Vehicle Description
1976 Pontiac Firebird Esprit - Top Class Restoration - Partial
Build Sheet - 350ci V8 w/Automatic Transmission - Factory Air
Conditioning - (Please note: If you happen to be viewing this
vehicle on a website other than our main website, it's possible
that only some of our many photographs of this car are not
presented due to website limitations. To be sure you access all the
photographs, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)
While considered a lesser model than a TransAm there were less of
the Esprits produced, therefore they are more rare.� This
particular Esprit was restored with no expense spared and looks
like a brand new car. It rolled off the Norwood Ohio assembly plant
as an Esprit with deluxe package, rear spoiler (Code D80), and air
conditioning (Code C60). This was a solid western car that needed
very little in the way of rust repair.� Once the body was ready for
paint, a final coat of urethane single stage paint was applied in
Orange.� The owner asked that the color match an orange Crush soda
can. The bodyshop got the orange color right on the money - without
any orange peel.� The car was originally painted Carousel Red (Code
78) which Chevrolet called Hugger Orange. Any stainless trim pieces
were repolished, and chrome trim pieces were re-chromed to a
factory finish.� Weatherstrips and seals were all replaced with new
rubber. The frame and engine compartment were painted to a very
nice finish. In addition to the highly detailed finish of the
exterior of the car, a number of custom features were added.� A
functional early-style (1974) GM Formula snorkel hood with a Ram
Air upgrade has been added as well as a functional hood tachometer.
A custom fiberglass front bumper was installed to save weight on
the front end of the car. The fiberglass bumper saves approximately
75 pounds compared to the original bumper. Cragar chrome wheels
complete the look and really pop with the orange color of the
body.�� This car left the factory with the interior finished in
white upholstery (Code 11N) and black trim (Code 19X).� During the
restoration, the interior was gone through with new upholstery
added throughout, as well as new carpeting and a new headliner.� Of
note is that the rear seat was near mint and reconditioned, and the
rear door panels were also reconditioned to mint condition.
Original parts were used and reconditioned to factory specs when
possible.� From top to bottom the interior looks new, and also
includes an AM/FM Radio with 8 Track.�� Under the custom hood is a
period correct 350ci V8 mated to a TH350 3 speed automatic
transmission.� The engine and transmission were gone through and
meticulously rebuilt. Our client asked that the car have some more
power than the stock engine but still be nice to drive on the
street.� The engine currently has a 9.2:1 compression ratio thanks
to a nice list of parts. Keith Black flat top pistons, CompCams
performance cam and lifter set, Pertronics billet distributor, and
the heads were milled. Sitting atop the engine are an Edelbrock
aluminum intake manifold, and Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor. Power
steering, power disc brakes, and rear sway bar were options from
the factory, and are still on the car today.� The rear shocks were
upgraded with custom rate springs, and adjustable coil over
suspension was installed in front.��Energy Suspension graphite type
bushings were installed in the control arms, sway bar, and spring
eyes. � This is a beautifully restored classic Pontiac with some
subtle and tasteful upgrades from the original specs.� The car is
hard to miss and its pristine condition is impressive. Despite the
fact that it is not a TransAm we're excited about his car, and we
are confident that it will really 'a-peel' to many car collectors.�
Orange you glad it's been fully restored?�� Be sure to check out
all the photos and video on our main website: Garage Kept Motors.
Call if interested or e-mail with any