1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong. 

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy. 

* * * 

As emissions regulations and fuel economy concerns began to reshape the automotive landscape, Pontiac managed to keep the spirit of performance alive on its 1976 Firebird Trans Am. The model retained the aggressive styling introduced in 1970, with its signature shaker hood scoop, flared fenders, and bold graphics. This year saw the debut of the now iconic “screaming chicken” hood decal, designed by Norm Inouye as a factory option, which quickly became a symbol of the Trans Am’s rebellious image. 

Under the hood, the 1976 Trans Am offered several V8 options, including a potent 400 cu-in V8 and the top-tier 455. The car remained a favorite among enthusiasts for its handling, thanks to Pontiac’s Radial Tuned Suspension. Road & Track reported, “The Trans Am’s handling was in the same league as the Ferrari Dino 308 GT.” 

The ’76 model year was also the last before the major redesign in 1977, which would bring even greater popularity, thanks to the car's role in Smokey and the Bandit. As a transitional model, the ’76 Trans Am balanced raw muscle with emerging modern standards, securing its place as a beloved classic in Pontiac’s performance legacy. 

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection 

• Refinished in a color-shifting red metallic with red interior 

• Powered by a 400 cu-in (6.6L) V8 engine rated at 185 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque

•  Three-speed automatic transmission  

• Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) for improved handling and ride quality 

• The chassis number (2W87Z6N566389) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac

  • W – Trans Am

  • 87 – Coupe

  • Z – 400 cu-in V8

  • 6 – 1976

  • N – Norwood, Ohio assembly plant

  • 566389 – Sequential production number

Features 

• Front air dam and rear spoiler 

• 15-inch Honeycomb wheels with 255/60R15 Goodyear Eagle GTII tires 

• Sport steering wheel 

• Bucket seats 

• 100-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and rally gauges 

• Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo with Infinity speakers 

• Power windows 

Known Imperfections 

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection, it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars. 

• Water spots on hood 

• Faded front bumper 

• Door frame brightwork pitted 

• Some rust noted on engine 

• Under dash panel loose 

• Radio inoperable  

Included 

• Spare tire and jack 

• Wheel lock key 

• Binder of restoration photos and info 

• Window sticker 

Ownership History 

This 1976 Pontiac Trans Am is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles. 

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: William Cooper  Phone: 469.463.4542  email: wcooper@hagerty.com 

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.