The 1976 full-size Pontiacs were the largest ever built by the GM division. Given the energy crisis of the decade and consumer interest in more fuel-efficient vehicles, the cars were downsized in 1977. This included station wagons, including the Grand Safari (Bonneville trim) and Catalina Safari. These employed a ‘clamshell’ design where the tailgate receded into the body. We assume the seller’s ’76 is a Catalina Safari, as only the Safari moniker is mentioned. Located in Boring, Oregon, this giant-sized people mover is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Thumbs up to Tony Primo for the tip!
A redesign of GM’s full-size automobiles (B and C bodies) came in 1971. For station wagons, the swing-out tailgates were gone, replaced by a power-operated rear window that slipped up into the roof, and the lower door disappeared below the floor. A 127-inch wheelbase gave passengers a lot of room to roam around in, whether the Grand Safari or Catalina Safari. These were gainly machines coming in at 5,000 lbs., which means either a 400 or 455 cubic inch V8 was needed to push them around.
The seller’s wagon has a 455 engine, and it runs great, though the carburetor may need to be replaced at 105,000 miles, and a TH-400 automatic transmission is along for the ride. He/she has owned it for a dozen years and has found it great for runs to Home Depot and the like. An exhaust leak had to be repaired, and not much else seems to have been needed mechanically as the vehicle is only used occasionally.
Rust is not much of a problem, but there is some on the front bumper. The dashboard has a small crack, and there’s a small tear in the driver’s side of the front bench seat. The rest of the interior looks pretty good. While you’d want to have it inspected before making a cross-country trip to Florida, the seller believes this is a reliable ride. If you’d prefer a big wagon over an SUV, how does a vintage Poncho sound?
I wonder if a four by eight sheet of drywall would fit in the back? I drove my wife’s Murano SUV the other day and I don’t know why you would want one the way they’re top heavy and constantly bobbing and weaving. I felt like I was getting car sick.
We went from these giant wagons of the 70s to the shrunken cars of the 80s. Now this wagon would actually look smallish next to a lot of today’s SUVs and trucks.
Nice clean Pontiac wagon survivor here with the last of the 455/400!!