Random Car Picture Thread

[skates15]

455/4-Speed: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am

The 1976 model year was the end of an era for the Pontiac Trans Am. Few realized at the time, but it would be the last where buyers could order these classics with a legendary 455ci V8 under the hood. This is one of those cars, and faulting its presentation is pretty hard. The only...

barnfinds.com

7 hours ago • For Sale • 14 Comments

455/4-Speed: 1976 Pontiac Trans Am​

View attachment 551182Adam Clarke



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The 1976 model year was the end of an era for the Pontiac Trans Am. Few realized at the time, but it would be the last where buyers could order these classics with a legendary 455ci V8 under the hood. This is one of those cars, and faulting its presentation is pretty hard. The only thing it appears to need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this beauty.



Pontiac’s Second Generation Firebird remains among my personal favorites, but nailing down which I would park in my garage is challenging. I have always been drawn to the styling of the ’76 Trans Am, but my preferred paint shade would be the Martinique Blue that the company offered in 1978. The seller confirms that while this car wears its correct shade of Starlight Black, it underwent a repaint approximately fifteen years ago. The only imperfections are minor chips on the bumper, suggesting nobody has gone out of their way to wear out this classic since the repaint. The panels are laser-straight, with the underside shots confirming that this Pontiac is rust-free. The graphics, including the iconic Screaming Chicken, are crisp and clean, and the Snowflake wheels are spotless. The Snowflakes rate a special mention because this car rolled off the line fitted with a set of Rally II wheels. However, the first owner soon discovered they preferred the alloys, swapping to this set as soon as they had the chance.

If anything surprises me about this Trans Am, it is the original owner’s decision to combine Starlight Black paint with Buckskin vinyl interior trim. Black and Red were more popular choices according to several resources that I have, but that point of difference helps this car to stand out. The presentation isn’t up to the same standard as the exterior, with the driver’s seat showing some wear and deterioration. However, with the remaining upholstered surfaces in good order and no evidence of abuse, it is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It seems apparent that the first owner focused on performance because the only factory options specified on the Window Sticker are the air conditioning, console, and rear defogger. They also specified an AM/FM radio, which has made way for a modern CD player.



Everything to this point has been the entree, meaning it is time to move on to the main course. The 1976 model year was significant because it was the last where buyers could order a Trans Am with a 455ci V8 under the hood. The first owner chose that path, adding the four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a 3.23 rear-end, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. It is fair to say that this engine was a shadow of its former self, delivering 200hp and 330 ft/lbs of torque. Rewind the clock to 1971 and the driver would have had at least 335hp and 480 ft/lbs at their disposal. There is a vast chasm between those figures, just as there is when the subject turns to the ¼-mile ETs. A 1971 Trans Am took 14.3 seconds to complete the journey, with the time ballooning to 16.4 seconds when this car rolled off the line. That demonstrates quite graphically how things changed during The Malaise Era. The seller claims that this Pontiac has a genuine 23,000 miles on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. They state that it drives better than it looks, opening the door for a pretty enjoyable motoring experience.

The seller listed this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am here on Craigslist in Farmingdale, New York. They set their price at $54,500, which is well above the market average. However, it isn’t unprecedented for a car in this condition and with a 455 under the hood. It isn’t perfect, although its presentation makes it ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver. Its most significant attribute is undoubtedly its engine because that 455ci V8 marked the end of an era. There has often been debate about which would be the best cars to preserve that will allow future generations to appreciate what was lost with Pontiac’s demise. This Trans Am must be a strong contender. Do you agree?

High school parking lot 78-80 and house parties. I'm not big on black, but the black on these cars is special, like the car was designed around that color. Comforting to see it.

 

[Wild one]

The Buick for a daily driver,tough to beat it's 510 lb-ft at 2800,and odds are it's the only one with A/C,lol

 

[Fatbob Frank]

Gotta love facebook, never know what you'll come across, you can own this 2009 two-wheel drive beast for the low, low price of $7,500, reduced from $8,000 for a quick sale. No low-ball offers, he knows what he has - LOL

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Somehow I dig it...

 

[Treburkulosis]

View attachment 551198

The Buick for a daily driver,tough to beat it's 510 lb-ft at 2800,and odds are it's the only one with A/C,lol

Either of the bottom two for me. CJ motors are some damn under estimated power makers.

 

[Treburkulosis]

 

[Treburkulosis]

I told the 10 year old since mom is saying no to a sports car we would just buy him a festiva...

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

View attachment 551198

The Buick for a daily driver,tough to beat it's 510 lb-ft at 2800,and odds are it's the only one with A/C,lol

The top one for me. Who needs or cares about A/C at 200 MPH! LOL

 

[Treburkulosis]

The top one for me. Who needs or cares about A/C at 200 MPH! LOL

I have ac in the Camaro but we never run it. If you are moving you barely notice you don't have it. I had forgotten that because its been a minute since I was a teenager lol. Just don't stop for an extended period of time...

