1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

When the 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was released, Trans Ams had already carved out their market. Despite rising prices, production increased, with Pontiac selling one Trans Am for every three Firebirds, starting at $4740 and featuring a standard 185-horsepower 400-cid V-8 engine.

Pontiac Firebird Image Gallery

A significant portion of Americans still demanded performance. While the muscle car era seemed to be fading, young car enthusiasts weren't ready to let it die entirely, even as horsepower continued to decline.

The 1975 models featured wraparound rear windows and updated graphics, with the optional 455-cid V-8 engine reduced to 200 horsepower.

For 1976, both the Firebird's exterior and interior received updates. The "shovel-nose" Endura front end was reshaped for a sleeker, more aerodynamic appearance, complemented by body-color bumpers at the front and rear. Taillamps were also redesigned, while engineers opted for minimal mechanical changes.

Trans Ams retained the standard 185-horsepower 400-cid V-8 from 1975. Outside California, the 455 V-8 remained an option, still producing 200 horsepower. The iconic "screaming chicken" emblem continued to adorn Trans Ams.

T-roofs debuted for the first time. The Trans Am T-top was a Limited Edition, with only 643 units produced, but this feature would grow in popularity in later years. Painted in Starlight Black and gold, these Hurst-modified Trans Ams celebrated Pontiac's 50th anniversary. A total of 1947 Trans Am Specials featured a standard roof.

Gasoline shortages appeared to fade from memory as Firebird production surged to 110,775 units, including an impressive 46,701 Trans Ams, accounting for 42 percent of total output.

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