A new split vertical bar "waterfall" grille and quad rectangular headlights in front and revised taillight lenses out back highlighted the 1976 Grand Prix.
The same three model designations continued (J, SJ and LJ) with the LJ and SJ offering the same trim and equipment levels as in 1975 with the exception being the SJ downgraded to a standard 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8.

The base Model J underwent a number of content changes to cut the base price by around $500 to be more competitive with other mid-sized personal luxury cars.
Those changes for the "J" included a smaller 160 hp (120 kW) 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 as the base powerplant and some downgrading of interior trim that included a new notchback bench seat made standard equipment and the Strato bucket seats/console became optional.
Features such as a cushioned steering wheel and custom pedal trim plates became optional on Model J, but remained standard on LJ and SJ, both of which also continued to include Strato bucket seats as standard equipment.
All models got a new simulated rosewood trim for the dash, door panels and console (with bucket seats) that replaced the African Crossfire Mahogany trim of previous years.
Upholstery choices included cloth or Morrokide vinyl bench or bucket seats on the Model J, velour buckets on the LJ or Morrokide buckets on the SJ.
Leather interior trim was a new extra-cost option available with the Strato bucket seats and LJ and SJ models.

Both the "LJ" and "SJ" models came standard with a 180 hp (130 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 that was optional on the Model J. The 200 hp (150 kW) 455 cu in (7.5 L) was optional on all models.

In celebration of Pontiac's 50th anniversary in 1976, a number of special edition Grand Prix were produced.
Technically a LJ trim option, these models featured removable Hurst T-tops, color-keyed Rally II wheels, special "Anniversary Gold" paint (actually the new Cadillac Seville's "Autumn Gold) accented by a white opera roof and white side protection.
The only available interior color was Light Buckskin.
Among the other distinctions was special badging with Golden hood and trunk medallions and a Golden "arrow head" logo in the steering wheel.
Buyers could opt for other accessories available for the LJ.
Many chose sport instrumentation, sport steering wheels, or leather upholstery.
Mechanically, they were similar to the regular models.
This was one of two anniversary models offered by Pontiac, the other was a special trim Firebird.

Grand Prix production increased: sales went up to 228,091 units total (a plus of 226%), making this Bicentennial year the best in Grand Prix' history — and second in its class only to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo with 353,272 units.
This included 110,814 base model Js, 88,232 SJs, and 29,045 LJs (including 4,807 Golden Anniversary editions and a single demonstrator with Pontiac's not yet introduced 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine.
A new split vertical bar "waterfall" grille and quad rectangular headlights in front and revised taillight lenses out back highlighted the 1976 Grand Prix. The same three model designations continued (J, SJ and LJ) with the LJ and SJ offering the same trim and equipment levels as in 1975 with the exception being the SJ downgraded to a standard 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8.
The base Model J underwent a number of content changes to cut the base price by around $500 to be more competitive with other mid-sized personal luxury cars. Those changes for the "J" included a smaller 160 hp (120 kW) 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8 as the base powerplant and some downgrading of interior trim that included a new notchback bench seat made standard equipment and the Strato bucket seats/console became optional. Features such as a cushioned steering wheel and custom pedal trim plates became optional on Model J, but remained standard on LJ and SJ, both of which also continued to include Strato bucket seats as standard equipment. All models got a new simulated rosewood trim for the dash, door panels and console (with bucket seats) that replaced the African Crossfire Mahogany trim of previous years. Upholstery choices included cloth or Morrokide vinyl bench or bucket seats on the Model J, velour buckets on the LJ or Morrokide buckets on the SJ. Leather interior trim was a new extra-cost option available with the Strato bucket seats and LJ and SJ models.
Both the "LJ" and "SJ" models came standard with a 180 hp (130 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 that was optional on the Model J. The 200 hp (150 kW) 455 cu in (7.5 L) was optional on all models.
In celebration of Pontiac's 50th anniversary in 1976, a number of special edition Grand Prix were produced. Technically a LJ trim option, these models featured removable Hurst T-tops, color-keyed Rally II wheels, special "Anniversary Gold" paint (actually the new Cadillac Seville's "Autumn Gold) accented by a white opera roof and white side protection. The only available interior color was Light Buckskin. Among the other distinctions was special badging with Golden hood and trunk medallions and a Golden "arrow head" logo in the steering wheel. Buyers could opt for other accessories available for the LJ. Many chose sport instrumentation, sport steering wheels, or leather upholstery. Mechanically, they were similar to the regular models. This was one of two anniversary models offered by Pontiac, the other was a special trim Firebird.
Grand Prix production increased: sales went up to 228,091 units total (a plus of 226%), making this Bicentennial year the best in Grand Prix' history — and second in its class only to the Chevrolet Monte Carlo with 353,272 units. This included 110,814 base model Js, 88,232 SJs, and 29,045 LJs (including 4,807 Golden Anniversary editions and a single demonstrator with Pontiac's not yet introduced 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine.
Pontiac Grand Prix