Original Paint and Interior 455ci V8/Automatic Transmission Clamshell Rear Gate

1976 Pontiac Safari Station Wagon

During its run, the Safari would be sold as its own station wagon model as well as a designation applied to Pontiac's various other station wagon vehicles. The name "safari" is derived from the Swahili word safari, which means journey, originally from the Arabic (safar) meaning a journey; the verb for "to travel" in Swahili is kusafiri.

Prior to downsizing the full size Safari the next year, the original owner ordered this car with the works. It even has a 1 off paint job from the factory with lower Buckskin Tan, and Bavarian Creme on top, due to owner's wife not liking the order as it came from the factory and wanted it reversed. Not aware that the factory was shutting down the line very soon to retool for the smaller 1977 version, this car was one of the last large Safari's off the line.

Exterior
Believed to be the original exterior paint, it is in very well-preserved condition, with just a few chips and some dulled areas. As noted, lower portion of the car is Buckskin Tan, and upper is Bavarian Creme. The wood panels that were typical of this car were deleted from the order, making it another rare feature. The chrome all around including the roof rack are as nice as it gets. A nifty clamshell rear window and door opening closing makes loading a full sheet of 4x8 plywood a breeze with nothing to get into your way on the threshold. The door goes down and window disappears into the roof. Just the curved greenhouse style glass on this car is worth the price of admission.

Interior
With the couple having no children and just using this car to tow a classic car to shows, the interior remains like new. Seating for 9 passengers, can be folded flat to throw in whatever, and then some. The faux leather seats, carpeting and floor mats are in perfect condition throughout the interior. Door panels have original cranks which all work perfectly. The original owner did not want power windows for fear of them constantly breaking...he may have been correct in this assumption. Note on the front seat is a custom $400.00 wool fleece cover put on because the wife thought the seat was cold. It has remained on since 2 week after the purchase, and underneath the cover is as perfect as you can get for something from 1976. The wood dash all original has no cracks or chips and presents as very clean. The car has A/C but it has not been used due to it being nonfunctioning. An AM/FM radio is in place but has been rarely used. Noted the band selector on the radio is stuck in the AM position. Lighting works perfectly, as well as all other functions.

Drivetrain
Ordered with the 455ci V8 complete with heavy duty electrical components, an oil cooler and heavy-duty radiator this engine is in incredible condition for being original and never out of the car. A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop the big 8, and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is bolted on back of the mill. 10 bolts and 2.56 gears are on this rear configuration. All numbers matching, well maintained, and looking fab.

Undercarriage
Slight surface rust mostly from bottoming out and a little from age is present but nothing remarkable. Heavy duty shock absorbers and a tow package with internal brake controls, is seen with a detachable ball mounting on the rear. Independent coil spring suspension up front, and leaf springs on the rear, all in ship shape and working beautifully. Power disc brakes upfront and power drums are saved for the rear.

Drive-Ability
Talk about a smooth cruiser, this car can compete with the best of the smooth riders. As with all the weight, and length, it turns well, lumbers a bit, but it's a 9-passenger wagon with lots of HD add ons. Nice acceleration, plenty of power to pull into moving traffic, and brakes are very grabby (in a good way).

Big big Detroit iron, possibly at its largest as the gas crisis was on its way out like a jailhouse on wheels, and this size was going to go by the wayside the very next year. Lovingly cared for, rarely driven a 2-owner car, the second owner familiar with this car when the first parted with it. Always garaged, original paint (amazing) and room for 9. Suburbia never looked so good.

VIN Decode
2P35W6X137080
2-Pontiac
P35-Grand Safari Station Wagon
W-455 ci 4 bbl V8
6-1976
X-Kansas City, KS Assy Plant
137080-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
ST 76 2BP45-1976 Pontiac Grand Safari Station Wagon
BDY X200072-Kansas City Body #
TR 64V A52-Saddle Vinyl Bench Seat
PNT 65U, 50L-Buckskin Tan, Bavarian Cream
04B-2nd Week April Build

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.