Vehicle Description
Let's answer your first question: this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am 50th
anniversary model is celebrating 50 years of Pontiacs, not 50 years
of Trans Ams or Firebirds. Secondly, this is the car that started
the iconic black and gold paint scheme. Only 1628 were built in
1976 with 400 V8s and slick-top roofs (the Hurst Hatches tended to
leak), making it a rather rare bird to see today, and with matching
numbers and correct colors, this is the one to get.
Featuring what is either this car's original paint or an older
respray, this Trans Am has obviously been treated like an object of
value its entire life. The look is instantly identifiable as a
Pontiac Trans Am, but compared to some of the later version, this
one seems rather tame. The Starlight Black paint shows a few signs
of use, but really presents well overall, with a good shine and
plenty of curb appeal. Never wrecked or patched back together, the
doors fit quite well, and while some of the early cars had Hurst
Hatch T-tops, you're really better off without them since they were
prone to leaking (hence the reason they were discontinued
abruptly). All the gold stripes and decals are right where they're
supposed to be, including those that were originally designed to
frame the Hurst Hatch panels, and I particularly dig the
gothic-looking 'TRANS AM' decal on the rear spoiler, and of course,
the kickin' fire chicken on the hood. All the urethane body parts
are in nice shape, too, further proof of a life lived easy.
Inside, the gold and black theme continues, with the most dramatic
element being the gold anodized dashboard. Still engine-turned like
many of the other famous models, it definitely makes a statement,
especially with the matching gold anodized steering wheel spokes.
Black bucket seats are standard Trans Am fare, and for what are
likely originals, these are in simply spectacular condition. The
same goes for the carpets, which have been protected by matching
carpeted mats, and the door panels that show only modest signs of
age. All the instruments are crisply marked without any of the
usual age-related fading and cloudy lenses, and as an anniversary
model, this T/A came loaded with factory A/C and an 8-track. The
only noteworthy upgrade is an Alpine AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo in the
original slot, and it fits so neatly that it almost looks like it
was born there. The trunk is true survivor-grade, with the original
carpeted mat and inflatable space-saver spare that has survived the
decades intact.
The base engine in 1976 was still Pontiac's mighty 400 cubic inch
V8, which was still putting out the kind of horsepower and torque
that made the Trans Am a legend in its own time. That big hood
scoop is functional and was probably intimidating as hell in 1976,
and the big V8 rumbles with an authoritative bark that acts as an
additional warning. The numbers matching engine still wears its
original Pontiac Turquoise paint and all the details are pretty
much untouched, although it has received proper maintenance over
the years to keep it in top running condition. It starts easily and
runs superbly, the way only truly original cars can. It's backed by
a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and the stock 10-bolt rear
end, which is full of towering gears, so it just loafs along on the
highway. And it sounds fantastic too, thanks to a full Pypes X-pipe
dual exhaust. It's pretty tidy underneath for being nearly 40 years
old and nothing says Pontiac louder than those beautifully
preserved honeycomb wheels, which now wear white-letter 235/60/15
Cooper Cobra radials.
Well-cared for with maintenance records to prove it, this is an
unusual collector's item that still stands out as an icon. Call
today!