Over 40 years ago, Burt Reynolds landed his role in “Smokey and the Bandit,” a movie following two men as they travel across the U.S. in a tractor-trailer truck and a car. This timeless work of art made Reynolds an icon of 1970s American pop culture, but it also immortalized another thing… Yes, I’m referring to the car used by the duo on their journey – a ‘77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am!
With its head-turning appearance and incredible speed capabilities, this wild ride is the star of many crashes, high-speed chases, and gravity-defining stunts. As a homage to the movie’s 45th anniversary, let’s take a look at the “Smokey and the Bandit” car and what made it so iconic!
In Case You Are Not Familiar With “Smokey And The Bandit”…
This is the first thing you should know, then: It’s truly a cult classic.
Released in 1977, the American comedy film “Smokey and the Bandit” became an instant hit, captivating the hearts of audiences worldwide. Starring Burt Reynolds, Pat McCormick, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason, the film unfolds from a seemingly-silly idea: An ultra-rich Texas man craves some Coors Beer at a truck show.
But selling Coors without a certificate is against the state’s law. He has no choice but to seek help from Bo Darville (played by Burt Reynolds) – a truck driver also known as “The Bandit”. Bo agrees to take the beers from Texas and to Georgia, and he only has 28 hours for this mission.
After picking up Carrie (Sally Fied), a hot hitchhiker, Bo finds himself the target of Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason). Justice starts a high-speed chase after Bandit out of anger that Carrie rejected his son.
Smokey and the Bandit 1977 HD chase part
The Features Of The Iconic 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Without a doubt, what drove this movie to success was the cast’s brilliant performance. But the “Smokey and the Bandit” car also went on to be idolized by everyone, from youngsters to dads across the U.S.
Just by looking at it, you will know why: Featuring sleek lines, a signature “screaming chicken” hood ornament, and a seductive growl, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was an eye-catcher both on-screen and on the road. Its exterior featured a black paint job that shone brightly under any light, while inside, it had luxurious red leather upholstery with racing seats for four people.
At the heart of this powerful auto is a 6.6L V8 engine that offers an impressive 200 horsepower – more than enough to make any ride memorable. Other notable features include power steering, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a serpentine belt, and even an optional rear window defogger for those cold winter days. The iconic auto also had several safety features, such as dual circuit brakes and a locking steering column – making it safe enough to race around with.
The “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am was the perfect car for Burt Reynolds’ character. Not only did it have plenty of power to get him where he needed to go, but it looked great while on the mission. But hey, isn’t the design a bit too flashy for someone who needs to avoid the authority’s eyes?
From A Lowkey Model To A Cult Classic
Before “Smokey and the Bandit” was released, though, the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans wasn’t that outstanding. Or you can say, it was a bit overlooked by car enthusiasts. For most people, this was just another American “pony” car. “The Pontiac Firebird Trans was considered a direct rival to the Ford Mustang, and unfortunately, Ford’s signature auto stole all of the spotlights,” car collector Quinn Osha explained.
Its popularity only skyrocketed after being featured in the hit movie, and ever since, the car has become an icon for automotive enthusiasts everywhere. As people realized how much power was packed in that sporty “compact” appearance, many have tried to recreate The Bandit’s iconic car, with some even taking the time to restore the original 1977 Trans Ams to their former glory. There have also been several modern versions of the Pontiac Firebird released in recent years that pay homage to its classic predecessor.
No matter what version you drive today, there is no denying the special place that the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am holds in automotive history. It is an iconic car that will forever be remembered, not just as a part of the classic movie “Smokey and The Bandit” but also as a roaring beast that rocks the road anywhere it goes.
Where To Buy The Iconic “Smokey And The Bandit” Car?
If you are asking about the exact 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am featured in the movie… well, it was actually possible to buy it! In February 2022, the car was put up for auction at Barrett-Jackson. Anyone with some extra thousand bucks and a bit of luck could be the owner of this slice of movie history. As disclosed, the car was sold for nearly $500k, but the owner remained anonymous.
So you want to get some cheap moments with Burt Reynolds but don’t want to break the bank? Luckily, there are numerous sources available for purchasing your own Pontiac Firebird Trans Am! These can range from certified pre-owned vehicles being sold on eBay to other online auction sites like AutoZin or CarForSale.
Once in a while, classic car dealers specializing in vintage vehicles also have this model on sale. Additionally, some junkyards may have salvageable parts of the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am available for purchase.
Researching and comparing prices from various sources makes it possible to find a great deal on this renowned vehicle. But how much does it cost to own such a classic?
How Much Does The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Cost?
The price for a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am will vary depending on the condition and where you buy it.
For those looking for an original version of the car in good condition, expect to pay anywhere between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on mileage and any restoration work done. Those who are willing to settle for something less than pristine may be able to find one closer to $10,000 if they look hard enough. However, these cars will likely need more maintenance and repairs over time, which could add up quickly in terms of cost.
FAQs
Are There Any Modern Versions Of The Pontiac Firebird Released In Recent Years?
Yes, there have been several modern versions of the Pontiac Firebird released in recent years. These include the 2002-2006 Pontiac Firehawk, the 2010-2015 Pontiac Trans Am, and the recently released 2020 Pontiac GTO. Each of these vehicles pays homage to its classic predecessor by retaining styling cues from the 1977 model while also incorporating more modern technology and performance enhancements.
Does The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Require More Maintenance Or Repairs Than Other Vintage Cars?
The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am requires no more maintenance or repairs than other vintage cars, but it may require more attention, especially if you are a fan of “Smokey and the Bandit”!
Like all classic cars, the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am should be maintained regularly with professional inspections to avoid costly repairs in the future. Additionally, any original parts that have worn out should be replaced with authentic components as opposed to aftermarket versions. Doing this will ensure that the vehicle retains its original look and value for years to come.
Are There Any Junkyards That Have Salvageable Parts Of The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Available For Purchase?
Yes, some junkyards may have salvageable parts of the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am available for purchase. These parts can include engines, body panels, steering wheels, and tires, as well as other mechanical components.
It is important to inspect all these parts thoroughly before buying them, as they may need refurbishing or repairs before they can be used in a vehicle. Additionally, due to the scarcity of original parts for this classic car, it’s advised to compare prices between multiple vendors before making a purchase.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am maintenance
“For The Glory, And For The Fun”
Until now, car enthusiasts still argue over the potential of the “Smokey and the Bandit” car. Some suggest that the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is not as powerful as it looks, and what captured viewers were just camera trickery, smart alterations, and Bandit’s driving skills.
But if you take all the features of this fun auto into consideration, you will see how it’s a star on its own. DriveRevolve can assure you that. Trends might come and go, but the Firebird Trans Am remains a staple of automotive history simply because it is unrivaled. Give it a ride, and you will feel like a street hero in those Hollywood blockbusters!
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