Customized In ’78: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 4-Speed
The mid 1970’s saw car after car get ravaged by emissions and gas mileage considerations. The victim was power. However, Pontiac was still building excitement and doing their best, even with both hands tied behind their back. The base engine in the Trans Am was still the 400 cubic inch V8 and buyers could opt for a 455 cubic inch V8 engine but 1976 would be the last year. This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is for sale here on eBay and the car is located near Houston, Texas. With 2 days remaining in the auction, the car is bid to $4,250.
This Trans Am is one of 7,528 Trans Ams built in 1976 that was equipped with the L75 455 cubic inch V8. There were a total of 46,704 Trans Ams built in 1976. The L75 455 cubic inch V8 was only rated at 200 horsepower but it was more powerful than the base L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 180 horsepower. All L75 equipped cars were equipped with a 4 speed manual transmission and a 3.23:1 ratio rear end. This one looks like it has sat a long time. The odometer reads 54k miles.
The firethorn red interior is in good condition. The car has an aftermarket radio and an old school equalizer in the console. This Trans Am is well optioned with power windows, tilt steering and air conditioning. There are some problems which may be keeping the bids low on this one. The car is said to run but misfires and back fires. There is also oil in the radiator fluid which could indicated anything from needing new head gaskets to cracked heads.
The seller states that the car was modified in 1978 with custom molded bumpers, wheel flares and paint. Aftermarket C&C T-Tops were added at some point. The prior owner experienced electrical problems that cased the dome light mounted to the inside ceiling of the car to catch fire. This has damaged the seat belts, headliner and rear seat. There are also a couple of minor rust spots on the body panels. This would be a cool car to restore and put back on the road, if the paint could be saved.
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Comments
This one gives new meaning to Fire Bird
I hired into GM Van Nuys in April of 76. These cars hold a special place in my heart and memories.
Were you able to make a career out of it, Chuck?
Even with the ugly square headlamp treatment and the head gasket issue, this 455 manual T/A will probably sell for at least double the current bid of $4,400.
There is a reverence given to the Pontiac 455 & plenty of speed parts like cylinder heads to get the hp up where it belongs of course camshaft & long tube headers.
It’s a cool looking, late 70s custom. Here’s hoping it can be saved and put back on the road.
This is way you want a 76′ Trans Am,with the 455 and a 4spd with 3.23 gears.Because on the flipside it’s better than a 400 with an automatic,you got 2.41 gears with that setup….And the last year of the 455 of course.
Reminds me of the silver 76 ta in the movie The Driver with Ryan O’neal
I couldn’t understand the look whoever customized it was going for …then I saw the flaming floor mats.
Sold for so little?!
IMO, this front end looks a lot better than the one put on ’79-’81s – & this should have been the ’79-’81s look instead – lot better for engine cooling too.
** Who makes or made that fiberglass front end?! **
There is a pic of a 2nd gen Camaro with 2 total rectangular headlights too if you google –> The Four-Rotor Corvette Prototype Was the ‘Almost’ Mid-Engine Production Corvette
Does that Camaro still exist? Surprised its front end was not later used for the ’78-’81 Camaro’s front end.
SOLD for $5,700.