Uncovering the Forgotten Gem: The Pontiac Can Am

The Pontiac Can Am, a short-lived model produced in 1977, has long been overshadowed by the more popular muscle cars of the era. However, this forgotten gem is now gaining attention as a rare and intriguing find at classic car shows and auctions. With its unique styling and powerful engine, the Can Am offers a glimpse into the Malaise Era of the automotive industry.

Rediscovering a Rare Muscle Car Treasure

A Chance Encounter at a Cars and Coffee Event

Recently, a pristine example of the Pontiac Can Am was spotted at a local cars and coffee event by YouTube's "The GALAXIE Marauder." The car, in immaculate condition with its original paint and Can Am-specific stripes, immediately caught the attention of the enthusiast. However, upon closer inspection, something rather unusual was discovered – this particular Can Am was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, a rarity among these models.

Exploring the Unusual Transmission Swap

Typically, all Can Am models were produced with three-speed automatic transmissions, making this four-speed manual-equipped example a true anomaly. While it's possible that Pontiac may have produced a single prototype with a manual gearbox, it's more likely that this is an aftermarket conversion carried out by a diehard gearhead seeking to enhance the driving experience.

Uncovering Similar Modifications

Further research revealed that this isn't the only Can Am to have undergone a transmission swap. A Hemmings article showcases another example that had its original Turbo 400 automatic replaced with a Borg-Warner T-10 manual transmission. This particular car features a red interior, distinguishing it from the one seen in the video.

The Pontiac Can Am: A Forgotten Muscle Car Revival

The Pontiac Can Am was the brainchild of Jim Wangers, Pontiac's chief marketing manager at the time. Wangers, the man responsible for creating the iconic GTO, believed that the Can Am would revive the spirit of the muscle car, which had been discontinued in 1974. Named after the renowned Canadian-American (Can-Am) racing series, the Can Am was based on the LeMans Sport Coupe, but with several distinctive features.

Unique Styling and Performance

The Can Am featured the Trans Am's shaker hood scoop and a ducktail rear spoiler sourced from the Grand Am All-American show car. All models were painted white and adorned with tri-tone stripes in orange, yellow, and gold, along with "Can Am" decals on the front fenders and trunk lid, creating a distinctive 1970s-inspired visual package.Under the hood, the Can Am was powered by Pontiac's W72-series V8 engine, a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) unit that delivered 200 horsepower – a 10% increase over the LeMans Sport Coupe. While high-performance engines were a rarity in 1977, the Can Am's power output was still respectable, with only the Corvette offering more than 200 horses at the time.

The Unfortunate Demise of the Can Am

The Can Am's production run was short-lived, coming to a halt when the mold used to produce the fiberglass rear spoiler broke. Pontiac executives, concerned that the Can Am was eating into Grand Prix sales, voted against investing in a new mold. Most sources agree that only 1,377 units were built over a six-month period, while Jim Wangers himself claimed the production figure was even lower, at 1,133 examples.

Rediscovering a Forgotten Gem

As the years have passed, the Pontiac Can Am has become a rare and sought-after classic car. With its unique styling, powerful engine, and the occasional unexpected modifications like the four-speed manual transmission, these forgotten gems are now being rediscovered and celebrated by enthusiasts who appreciate the spirit of the Malaise Era muscle car.