1976 Pontiac Sunbird 3.8 liter / 231 cid gas from North America
Summary:
Sleeper hot rod. Great little car
Faults:
A major issue I had was the odd firing engine. Got to sounding like a diesel.
Had the car in the Detroit metro area, so it rusted all to hell. One of the bolts holding the cross member for the trans eventually broke, and I never got it replaced. Bottom of the doors rusted to the point that the passenger door would not close once opened.
General Comments:
Overall, considering where I had the car, it was a blast to drive and comfortable. I raced more than one Camaro, and blew their doors off. The V6 and the 5 speed made the car very quick. I went thru a couple of clutches, but had fun doing so.
I drove the car from Detroit to Miami several times, and the car was very comfortable for the long drive.
The car was pretty basic with no A/C or power steering or brakes. Even with the V6, it was pretty easy to park.
The trunk was small, and the back seat was good only for the rug rats, or in my car, a large German Shepherd.
I would love to find another 77 to 80 Sunbird, but they're next to impossible to find.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th November, 2012
17th Nov 2012, 20:59
There are a few of these hanging on, but most are heavily modified for racing.
I always liked these. Sadly, they had a lot of problems. I guess turning them into race cars is the only thing that has kept any of them alive. You pretty much had to tub them to prevent them from rusting.
I used to see a rusted hatchback in SE Michigan. I last saw it maybe 5 years ago at the side of the road with a "For Sale" sign. I wonder whatever happened to it. I saw it on the freeway once, and he was pushing that car hard. It could MOVE.
Don't give up. Keep looking and you might find one. It would be a very interesting collectible now.