the shortcoming won’t be expensive. The trim and glass are in good order, while the Trans Am rolls on a sparkling set of Snowflake wheels.
The Trans Am’s interior is pretty tidy, with no immediate needs or severe shortcomings. Most readers will note the tape on the driver’s seat, consolidating a couple of vinyl splits. Whether the issue is repairable is unclear, but alternatives are worth considering. A new owner on a tight budget could fit aftermarket slipcovers to hide the problem, and there’s no shame in that approach. A set of new front seatcovers in the correct material retails for $430, but throwing caution to the wind by replacing all covers to guarantee color consistency will lighten their wallet by $630. The carpet might be slightly faded, but the lack of wear makes justifying replacement almost impossible. The factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette that appears to be the only aftermarket addition.
It is easy to understand why Pontiac considered axing the Trans Am in the mid-1970s. It was once a potent pony car, but the 400ci V8 under the hood of this gem delivers 185hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque. The original owner teamed that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The result is a car that covers the ¼-mile in 17.7 seconds. However, it isn’t all gloom and doom because this Trans Am has surprisingly long legs. Keeping the pedal to the metal results in a top speed of 127mph, which is better than many people might expect. The seller indicates the Pontiac is more than a pretty face. It is in sound mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. It has a claimed 94,000 original miles on the clock, although there is no mention of verifying evidence.
Pontiac’s decision to retain the Trans Am as part of its model line-up for 1976 was rewarded on the sales sheets. The company sold 27,274 cars in 1975, but the figure ballooned to a record 46,704 the following year. However, that wasn’t the end of the story because the total continued climbing for the rest of the 1970s. This 1976 Trans Am is a gem and could be ideal for a first restoration project. Its needs are minor and non-urgent, meaning the new owner can perform work as time, circumstances, and the available budget allows. That must make it worth a closer look.
Thankfully someone at GM recognized the Trans Am’s potential. Quickly becoming the only game in town was a boon for Pontiac. Imagine being a Pontiac dealer in the mid-seventies and suddenly having the star power of Burt Reynolds attached to your performance car. Tide water lifts all boats and must have had a positive effect on all models. Repair the seat cushion or sit on it so you don’t have to look at it and enjoy the drive.
This 76′ Trans Am was just like mine,silver with black interior and a 400 auto.But there was one problem mine had just like this one(at least i saw it this way)was the fact that it had 2.41 highway gears.That is how the 127mph top speed is acheivable on an anemic 185hp.But i did a 3.23 gear swap and some other upgrades.A lower top speed but at least it no longer took a mile to get to it and was better suited for stoplight to stoplight action not highway cruisin’.This 76′ is in great shape and is rust free as it looks,should go north of $30k,especially if it is a “Z” code 400 versus a “S” code.
what is the difference between z and s code 400 engines in 76 ? There was only one 400 offered in 76
I’m not a fan of that single round headlight design I prefer the dual square of the 77 and 78 but a nice tidy survivor,o had a 81 in 1989 at 18 years old with T-Tops and the boat anchor 301,not a speedy car but definitely a chic magnet.
Our favorite year of the malaise era Trans Am. If were in Canada, and not on E Bay, we’d probably take a look. As long as bids don’t overheat, it looks like a great buy for someone.
I attempted to read this rambling ad twice on Ebay without success.
Considering the ad is lengthy, with only 2 commas total and no other punctuation marks, I chose to give it no more attention.
If someone doesn’t have the ability to write a simple ad to sell a vehicle, then ask for help.
Just my oponion!
Did you misspell opinion on purpose?
Potential is definitely present as long as the rear under is as clean as the rest of the car appears, power upgrades, heads compression would make it really enjoyable. Round headlight versions look the best especially the flat front ones.
I do like this year’s style, but for me to write the check I’d need 3 pedals…too bad.
A friend of mine had a ’76 silver formula with blue accents/lettering. I’ve always liked the look of the Formula’s much better.
In 1976 the Trans Am was HOT. My brother had a blue one and my sister’s was orange both new. What l liked most was the low end torque they had and that cool aluminum dashboard they had. The 76 is my favorite year Trans Am and they were some of the faster malaise era GM cars. I think the 76 was a hit with my generation from good looks and the coolest shaker hood in the business.
It’s a nice car but I’m not buying it as totally a survivor category car. It appears to have had re-paint at some time before it was parked, likely inside because the paint is decent. I base this on the bumpers and wheel spats as they are a literal match to the car with no discoloration at all which all of them did particularly with 90,000+ miles of driving which is somewhat verified by the condition of the pedals and the seam split in the driver’s seat. Blue valve cover indicates a base 400 but at least they haven’t tried to fake a T/A 6.6. I’d be interested if it wasn’t so far away but you’d obviously need to look it over.
w72 TA/6.6 wasn’t available in 76 ,all had blue valve covers . 1977 was the first year for tge TA/6.6 with 200hp , 1978 bumped that up to 220hp
SOLD for $15,962.
Not bad at all, for what T/A’s are going for now.