Iconic Firebird Auction
The only Smokey & the Bandit Trans-Am in existence will be auctioned on January 30th.
Of the five Pontiac Firebird Trans Am cars used in the production and promotion of the iconic 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit”, only one remains in existence, and it will be auctioned off January 30 in Scottsdale, AZ, at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Auction Co.
Since it is the film’s last remaining Firebird Trans Am known to exist with a direct tie to the movie, the car has garnered national attention. As Universal Studios’ official “promo car”, this Firebird Trans Am was used exclusively to promote the film. The other four identical Trans Am cars used in production were badly damaged as a result of the high-speed chase scenes and were later returned to General Motors and crushed. When the current owner purchased this Trans Am at an estate sale last year, he discovered the engine had not been started since 1985, and found inside the car was a certificate from Universal Studios stating that this VIN car was used for the film’s promotion, and a dash plaque from General Motors stating this car’s tie to the movie. In addition, he found an original script of the film, “Smokey and the Bandit”, maps from film locations, and press kits used in 1977. In addition, the car states “Universal Promo Car” on the title.
To ensure this car collector’s dream was painstakingly restored to its original, like-new condition, the car has undergone a complete frame-off rotisserie restoration by McLaughlin Museum, and the car’s authenticity has been documented by the Pontiac Historical Society, (PHS). In addition, the vehicle features the original drivetrain, including the favored Pontiac-build 400 ci TA 6.6 engine and 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, and it is equipped identically to the same specs as those cars which were used in the movie. It also features the Special Edition package, which includes the distinctive black and gold paint, removable T-tops, custom trim, and AM/FM radio with stereo 8-track player. To complete the car’s date with destiny as a crown jewel to any car collector’s stable, thorough documentation is included, and it is signed by Burt Reynolds.
Mr. Reynolds is expected to appear at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale Arizona on Saturday, Jan 30 for the sale of this piece of movie history and to meet its new owner. A video from Burt Reynolds can be found here, telling the story of this Trans Am, https://youtu.be/uBk9wp3ecb8
Due to its one-of-a-kind status and historical significance, both as a collector’s car and as a treasured piece of Hollywood movie memorabilia, the Firebird Trans Am will be featured as part of the exclusive Barrett-Jackson 2016 Salon Collection. The car has drawn lot #1350.1 for its auction at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. More information on this rare gem that re-defined the muscle car era can be found at Generation Auto, at http://generationauto.tv/auction/, its affiliated social media channels, and at Barrett-Jackson, (www.barrett-jackson.com).
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