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

I have ac in the Camaro but we never run it. If you are moving you barely notice you don't have it. I had forgotten that because its been a minute since I was a teenager lol. Just don't stop for an extended period of time...View attachment 551207

Can't tell you the number of cars I took the A/C off of when I was younger. I didn't want that ugly thing on my engine and back then they pulled around 15 HP. Now if I have it I'm going to use it plus I think they they only pull like 3 HP now.

 

[jawzs2]

Chop the top, put in a roll cage and some go fast bits and hit the ATV trails.

LOL - not sure I'd use go-fast and Smart Car in the same train of thought though...

 

[Treburkulosis]

Can't tell you the number of cars I took the A/C off of when I was younger. I didn't want that ugly thing on my engine and back then they pulled around 15 HP. Now if I have it I'm going to use it plus I think they they only pull like 3 HP now.

They use to rob HP. I use to run a short belt and do away with that and PS when I would drag race or venture into Mexico. You could easily get .2-.3 tenths if you were a good driver with that one quick change. God I miss drag racing. I was told on Saturday if I wanted to do any racing that I dont have to worry about getting shot at I would have to go to Oklahoma. That track is 3 hours away. So doesn't look like the Camaro will ever go down the track. The motorplex does a very small amount open to the public and so does XR. We are talking like 2-3 events a year.

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

They use to rob HP. I use to run a short belt and do away with that and PS when I would drag race or venture into Mexico. You could easily get .2-.3 tenths if you were a good driver with that one quick change. God I miss drag racing. I was told on Saturday if I wanted to do any racing that I dont have to worry about getting shot at I would have to go to Oklahoma. That track is 3 hours away. So doesn't look like the Camaro will ever go down the track. The motorplex does a very small amount open to the public and so does XR. We are talking like 2-3 events a year.

That's all I do is go to about 3 Mopar car shows a year that have a race track and I highly prefer 1/4 mile tracks. I'm not interested in car shows if they don't have a race track. We don't have to worry about bad sportsmanship because if you get outrun by the same brand you are driving who cares. That way I pull for all of us racing! LOL I also don't care about going to the bigger car shows because I'll get to see about 3 or 4 Mopars to 100 Camaros, 100 Mustangs, 100 '55 Chevys ect...........May be exaggerating but we all know the percentage rate difference is up there. I know that's the way it is and I accept it.

 

[HemiLonestar]

LOL - not sure I'd use go-fast and Smart Car in the same train of thought though...

Welllll......

Smart Car with Hayabusa Turbo Engine! Smart Hayabusa Donuts and Burnout, Brutal Exhaust Sound!

World's most powerful and fastest smart car doing a burnout and donuts. Smart car with hayabusa turbo engine! brutal exhaust sound!Hayabusa Smart Car https:/...

www.youtube.com

300HP Smart Car is The Ultimate Tuner Troll (Turbo Hayabusa Swapped Smart Car)

This is the ULTIMATE SLEEPER. Imagine getting gapped by the smallest car on the road today and not knowing what happened. This is Eric's Turbocharged Suzuki ...

www.youtube.com

 

[HemiLonestar]

Carlisle 2022 part 2

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

Carlisle 2022 part 2

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Great pictures. Thanks

 

[Wild one]

Either of the bottom two for me. CJ motors are some damn under estimated power makers.

As far as being daily drivers that you could jump in and drive anywhere,the Buick would be #1 in my opinion,i'd rate the Mustang second,only for the fact FE Mustangs were a nightmare to work on,the Vette would be last,as they rode like a D8 Cat,the Superbird would be 3rd due to the fact of keeping it's 3 carbs in sync and working good,and they were notorious for over heating in slow moving traffic.
On the street the old 428's were a tough combo though,they were no slouch on a light to light race

 

[Yardbird]

Back in the mid 70's, a guy I worked with had one of these 1969, 428 Cobras. Same color, same type car.

The local Ford dealer was offering a $32.95 tune up special. He took it to the dealer, and when the service writer opened the hood, he told him it would be $59.00, and really didn't want to do it. He left.

He was telling me about his experience the next day when I asked him to show me his engine. Man, that 428 was tight in there.

I told him I would do it for $32.00 after work. He could drive my car home, me his, and I would bring his car back to him when I finished.

It was tight, but I got it tuned up, and being a conscientious person, made sure to take the car on a "test drive" to make sure everything was right.

Lawd have mercy. That thing had some torque to it.

It had a C6 transmission. I was starting off up a small hill, and right after it shifted into third, I floored it. It shifted back into second, broke both rear tires loose, and I went on a neck snapping ride.

