Golden Rod Yellow: 1976 Pontiac Formula Project
Someone has used up much of the life out of this 1976 Pontiac Formula and it is ready for restoration. The Formula can be seen here on eBay and based on the pictures, it looks like it is in an impound lot. Maybe it is the lot for unloved cars because I see a Jaguar XJS behind it! Located in Valley Village, California, buyers have bid up the price to $3,800 with 3 days remaining.
The heart of this Formula is the L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine backed by floor shifted automatic transmission. While it has some aftermarket radiator hoses on it, the car still retains its air pump and seems unmolested. The L78 400 engine delivered 180 horsepower and 325 ft lbs of torque in 1976. This was the base engine in the Pontiac Trans Am in 1976.
The deluxe interior is dusty and crusty with tears in the seats and cracks in the dash. It is interesting that the Formula came with the standard Pontiac steering wheel and the three spoke “Formula” wheel had to be added as optional. It was standard on the Trans Am. 1976 marked the 50th anniversary of Pontiac Motor Division’s existence. Too bad they only had about 33 years left before GM killed this great brand.
There were 20,613 Formulas built in the 1976 and this one left the factory in golden rod yellow. With color keyed Rally II wheels, this Formula could be returned to original or modified to make it a respectable performer. I think it is getting close to its market value. What do you think?
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Comments
Hey! This Pontiac has the L78 400 engine. I wonder if that build sheet from the Chevelle last week was for this car. Hmmmm.
Good thought! I sent the seller of the Chevelle a note about it, but got no reply, no surprise….
I’m more interested in the car next to it with the NHRA permanent number and Stock Eliminator class designation on the passenger side window.
Steve R
That 400 will wake up quite a bit of the ignition advance and carburetor and exhaust are backdated to pre smog spec. If the cam is changed to, say, the 400/350hp grind used pre-71, it’ll wake up even more. This could be a really nice and rare car if restored tastefully.
I’m likely in the minority here, but I liked these Firebirds with the round headlights ; the square lights in the 1977 models looked too “Batmobile” to me.
You’re in the minority!
Signed,
1977 Bandit Trans Am owner
Well, as of this writing, bone’s comment has 10 likes and yours has none, so I’d say you’re in the minority here. My brother bought a new Formula in 1977, and the headlights were the one thing I didn’t like about it.
I like both headlight styles, as long as it isn’t the split headlight style of 1979-1981.
I believe this car was well bought, as long as it is solid. Nothing appears damaged beyond reasonable repair costs. Good luck to the new owner!
Step into my GOLDENROD Trans Am, LOL!!!
SOLD for $7,433.