It was a Motor Trend cover car - I remember that issue ( probably still have it somewhere in the basement)

here is an article from the on these cars from the web - Interesting that it mentions a 4 speed was theoretically available

https://autopolis.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/1976-buick-century-pace-car-replica-the-real-spirit-of-76/

Wow, that brings back memories.  Dad had one of those as his dealer demo back in the day.  Don't know why they gave it to him as a demo - maybe they were having trouble selling it?

I recall the car getting a lot of attention when we were driving around in it.

The interior on the 'for sale' car looks a little strange with the blue panels and white seats.  Seems to me "our" car had a red interior.

Neat car, with a lot of personal memories attached, but for some reason I have no desire to own one (??).

There were three engine options for the 76 pace car replica. 

The first two were an optional 350-cubic inch V8 with two or four-barrel carburetor configurations.

Power ratings were 145 or 165 respectively.

Sadly the standard engine, a V6 (which was the basis for the actual pace car) was not turbocharged and could muster as much power as a typical subcompact today at 110hp.

Transmission options were even more restrictive, with a three-speed automatic being standard in the V8s.

There was a rarely chosen optional 4 speed manual for all engines.

The new V6 did offer improved gas mileage over the V8s and had become a popular choice.

Carl Stevenson wrote:

---

Hmm, so much for my 5 speed theory. I guess just Cutlass only got it for the A bodies then...

---

 From Wiki:

 

1976 Pontiac Le Mans

For 1976, the Le Mans and Grand Le Mans were the only Pontiac intermediate offerings with the discontinuation of the Grand Am series. All models received new rectangular headlights with distinct grilles unique to the base and Le Mans Sport and another one for the Grand Le Mans. The Grand Le Mans had the instrument panel of the 1973-75 Gran Am, while the Le Mans and Le Mans Sport continued with the regular dash. The 1973-75 Luxury Le Mans had the regular Le Mans instrument panel.

The Chevy-built 250 straight-six was now standard on all Le Mans and Grand Le Mans sedans and coupes along with the Le Mans Sport Coupe with V8 options including a new "Oldsmobile-built" 260 V8 and Pontiac V8s of 350 and 400 cubic inches with two- or four-barrel carburetion (400 four-barrel still standard on all Safari wagons), along with the return of the 455 four-barrel V8 after a one-year absence. The three-speed manual transmission was standard with the Chevy six with Turbo Hydra-matic optional, the latter now the only transmission offered with all V8s except the small 260 V8 which could be ordered with a five-speed manual in the Le Mans Sport Coupe.

For 1976, the Cutlass Supreme Brougham coupe was added to the line, featuring a more luxurious interior trim than the regular Supreme model with pillowed crushed velour upholstery and 60/40 bench seats similar to the larger Ninety-Eight Regency. It also received quad square headlights. For 1977, the Brougham was also available as a four-door Colonnade sedan.

A five-speed manual transmission was available as an option with the 260 V8 in all models except Supreme Brougham and station wagons for 1976-77.

Carl Stevenson wrote:

---

Ah, there ya go. I either never knew or forgot the Lemans had that combination in it. Thanks Ray.

---

 Likely a USA only option, I can't recall ever seeing an Olds 260 V8 in a Canadian LeMans.

I did see one on ebay a few years ago in the US so they do exist.