When I returned it to him, I asked about us trading cars, as he wasn't happy with the gas mileage of the 428.

My car was a red 1969 Falcon. 2 door, 200-6 cylinder, three in the floor, slotted aluminum mags. A really nice looking and good car. I had shaved the head, and it ran very well.

I almost had him talked into the trade, but he backed out right before I was ready to go home and get my title.

Probably a good thing. The '55 Ford Victoria I also owned with a hot 390 was fast enough. I may not have lived through the 428.

Unfortunately, the only picture I have of the Falcon.

 

[Wild one]

View attachment 551232

Back in the mid 70's, a guy I worked with had one of these 1969, 428 Cobras. Same color, same type car.

The local Ford dealer was offering a $32.95 tune up special. He took it to the dealer, and when the service writer opened the hood, he told him it would be $59.00, and really didn't want to do it. He left.

He was telling me about his experience the next day when I asked him to show me his engine. Man, that 428 was tight in there.

I told him I would do it for $32.00 after work. He could drive my car home, me his, and I would bring his car back to him when I finished.

It was tight, but I got it tuned up, and being a conscientious person, made sure to take the car on a "test drive" to make sure everything was right.

Lawd have mercy. That thing had some torque to it.

It had a C6 transmission. I was starting off up a small hill, and right after it shifted into third, I floored it. It shifted back into second, broke both rear tires loose, and I went on a neck snapping ride.

When I returned it to him, I asked about us trading cars, as he wasn't happy with the gas mileage of the 428.

My car was a red 1969 Falcon. 2 door, 200-6 cylinder, three in the floor, slotted aluminum mags. A really nice looking and good car. I had shaved the head, and it ran very well.

I almost had him talked into the trade, but he backed out right before I was ready to go home and get my title.

Probably a good thing. The '55 Ford Victoria I also owned with a hot 390 was fast enough. I may not have lived through the 428.

Unfortunately, the only picture I have of the Falcon.

View attachment 551233

Back in the day you'd see alot of FE big block equipped Mustangs / Fairlanes / Torino's etc,with holes torched in the inner fenders,so you could access the spark plugs on them,lol.Damn that was a sharp looking little Falcon,it would of been a wicked toy with a 289 / 302 or better yet a 351W stuffed in it. I had an uncle that had a 66 Mustang that was an original 289 car,that we stuffed a mild 351W into,and man that car was a riot I had 4 uncles on my dads side, they were all gearheads,and i can remember the trash talking that went on when my dad and his brothers were all together

 

[Yardbird]

Back in the day you'd see alot of FE big block equipped Mustangs / Fairlanes / Torino's etc,with holes torched in the inner fenders,so you could access the spark plugs on them,lol.Damn that was a sharp looking little Falcon,it would of been a wicked toy with a 289 / 302 or better yet a 351 stuffed in it. I had an uncle that had a 66 Mustang that was an original 289 car,that we stuffed a mild 351 into,and man that car was a riot I had 4 uncles on my dads side, they were all gearheads,and i can remember the trash talking that went on when my dad and his brothers were all together

Thanks for the compliment. I had a friend that has a 1970 Mach 1, dark green, 351 CJ, 4 speed. We traded cars one night. I flogged his, and he flogged mine.

He told me he spent the night racing friends of his with my Falcon, beating many of them. They demanded he open the hood to prove it was a 6 cylinder...lol

It may have been a 250 engine instead of a 200, I never went in depth to see. After I sold that one, I later bought another just like it, except blue. It didn't have near the same power, even after shaving the head.

I had loads of fun in that car. I put a small block Ford engine in it for a while. I took it out and put the six back in because the V-8 didn't have the power of the six.

The 289 guys I knew wouldn't mess with it in order to keep from being embarrassed. One guy had a '67 Fairlane with a 289. After he rode with me, he said his car wasn't near as strong as mine. I don't know. I just got lucky with that car.

 

[Wild one]

Thanks for the compliment. I had a friend that has a 1970 Mach 1, dark green, 351 CJ, 4 speed. We traded cars one night. I flogged his, and he flogged mine.

He told me he spent the night racing friends of his with my Falson, beating many of them. They demanded he open the hood to prove it was a 6 cylinder...lol

It may have been a 250 engine instead of a 200, I never went in depth to see. After I sold that one, I later bought another just like it, except blue. It didn't have near the same power, even after shaving the head.

I had loads of fun in that car. I put a small block Ford engine in it for a while. I took it out and put the six back in because the V-8 didn't have the power of the six.

The 289 guys I knew wouldn't mess with it in order to keep from being embarrassed. One guy had a '67 Fairlane with a 289. After he rode with me, he said his car wasn't near as strong as mine. I don't know. I just got lucky with that car.

You sure it wasn't a 300,they would be quick in a light Falcon,lol.