1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Black paint, gold graphics and a shaker rising through the hood. Some combinations need no introduction, and this 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am wears one of American muscle's most recognizable looks. Previously restored by our own technicians here in Charlotte, North Carolina, this Pontiac backs its appearance with its original, VIN-matching 455ci V8 and 4-speed manual transmission. A professional engine rebuild, upgraded suspension and power four-wheel disc brakes add substance to a Trans Am that combines classic Pontiac character with a personal connection to RK Motors. The comprehensive frame-up restoration included selective soda blasting, replacement fenders, doors and quarter panels, and repairs to the trunk jamb and urethane nose. Glasurit primer and extensive block sanding prepared the body for Starlight Black two-stage paint, applied panel by panel before sanding and buffing. Gold-painted grille recesses and headlight surrounds complement the large gold Firebird hood graphic, Trans Am lettering, and sail-panel graphics. Gold outlining follows the window openings, wheel arches, shaker opening and spoilers. Fender air extractors, body-color sport mirrors, wheel-opening spats and a rear spoiler complete the familiar profile. Gold 15" Pontiac Honeycomb wheels wear BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires measuring 245mm wide up front and 255mm at the rear. Beneath the shaker sits the original 455ci Pontiac V8, professionally rebuilt by Gibbons Motorsports with a replacement Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor and a COMP camshaft. The original BorgWarner T10 4-speed manual transmission sends power to a 10-bolt rear axle with 3.23 gears and an Auburn Pro Series limited-slip differential. Turquoise engine paint, silver-finished valve covers and the black shaker air-cleaner assembly preserve a traditional underhood presentation. Dual exhaust incorporates an H-pipe crossover, Pypes mufflers and polished splitter-style outlets. The rebuilt suspension retains its independent front and leaf-spring rear layout, supplemented by Hotchkis front coil springs and front and rear sway bars. Factory power steering handles directional changes, while power four-wheel disc brakes provide stopping power. Inside, Deluxe Black vinyl upholstery covers high-back front bucket seats and matching rear seating, with perforated, vertically pleated inserts adding texture. Black door panels carry pull straps and Firebird emblems, complemented by black carpeting and Trans Am floor mats embroidered in gold. A gold engine-turned instrument panel surrounds restored factory gauges, including a tachometer with an inset clock, while a Formula steering wheel carries matching gold spokes. The center console houses power-window switches and a Hurst shifter topped by a silver T-handle. Factory air conditioning, power windows, a rear defogger and a RetroSound radio with Bluetooth and SiriusXM round out the cabin. This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am captures the appeal of an era when bold graphics and big V8s made a statement before you ever turned the key. The real attraction, though, is settling into the driver's seat and making the next stretch of open road part of its story. For the enthusiast who remembers when a black-and-gold Trans Am was the car to have, this Pontiac makes a strong case that it still is. Key Highlights Comprehensive ground-up restoration previously completed by RK Motors Starlight Black paint with gold 50th Anniversary graphics 455ci Pontiac V8 4bbl professionally rebuilt by Gibbons Motorsports - VIN-matching BorgWarner T10 4-speed manual transmission - VIN-matching 10-bolt rear axle with 3.23 gearing Auburn Pro Series limited-slip differential Factory power steering Power four-wheel disc brakes Factory air conditioning Hotchkis front coil springs Hotchkis front and rear sway bars Dual exhaust with an H-pipe crossover and Pypes mufflers Gold 15" Pontiac Honeycomb wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires Deluxe Black vinyl bucket seats with a center console Hurst shifter with a silver T-handle Gold engine-turned dash trim and restored factory gauges Formula steering wheel with gold spokes Factory power windows RetroSound radio with Bluetooth and SiriusXM