1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

The second-generation Firebird launched in 1970 with four models: Firebird, Esprit, Formula, and the halo Trans Am. Named for the popular racing series, the Trans Am had garnered a reputation for affordable speed and nimble handling since its 1969 debut. Seven years on, Trans Am continued to share the sporty long nose/short deck design of its Camaro corporate cousin. But as far as mid-’70s muscle car styling was concerned, Pontiac’s pumped-up Trans Am—with its bulging, air-extractor fenders, front air dam, Shaker hood, decklid spoiler, Rally II wheels, and decals including the optional screaming chicken on the hood—was king.

A heavy-duty Radial Tuned Suspension, power brakes, and 400 cu-in, four-barrel V8 backed the boisterous body, with a standard four-speed manual transmission and Safe-T-Track limited-slip rear end harnessing the V8 torque and easily thrusting Trans Am drivers past lane-clogging Beetles. A Car and Driver comparison test concluded, “This car is today’s best automotive bargain, packed with more hard-charging prowess per kilodollar than any machine on the market, imported or domestic.”

This eye-catching 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is presented in unrestored condition, and wears one-year-only Carousel Red paint.

Highlights 

• Uplevel Pontiac Trans Am in rare Carousel Red  

• 400 cu-in V8 rated at 185 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in Code 78 Carousel Red with Black interior 

• Radial Tuned Suspension and Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential 

• Engine turned dashboard with full instrumentation and factory-installed 8-track player and AM radio  

• The chassis number (2W87Z6N547725) decodes as: 

  • 2W – Trans Am 

  • 87 – Coupe  

  • Z – 400 V8 4 BBL dual exhaust 

  • 6 – 1976 

  • N – Norwood, OH assembly plant 

  • 547725 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• 54,217 miles shown are believed to be original 

• Recent maintenance includes: 

  • Heavy-duty clutch installed 4,000 miles ago 

  • Brake pads, calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses, E-brake, booster, and master cylinder 

  • Fuel pump and new rubber fuel lines from front to back 

  • Alternator, spark plugs, and plug wires 

  • Fan clutch, belts, filters, engine vacuum lines, and headlights 

  • Flowmaster exhaust  

Known Imperfections 

• Chips in original paint, with some touch-up paint used 

• Eagle decal shows some fading 

• A couple of rust bubbles around rear window from chipped paint 

Included 

• Keys 

• Original spare tire and jack 

Ownership History

The consignor states, “This 1976 Trans Am was owned by only two people until 2021. It features factory Carousel Red paint, a one-year-only color that’s in good condition. Both bumpers are in good shape, there is no visible rust, and the body is very solid with great lines and gaps. The Black vinyl interior is in wonderful original condition, with the original dash and bezel in excellent condition with no fading or warping and no cracks. The 400 engine and four-speed manual are original numbers-matching, the trunk is solid and clean with the original mat, and the underside shows incredibly well with lots of original red oxide primer still in place.”

“It handles and performs well, rides tight, and is an exceptional driver that feels great on the road and at highway speeds. It doesn’t run hot and there aren’t excessive rattles or noises. There is no smoke when starting or driving the car. It starts right away every time, idles well, and runs excellent. The car is resting at friend’s house in Florida but titled and registered in Massachusetts.” 

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida.  Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida.  For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.