If you are a vintage movie enthusiast or a muscle car buff, there’s a slight possibility you might have heard of the film Smokey and The Bandit. Anyway, be honest with yourselves now. The real hero of that 1977 blockbuster wasn’t just Burt Reynolds. The real hero was the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am.
This car became legendary, not for the sleek appearance it flaunted but because it symbolized pure, unadulterated American muscle, rebellion, and, of course, speed. So, buckle up as we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the legendary “Smokey and The Bandit” car.
The Birth of a Legend: Pontiac Trans Am
Just before Smokey and The Bandit, the Pontiac Trans Am was already becoming legendary as a hot rod. After the movie, it became an icon in pop culture. General Motors, which was constructing the Trans Am, could not have bought a single better commercial spot than what is provided by seeing the car ripping up the roads on the silver screen.
Why Did They Pick the Trans Am for This Movie?
Just because it looked cool, that was, of course, a bold, aggressive car with that signature black paint job and gold accents, like that infamous “screaming chicken” decal on the hood. Loud and boastful, like Burt Reynolds himself, this movie rides pretty much on the idea of using the car for a high-speed beer run-yeah, back before it was illegal to transport Coors beer across state lines. But seriously, the take-home winner here was the looks and performance of the Trans Am.
What Made The ‘Smokey and The Bandit’ Trans Am Special?
Let’s get down to some car talk. Here’s what made this car such a beast on the road back in the day:
- Engine: Under the hood, the ’77 Trans Am came with a 6.6-liter V8 engine. Yeah, you heard that right—this thing was packing severe heat. However, in the movie, the car is portrayed to be much faster than its actual real-life specs, as most of these stock Trans Ams weren’t breaking land speed records.
- Horsepower: For the standards of today, at about 200 hp, this car would not really be all that wild, but then, it was the ’70s, and torque was the rage.
- Handling: With its wide stance and rear-wheel-drive setup, the Trans Am was made for those sharp, fast turns. This car had solid handling, perfect for those epic chase scenes in the movie where it easily outmaneuvered Sheriff Buford T. Justice’s cop car.
- Design: The other feature that stands out for that car is its T-top roof. Burt Reynolds could pop off those roof panels and ride around with the wind in his hair. Right then, this feature was the coolest.
Pop Culture Effects
Hit by Smokey and The Bandit, which hit cinemas, the Pontiac Trans Am transformed from being just another car to becoming a poster child. It encapsulated freedom of the open roads, rebellion against authority, and adventure spirit that the Americans adored. Demand for Trans Ams shot through the roof overnight.
Actually, the movie boosted Pontiac sales very much. People wanted to become Burt Reynolds. They wanted to feel that thrill of the chase and a rush of rebellion. And let’s be honest, the car was part of that. The ‘Bandit’ made this car so legendary that even today, Trans Ams from the ’70s are highly sought after.
Pontiac Trans Am: Beyond the Movie
While the ’77 Trans Am will always be remembered as the car from “Smokey and the Bandit,” the automobile itself had a much longer production run. In fact, the American muscle car was in production from 1969 until 2002. Again, while every model year of this horse had its characteristics and updates, none approached the fame and cultural identity of the ’77 model.
The car became the holy grail for hot rod enthusiasts, who only wanted one that was black and gold with the screaming chicken. The car was a muscle car culture, but it was also a muscle car embodiment.
Why Is the “Bandit” Car So Successful?
Let’s talk about why this car is still holding America by the throat decades after the release of Smokey and The Bandit:
- Nostalgia: It is a movie of a slice of Americana in the late ’70s. The film is light-hearted, fun-filled, and has the car at its core. Whoever grew up in that era or loves this movie carries a lot of love for the Trans Am because it brings them to that simpler time.
- Design: Even today, the ’77 Trans Am is an automobile for the ages. Its black-and-gold coloration, along with its aggressive front-end treatment and sleek T-top, make this automobile rise above the rest. Scream those words: “Look at me”.
- Performance: Not to forget, the Trans Am was built for its time as a road animal; it may not be a match against the muscle cars we have now, but it was enough to prove its worth to stand out and attract many, especially during its young age.
- Rarity: With every passing year, the possibility of finding a ’77 Trans Am in good shape is getting scarcer. Getting one for the collection is the ultimate trophy for many collectors.
How Much Does Smokey and The Bandit Trans Am Cost Today?
If you’re thinking about purchasing one of these old beauties, look to break open the checkbook and be prepared to spend some money. A near-mint 1977 Pontiac Trans Am can run from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on mileage and originality. Completely restored or with a direct lineage to the film, that figure will easily reach into the stratosphere.
For the serious collector, it is not so much that it’s a piece of car history; it is a piece of pop culture.
The Legacy of Burt Reynolds and the Bandit Car
We can’t mention the car without some nods to the man who made it famous—Burt Reynolds. The man had charisma for days, and in that movie, the Trans Am was his co-star. When Reynolds passed away in 2018, there was renewed interest in Smokey and The Bandit, and people began clamoring once again for the Bandit’s car.
It’s not a movie prop; it was Burt’s ride, and for fans of the actor, owning that car is the ultimate tribute. Heck, in some auctions, Burt Reynolds’ personal Trans Am (which he owned and autographed) sold for over $300,000.
Related FAQ’s
1. Who Owns the Original Smokey and the Bandit Car?
The original Trans Am used in the Smokey and the Bandit movie was a promotional vehicle. While the actual movie cars were destroyed during filming, Burt Reynolds later owned a replica. This replica was auctioned off for over $300,000 after his passing.
2. What car was in Smokey and the Bandit?
The car in Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, marked by its black paint job, gold accents, and the screaming chicken decal on the hood.
3. Where Can I Get a Smokey and The Bandit Car for Sale?
Sometimes, you can find replicas or restored Smokey and the Bandit Trans Ams for sale through classic car auctions, specialty dealerships, or even online auction venues such as Hemmings and eBay Motors. The prices will depend upon the condition and authenticity.
4. Is The Firebird the Same as The Smokey and the Bandit Car?
Yes, the Smokey and the Bandit car was a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The Trans Am is a high-performance version of the Firebird that automatically made it the more powerful and stylish version seen in the film.
5. What Model was the Smokey and the Bandit Cop Car?
The cop cars mainly consisted of 1977 Pontiac LeMans models, which Sheriff Buford T. Justice, played by Jackie Gleason, traveled across most of the movie in hot pursuit of the Bandit.
In Conclusion, Pontiac is no longer manufacturing the Trans Am; it lost production in 2002, and the importance of this “Smokey and The Bandit” Trans Am lives on. Whether you are a car buff or even a movie buff, or perhaps just an appreciative enthusiast of the classic things, this is a legend that cannot even begin to be ignored by its cultural impact’s more than just four wheels and an engine; it is part of American history.
To most, the Trans Am conjures an era when muscle cars actually ruled the roads, when comedies were literally Hollywood movies, and Burt Reynolds was the most incredible man alive. If you are lucky enough to own one, then sit tight because the treasure is yours. Keep it clean, keep it loud, and most importantly, keep the legend alive.
