Home Celebrity Surprising Facts About The Legendary “Smokey and The Bandit” Trans Am

Celebrity

Surprising Facts About The Legendary “Smokey and The Bandit” Trans Am

Cameron Eittreim May 1, 2023

The Film’s Director Chose The Car

“Smokey and the Bandit” director Hal Needham was a former stuntman and racer who had a deep love for cars. According to Needham, he had originally planned to use a different car in the film but changed his mind after seeing a Trans Am at a car show. The car’s sleek lines struck him. He was convinced it would be the perfect choice for the film’s high-speed chase scenes (via Get Jerry).

Needham’s decision to feature the Trans Am in the film proved to be a stroke of genius. The car quickly became an iconic symbol of American muscle cars and racing culture. The film’s success helped propel the Trans Am into the mainstream and cemented its status as a beloved cultural icon for generations of car enthusiasts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

The Black and Gold Paint Scheme Was Exclusive

The distinctive color scheme, which consists of a black exterior with gold accents and trim is a Pontiac exclusive. The film’s director Hal Needham chose the black and gold color scheme. The color scheme was also intended to pay homage to the iconic black and gold uniforms worn by the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, one of Needham’s favorite teams (via Get Jerry).

The black and gold paint scheme quickly became closely associated with the Trans Am. The color scheme was available as an option on 1977 and 1978 Trans Ams. The color was so popular that Pontiac continued to offer it as a special edition. The 1977 Trans Am also featured some other unique design elements. These included a shaker hood scoop and a special “screaming chicken” decal on the hood.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

The Stock Engines Broke All The Rules

The 1977 Trans Am was available with a range of V8 engines, including a 6.6-liter option that produced 200 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft of torque. In the film, the Trans Am is shown performing various impressive stunts. The car can be seen jumping over a bridge and outrunning a police car. Some of these stunts were accomplished with special effects and camera tricks. But the car’s actual performance was a key factor in making these scenes (via Get Jerry).

The Trans Am’s speed and handling were also important factors in its success as a high-performance vehicle. The car’s suspension was tuned for maximum handling, and its large disc brakes provided excellent stopping power. The Trans Am’s rear-wheel drive and wide tires also helped improve traction and acceleration, allowing it to achieve impressive speeds.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

It Was Auctioned Off For $275,000

The “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am is obviously very famous in the movie car world. After the movie’s release in 1977, the car went on tour to promote the film, It was sold to a private collector in 1986. Over the years, the car changed hands several times before being auctioned off in 2016 for an impressive sum of $275,000. The car’s popularity and unique place in film history undoubtedly contributed to its high sale price (via Get Jerry).

However, it’s also worth noting that the car itself was a highly sought-after and rare model. The car was sold at auction by Julien’s Auctions. The auction attracted a lot of interest from car enthusiasts and film fans alike. The Trans Am ultimately sold for well above its estimated value.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Similarities With The Camaro

The 1977 Trans Am and the Chevrolet Camaro were both produced by General Motors on the same platform. Both cars featured classic American muscle car styling, with long hoods, short rear decks, and aggressive front grilles. Under the hood, the 1977 Trans Am and Camaro shared many of the same engine options. Although the Camaro was less expensive the Trans Am gained a lot of popularity (via Get Jerry).

The Camaro was known for its excellent handling and was often favored by racing enthusiasts. While the Trans Am and Camaro shared many similarities, there were also key differences between the two cars. The Trans Am was often viewed as the more luxurious and upscale of the two. The Camaro, on the other hand, was often seen as the more budget-friendly option.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

It’s One Of The Greatest Prop Cars Ever

The “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am is without a doubt one of the most iconic prop cars in history. Its paint scheme, shaker hood, and other distinctive features are instantly recognizable. The car was an essential part of the film’s storyline. From high-speed chases to daring stunts, the Trans Am captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers around the world. Despite its status as a beloved film prop, the car was much more than just a pretty face (via Get Jerry).

Under the hood, the Trans Am was powered by a powerful V8 engine capable of delivering impressive speed and performance. This made it not only a great prop car but also a highly desirable and sought-after vehicle. Over the years, the “Smokey and the Bandit” Trans Am has become a cultural icon. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest prop cars in history. Although there were other popular prop cars like the Dodge Charger in ‘Dukes of Hazard,’ the Trans Am from ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ was an unstoppable icon.

<< Previous

Surprising Facts About The Legendary “Smokey and The Bandit” Trans Am

The Film’s Director Chose The Car

The Black and Gold Paint Scheme Was Exclusive

The Stock Engines Broke All The Rules

It Was Auctioned Off For $275,000

Similarities With The Camaro

It’s One Of The Greatest Prop Cars Ever

POPULAR