All Can Ams came from the...
All Can Ams came from the factory with the automatic trans, but owner Rich Tucker decided to take its T/A heritage one step further by installing a Borg Warner Super T-10 four-speed and a Hurst shifter. The Formula wheel, though not offered on the Can Am in 1977, is another popular upgrade for Can Am owners.
Conclusion
One thing is for certain, the Can Am is one of Pontiac's most recognized limited editions, and its rarity puts it on par with the combined production totals of the SD-455 Trans Ams and Formulas of '73/'74. "It was a beautiful limited-edition car," Wangers says. Howard agrees. "The Can Am today is perceived to be a truly unique piece of Pontiac history," he says. "You won't find too many other Pontiacs with as rich a heritage. The interest in the Can Am has steadily increased over the last five years and will continue to do so as more and more people look at the '73-'77 A-body cars. One of the joys of owning a Can Am is that no matter where you go, people want to stop and talk to you about it. It's amazing how many people remember the car from years ago with its limited production numbers. 'What is it?' seems to be the top question asked about the car and telling the story is just half the fun. The other half is driving it."
Happily, these Alternative Pontiacs are getting the respect and recognition they deserve.
Can Am Options
As President of the Can Am Registry, Verne Howard has determined the most popular and the rarest options installed in the Can Am. According to him, the Can Am was available with many of the same options you could have ordered on the regular LeMans Sport Coupe.
Rare Options
CA1 - Steel Sunroof, Electric CF5 - Glass Sunroof, Electric D24 - Litter Container A42 - Six-Way Power Bench Seat B48 - Luggage Compartment Trim and Spare Tire Cover AC3 - Left Front Power Bucket Seat YJ8 - Cast Aluminum Wheels (15x7 Snowflake) JL1 - Pedal Trim Package C95 - Dome Reading Lamp G66 - Super Lift Shock AbsorbersRear Only) A90 - Remote Control Decklid Release D68 - Lefthand and Righthand RemoteControl Sport Mirrors C65 - Auto Temp Control Air Conditioning(Note: Occasionally you may see a T-top Can Am, but they were dealer-installed. T-tops weren't a factory option.)
Popular Options
G80 - Safe-T-Track Differential C60 - Custom Air Conditioning WW8 - Tachometer D55 - Front Seat Console AU3 - Saf-T-Lok Power Door Locks A31 - Power Windows N31 - Custom Sport Steering Wheel N33 - Tilt Steering Wheel Y92 - Lamp Group
A litter container (code D24)...
A litter container (code D24) is another rare option, and was color-coded to the interior trim of the vehicle. Its owner is Steve Dorris.
Seat Mix interior (code 97R1),...
Seat Mix interior (code 97R1), combines white vinyl seats with Firethorn Red trim. This Can Am is owned by Rich Tucker.
Most Can Ams received a Pontiac...
Most Can Ams received a Pontiac 400 (code W72) and "T/A 6.6" callouts on the shaker scoop. If it's the original Pontiac engine, it will have code "Y6" stamped on the block.
All Can Ams feature a callout...
All Can Ams feature a callout decal on the front header panel. How do you tell a real Can Am? The only absolute way is with PHS documentation that lists the WW3 option code, but the VIN should give you a good estimate. All Can Am VINs start with "2F37" (LeMans Sport Coupe), followed by either a "K" (Olds 403) or a "Z" (Pontiac W72 400), "7" (1977), and then the letter "P" (all Can Ams were produced at the Pontiac plant).
Though you may have seen them...
Though you may have seen them before, side-splitter exhaust tips weren't offered on the Can Am. Rich Tucker, owner of this one, added them to his.
Body-colored rear louvers...
Body-colored rear louvers (code AB7) came on all Can Ams since they were part of the LeMans Sport Coupe model.
Body-colored 15x7 Rally IIs...
Body-colored 15x7 Rally IIs (code N67) were part of the WW3 Can Am option package.
Optional 15x7 Snowflake wheels...
Optional 15x7 Snowflake wheels (code YJ8) are considered rare on a Can Am. They came from the factory with GR70x15 radial tires. This photo shows aftermarket tires, on Rich Tucker's Can Am.
A factory-installed steel...
A factory-installed steel sunroof (code CA1) is a seldom-seen option on a Can Am. This one belongs to Bob Cook and was featured in the Dec. '00 issue of HPP.