How the Pontiac Trans Am Became a Hollywood Legend in Smokey and the Bandit

GenX Time Machine

The **Pontiac Trans Am**, a high-performance muscle car introduced in 1969, owes much of its legendary status to the 1977 film *Smokey and the Bandit*, starring **Burt Reynolds**. With its sleek black-and-gold exterior and the iconic “screaming chicken” decal on the hood, the car quickly became a symbol of rebellion and freedom for an entire generation of moviegoers. The film’s massive success and Reynolds’ portrayal of the charming and daring "Bandit" helped catapult the Trans Am to pop culture fame, where it remains an enduring American icon.
The film's director, **Hal Needham**, initially had a small budget, and Pontiac stepped in by providing four Trans Ams for the production. Though all four cars were ultimately destroyed during filming due to high-speed stunts, the car’s role in the movie was undeniable. The Trans Am was featured heavily in chase sequences, acting as an extension of Reynolds' character and becoming the unofficial star of the film.
After the movie hit theaters, demand for the Trans Am skyrocketed. **Pontiac sales doubled** in the late 1970s, as car buyers clamored for the “Bandit Edition” Trans Am, complete with the same black-and-gold color scheme. Despite its relatively modest horsepower for the era, the Trans Am's striking design and association with the film's carefree spirit made it one of the most sought-after cars of the time.
Burt Reynolds’s portrayal of “The Bandit” turned him into a cultural icon, and his partnership with the Trans Am played a large role in cementing his image as the ultimate cool guy of the 1970s. In an interview, Reynolds once joked about his driving skills—or lack thereof—while filming: “I wasn’t much of a driver off-set. I scratched up more than one Trans Am after they gave me one to drive home.”
The film’s lighthearted tone and intense car chases brought in audiences, making it the second-highest-grossing movie of 1977, trailing only behind *Star Wars*. **Jackie Gleason**, who played Sheriff Buford T. Justice, was allowed to improvise much of his dialogue, resulting in some of the movie’s most memorable moments. One of his improvised lines, “What we’re dealing with here is a complete lack of respect for the law!” became a fan favorite, adding to Gleason’s status as a comedic legend.
After the release of *Smokey and the Bandit*, the Trans Am became synonymous with the freedom of the open road and 1970s trucker culture. The movie also contributed to the rise of CB radio culture, which was heavily featured in the film as a way for Reynolds’ character to stay one step ahead of law enforcement. Phrases like “10-4” and “breaker” became part of the mainstream vernacular, further embedding the movie’s influence in American culture.
### Fun Fact:
Despite its iconic status, the Trans Am used in the film wasn’t the fastest muscle car on the market. Due to emissions regulations, it only boasted around 200 horsepower. Still, the car’s aesthetic appeal and association with Reynolds’ charismatic portrayal of “The Bandit” made it a classic.
Though the Pontiac brand was discontinued in 2010, the Trans Am’s legacy lives on. It remains a beloved collector’s item, with fans showing off their meticulously restored models at car shows and events. The enduring appeal of *Smokey and the Bandit* continues to draw new generations of fans, keeping the spirit of the Trans Am alive.
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