1976 Pontiac Trans Am – The Red Rifle
The Trans Am is and will always be an iconic member of the automotive society and this 1976 Pontiac Trans Am model is no exception. With its racing pedigree, A-list level movie prowess and if nothing else, a larger than life Screaming Chicken on the hood for all to take notice.
This prime example is owned by Jay Wright out of Grapevine, Texas. You see, Jay grew up around cars all his life. Not in the typical way of his dad or uncle owning a few cool cars while he was a kid but Jay’s dad owned a used car lot. So, inventory was constantly changing and Jay got to see a variety of automotive art on the daily. Cool cars were embedded in Jay’s blood so much so that now operates a very successful and lucrative used car dealership of his own.
Jay was lucky enough to find this Trans Am in pristine condition and it was already enhanced with the aftermarket goodies Jay would have added anyways. The Butler performance 461c.i. V8 (Dyno’d at 520 hp and 575 tq) with F.A.S.T. EFI is married to a Tremec 5speed with a Mosier rear end and 3:73 gears to scoot this puppy along that Autobahn-esque Texas blacktop. The T/A was already re-painted in that vibrant red and those 18” Billet Specialties wheels give it a new millennium look. Since Jay wheels and deals for a living, an agreement was made and this beauty made its way back to his garage.
Sure, Jay has owned six-figure luxury cars and the latest go-fast supercars but it’s old school Pontiac muscle that gets his blood pumping.
“I’ve always loved Pontiac for their style and performance… besides everybody has a Camaro. That’s what I like about Pontiac. I wanted to be a little different,” he said.
In fact, Jay owns three Pontiac’s one of which was his first car. “I got it when I was 15 and still have it. It’s a ’69 Firebird factory 400ci convertible, carousel red with a white top. The other is a 1970 Grand Prix SJ that I bought from the original owner who was an American Airlines pilot.”
Currently, Jay cruises his 1976 Pontiac Trans Am to local shows and takes it out for the occasional autocross event to breathe some fire on the competition. “I just love horse power” he grinned.
We love your Red Rifle Jay!
