1976 Pontiac Firebird Espirit Orange Coupe 350 V8 51111 Miles

1976 Pontiac Firebird Esprit -
Top Class Restoration - Partial Build Sheet - 350ci V8 w/Automatic Transmission - Factory Air Conditioning -
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While considered a lesser model than a TransAm there were less of the Esprits produced, therefore they are more rare. This particular Esprit was restored with no expense spared and looks like a brand new car. It rolled off the Norwood Ohio assembly plant as an Esprit with deluxe package, rear spoiler (Code D80), and air conditioning (Code C60).
This was a solid western car that needed very little in the way of rust repair. Once the body was ready for paint, a final coat of urethane single stage paint was applied in Orange. The owner asked that the color match an orange Crush soda can. The bodyshop got the orange color right on the money - without any orange peel. The car was originally painted Carousel Red (Code 78) which Chevrolet called Hugger Orange. Any stainless trim pieces were repolished, and chrome trim pieces were re-chromed to a factory finish. Weatherstrips and seals were all replaced with new rubber. The frame and engine compartment were painted to a very nice finish. In addition to the highly detailed finish of the exterior of the car, a number of custom features were added. A functional early-style (1974) GM Formula snorkel hood with a functional Ram Air upgrade has been added, as well as a functional hood tachometer. A custom fiberglass front bumper was installed to save weight on the front end of the car. The fiberglass bumper saves approximately 75 pounds compared to the original bumper. Cragar chrome wheels complete the look and really pop with the orange color of the body.
This car left the factory with the interior finished in white upholstery (Code 11N) and black trim (Code 19X). During the restoration, the interior was gone through with new upholstery added throughout, as well as new carpeting and a new headliner. Of note is that the rear seat was near mint and reconditioned, and the rear door panels were also reconditioned to mint condition. Original parts were used and reconditioned to factory specs when possible. From top to bottom the interior looks new, and also includes an AM/FM Radio with 8 Track.
Under the custom hood is a period correct 350ci V8 mated to a TH350 3 speed automatic transmission. The engine and transmission were gone through and meticulously rebuilt. Our client asked that the car have some more power than the stock engine but still be nice to drive on the street. The engine currently has a 9.2:1 compression ratio thanks to a nice list of parts.
Keith Black flat top pistons, CompCams performance cam and lifter set, Pertronics billet distributor, and the heads were milled.
Sitting atop the engine are an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, and Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor. Power steering, power disc brakes, and rear sway bar were options from the factory, and are still on the car today. The rear shocks were upgraded with custom rate leaf springs, and adjustable QA1 coil over suspension was installed in front. Energy Suspension graphite type bushings were installed in the control arms, sway bar, and spring eyes.
This is a beautifully restored classic Pontiac with some subtle and tasteful upgrades from the original specs. The car is hard to miss and its pristine condition is impressive. Despite the fact that it is not a TransAm we're excited about his car, and we are confident that it will really 'a-peel' to many car collectors. Orange you glad it's been fully restored?
Be sure to check out all the photos and video on our main website: Garage Kept Motors. Call if interested or e-mail with any questions. Thank you for looking.
VIN Decoder:
2 - GM Division: Pontiac
T - Model: Esprit
87 - Body Type: Sport Coupe
M - Engine Code: 350ci V8, 2BBL, 160hp
6 - Model Year: 1976
N - Assembly Plant: Norwood Ohio
608711 - Sequential Production Number
Trim Tag Decoder:
ST 76 - 1976
2FS87 - Pontiac Firebird 2 Door Coupe
N - Norwood Ohio Assembly Plant
TR 11N/19X - White Vinyl Upholstery/Black Trim
A51 - Strat-o-bucket seats
78L/78U - Carousel Red