1976 Pontiac Trans Am – 1972/73 Front Clip – A Very Special Car with an Incredible History
This is without question my favorite Trans Am, and the only reason it's for sale is because I'm narrowing my collection from three Trans Ams down to one in order to purchase an SD Trans Am.
If it doesn't sell, that's perfectly fine with me. I don't need to sell it—I simply have my eye on another car.
This is a 1976 Trans Am with a professionally installed 1972-73 front clip, giving it what many enthusiasts consider the best-looking front end Pontiac ever produced. The front clip conversion alone cost me approximately $9,000, and the hood was repainted during the installation. Aside from that, this is only the car's second paint job.
Under the hood is a strong-running 400 engine that has been professionally freshened and upgraded by my longtime mechanic. It starts instantly, idles beautifully, runs cool, and has never left me stranded. In the seven years I've owned it, this car has given me zero problems. It truly starts on a dime every single time.
Mechanically, I've kept it maintained rather than neglected. It has received:
It is an absolute pleasure to drive. Whoever owned it before me actually drove it regularly, and I believe that's one of the reasons it drives so incredibly well today. It cruises effortlessly and feels tight and dependable. The rear gearing feels relatively low, making it a great highway cruiser, although I've never taken the time to verify the exact ratio. I'm more interested in enjoying my cars than crawling underneath them.
The interior is one of the nicest I've ever seen in any second-generation Trans Am. The dash is virtually flawless, and the entire interior presents beautifully. I upgraded the seats to deluxe 1973-style seats with custom yellow Firebird embroidery, giving the cabin an appearance that perfectly complements the exterior.
One of my favorite parts of this car is its history.
I'm from San Antonio, Texas. Back in 1980, while attending San Antonio College, one of my professors owned a yellow Trans Am that he always parked near my black Trans Am. I admired that car for years.
Fast forward decades later...
Late one night I was browsing eBay when I saw this very car for sale. I immediately recognized it as my professor's old Trans Am. I bought it on the spot.
In the years between, the car had made its way to New York, where it continued to be driven regularly instead of sitting in storage. I honestly believe that's why it drives so exceptionally well today.
I've invested a tremendous amount of money into this car—not because I intended to sell it, but because I planned on keeping it forever.
My original plan was to have James Wilkerson, who built my red Trans Am, either build this 400 into a serious performer or install a 455. We discussed building an engine capable of matching 455 performance for around $6,000, and I even considered installing a crate 455 or possibly an LS engine. Those plans simply changed when I decided to pursue an SD Trans Am instead.
I'm asking that serious buyers only contact me. I'm not interested in endless messages or answering the same questions repeatedly. To help prospective buyers, I'll be posting detailed walk-around videos, driving videos, cold starts, and additional information on YouTube so you can see exactly what you're getting.
Everyone says, "I don't have to sell it," but in my case it's true. I own three Trans Ams, and they cost me nothing sitting in my collection. If this one finds the right home, great. If not, I'll continue enjoying one of my favorite cars.
Thank you for taking the time to look.
