1966 Vivant 77 Prototype

The 1966 Vivant 77 Prototype stands as a unique testament to the vision and creativity of Herb Adams, a figure who would become legendary among Pontiac and GM performance enthusiasts. Adams, a skilled engineer, is best known for his pivotal contributions to the development of the Pontiac Trans Am cars and the iconic Super Duty engines. The Vivant 77, however, was an earlier venture that showcased his talents beyond performance engineering, emphasizing his passion for automotive design.

Inspired by Italian and British Design

Shortly after graduating from the GM Institute, Adams embarked on creating the Vivant as a design study. The inspiration for this prototype came from the striking Alfa Romeo B.A.T. prototype coupes, a series of futuristic concept cars known for their cutting-edge design and aerodynamic innovation. Adams, however, added his personal flair, incorporating design cues from Pontiac's own styling language, ensuring the Vivant 77 was unmistakably tied to the GM brand.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

The Vivant 77 was built as a lightweight roadster, with its body hand-formed by a trio of European panel beaters, thanks to a fortunate collaboration with Rolls-Royce craftsmen. These skilled artisans crafted the body over Adams' custom-built space-frame chassis, a feat that allowed the prototype to achieve an impressive balance between innovation and craftsmanship. The attention to detail was evident, with the bodywork showcasing the elegance and refinement expected of a unique show car.

Pontiac Influence and Performance

Despite its distinctive design, the Vivant 77 was very much rooted in Pontiac's engineering, with Adams intentionally incorporating several mechanical elements from the brand’s performance vehicles. Most notably, the Vivant 77 was powered by a 370 cubic-inch V8 engine—a rare and highly sought-after engine, part of a limited run developed as part of Pontiac’s horsepower development program. This engine offered a glimpse into the high-performance capabilities that Adams would later apply to the Pontiac Trans Am.

Public Appearances and Legacy

The Vivant 77 Prototype made its debut at the 1966 Detroit Autorama, where it was met with widespread acclaim. Its futuristic design and Pontiac-based performance components captivated showgoers, earning it high praise for its innovative approach to automotive styling and engineering. After several appearances at other major car shows, the car disappeared from the public eye for several decades, only to resurface in unrestored condition at the 2011 Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles.

In 2017, the Vivant 77 was once again showcased at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where its legacy as a one-of-a-kind prototype was further solidified. Today, the 1966 Vivant 77 Prototype remains a celebrated piece of automotive history, reflecting Herb Adams' ingenuity and his ability to blend cutting-edge design with the performance prowess Pontiac was known for.

Images: Pontiac & Conceptcarz