Vehicle Description
1976 Pontiac Safari Station Wagon
During its run, the Safari would be sold as its own station wagon
model as well as a designation applied to Pontiac's various other
station wagon vehicles. The name "safari" is derived from the
Swahili word safari, which means journey, originally from the
Arabic ??? (safar) meaning a journey; the verb for "to travel" in
Swahili is kusafiri.
Prior to downsizing the full size Safari the next year, the
original owner ordered this car with the works. It even has a 1 off
paint job from the factory with lower Buckskin Tan, and Bavarian
Creme on top, due to owner's wife not liking the order as it came
from the factory and wanted it reversed. Not aware that the factory
was shutting down the line very soon to retool for the smaller 1977
version, this car was one of the last large Safari's off the
line.
Exterior
Believed to be the original exterior paint, it is in very
well-preserved condition, with just a few chips and some dulled
areas. As noted, lower portion of the car is Buckskin Tan, and
upper is Bavarian Creme. The wood panels that were typical of this
car were deleted from the order, making it another rare feature.
The chrome all around including the roof rack are as nice as it
gets. A nifty clamshell rear window and door opening closing makes
loading a full sheet of 4x8 plywood a breeze with nothing to get
into your way on the threshold. The door goes down and window
disappears into the roof. Just the curved greenhouse style glass on
this car is worth the price of admission.
Interior
With the couple having no children and just using this car to tow a
classic car to shows, the interior remains like new. Seating for 9
passengers, can be folded flat to throw in whatever, and then some.
The faux leather seats, carpeting and floor mats are in perfect
condition throughout the interior. Door panels have original cranks
which all work perfectly. The original owner did not want power
windows for fear of them constantly breaking...he may have been
correct in this assumption. Note on the front seat is a custom
$400.00 wool fleece cover put on because the wife thought the seat
was cold. It has remained on since 2 week after the purchase, and
underneath the cover is as perfect as you can get for something
from 1976. The wood dash all original has no cracks or chips and
presents as very clean. The car has A/C but it has not been used
due to it being nonfunctioning. An AM/FM radio is in place but has
been rarely used. Noted the band selector on the radio is stuck in
the AM position. Lighting works perfectly, as well as all other
functions.
Drivetrain
Ordered with the 455ci V8 complete with heavy duty electrical
components, an oil cooler and heavy-duty radiator this engine is in
incredible condition for being original and never out of the car. A
single 4-barrel carburetor is atop the big 8, and a TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission is bolted on back of the mill. 10 bolts and
2.56 gears are on this rear configuration. All numbers matching,
well maintained, and looking fab.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust mostly from bottoming out and a little from age
is present but nothing remarkable. Heavy duty shock absorbers and a
tow package with internal brake controls, is seen with a detachable
ball mounting on the rear. Independent coil spring suspension up
front, and leaf springs on the rear, all in ship shape and working
beautifully. Power disc brakes upfront and power drums are saved
for the rear.
Drive-Ability
Talk about a smooth cruiser, this car can compete with the best of
the smooth riders. As with all the weight, and length, it turns
well, lumbers a bit, but it's a 9-passenger wagon with lots of HD
add ons. Nice acceleration, plenty of power to pull into moving
traffic, and brakes are very grabby (in a good way).
Big big Detroit iron, possibly at its largest as the gas crisis was
on its way out like a jailhouse on wheels, and this size was going
to go by the wayside the very next year. Lovingly cared for, rarely
driven a 2-owner car, the second owner familiar with this car when
the first parted with it. Always garaged, original paint (amazing)
and room for 9. Suburbia never looked so good.
VIN Decode
2P35W6X137080
2-Pontiac
P35-Grand Safari Station Wagon
W-455 ci 4 bbl V8
6-1976
X-Kansas City, KS Assy Plant
137080-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 76 2BP45-1976 Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon
BDY X200072-Kansas City Body #
TR 64V A52-Saddle Vinyl Bench Seat
PNT 65U, 50L-Buckskin Tan, Bavarian Cream
04B-2nd Week April Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
