The car from Smokey and the Bandit was a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, often mistaken for a 1977 Firebird. In reality, it was a 1976 Special Edition modified to look like the 1977 model.
Popularly known as the Bandit car, this Pontiac wasn’t just another vehicle. With its flashy outlook, roaring V8 engine, and Burt Reynolds behind the wheel, It was the star of the film. To this date, this car remains a cultural icon and one of the most recognizable muscle cars ever featured in Hollywood’s history.
Whether you are a long-time collector, a classic car fan, or someone who just watched the movie for the first time and got intrigued by the beauty chased by cop cars through the South, this guide is for you.
Here, you will learn everything you should know in 2025 about the original Bandit car, its value, its legacy, and where you can find one today.
The Iconic Smokey And The Bandit Car
The Bandit car in the movie was a black and gold beauty, customized impressively for strong screen presence and muscle. Pontiac provided four Trans Ams for the movie. Three were wrecked, and the fourth barely survived production. Surely, the cop cars and police car chases were iconic, but it was the Bandit’s Trans Am that stole the show.
| Feature | Details |
| Model | 1976 Trans Am with 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (SE) front end and decals |
| Engine | 6.6L V8 |
| Paint | Starlight Black with Gold accents |
| Nickname | Bandit Car |
| Key Features | Gold “screaming chicken” hood decal, T-top roof, honeycomb wheels, shaker hood |
| Stunt Doubles | 2 Car and 3 Car, used for rough sequences |
The original Smokey and the Bandit car defined cool and style in the late 1970s. The feature in the movie skyrocketed Trans Am sales by over 30% in the year the movie was released. The movie showcased that this Pontiac was more than just a performance. It was the attitude, and people wanted to drive it in real life.
Why The Bandit Car Became A Legend
The Smokey and the Bandit car became a legend and a pop culture icon because it perfectly captured the 1970s spirit of freedom, rebellion, and cool. The best part is that this ride looked damn good doing it.
In the movie, the car outran dozens of police cars, handles brutal jumps, and even slides around the corners with style. The stunt work was done using multiple vehicles, referred to as the 2 car and 3 car on the set. These extras were designed specifically for high-impact scenes like car crashes.
The cherry on top was Burt Reynolds playing the Bandit and giving the vehicle its true charisma. He was a natural behind the wheel. His swagger and the Trans Am’s raw power made for an unbeatable combination.
My most memorable events from the movies are the times when cop cars clumsily crashed into everything, whereas the Bandit’s Firebird glided through chaos like a rockstar on wheels.
In a time when muscle cars were fading out, the movie gave the Pontiac Trans Am a second life.
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Real 1977 Trans Am or Movie Magic
The movie’s magic on the spot. Every single person who watched the movie believed that the car used in the movie was a 1977 model. However, originally, it was a 1976 Pontic Trans Am modified to appear as a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Special Edition.
The reason behind this was that Pontiac hadn’t finished building the 1977 front-end model when the filming started. So, the production team was forced to improvise. They used the 1976 models and installed a 1977 Trans Am nose, grille, and shaker hood scoop on them.
The iconic shaker scoop on the hood and the gold trim kit came from the Special Edition Firebird Trans Am package. You should not feel surprised as this kind of creativity substitution is common in Hollywood. However, there are only a few vehicles that have been able to blur the lines between original and on-screen legends as much as the Bandit’s car.
Quick Differences:
- 1976 had round headlights and a different nose cone
- 1977 featured four square headlights and an updated grille
These changes helped define the bold look of the Bandit’s car, and in turn, shaped the Firebird’s identity for years.
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How Many Bandit Cars Were Used in the Movie?
A total of four Trans Ams were used during the filming of Smokey and the Bandit. The interesting part is that each of these vehicles had nicknames: 1 car, 2 car, 3 car, and hero car, and each was assigned a specific task.
1 Car (Beauty/Prep Car)
The 1 car was mostly used for publicity stills, stationary shots, or low-risk scenes. It was not used in stunts but served as a backup for the hero car.
2 Car (Stunt Car)
The 2 car was actively used in the medium-level stunts, including jumps, slides, and chases. It was modified for durability but retained some interior features for filming continuity. This car saw significant wear.
3 Car (High-Impact Stunt Car)
The 3 car was heavily modified by the production for destruction scenes like rollovers, jumps, high-speed takeoffs, and scenes involving cop car crashes. This one never made it out of the filming and was likely scrapped.
Hero Car (Close-Ups/Cabin Shots)
The hero car was used for interior scenes, close-up driving shots, and static camera moments. This was the cleanest and most complete model of all. However, even this one was unable to escape the damage. After the shooting wrapped, it was barely drivable.
Where Is The Real Bandit Trans Am Today?
All cars were heavily used during filming, and none survived in their glorious form. No confirmed car from the original movie exists today, but a few officially licensed replicas and tributes live on.
One famous example is the Burt Reynolds tribute Trans Am. It was a promotional car that was never used in filming but was signed and driven by Reynolds himself. It was auctioned through Mecum and has since appeared at car shows and the American Muscle Car Museum in Florida. The legendary Bandit lives on in builds, museum displays, and fan events like the Bandit Run.
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Bandit Car Is Still Expensive
In 2025, the value of a Smokey and the Bandit car ranges from $30,000 for a replica to over $300,000+ for authenticated, limited-edition, or celebrity-signed versions.
- Restored 1977 SE Trans Ams: $60,000–$120,000
- Tribute builds (2019–2025): $150,000–$250,000
- Signed editions by Burt Reynolds: Priceless to the right buyer
Cars signed by Burt Reynolds or built by Trans Am Worldwide (creators of the 840HP tribute editions) can cost serious money. The 2019 Bandit Edition, built by Trans Am Worldwide, features an 840HP LSX engine, modern tech, and street-legal performance, blending nostalgia with real horsepower.
In 2024, a custom tribute car went unsold at an auction after failing to meet its reserve. Thus, do not fall prey to clones. Check the VIN or build sheet to ensure you are paying for an original.
Bandit Run and Modern-Day Tribute Cars
The love and craze for the Firebird Smokey and the Bandit car lives on thanks to modern recreations and the Bandit Run. If you don’t know, the Bandit Run is a yearly, multi-state rally that retraces the original movie route from Texarkana to Atlanta. If you are a true fan of the movie, it is one of the best places to see these legendary cars in action.
The movie and its car are now more relevant than ever as interest in retro muscle cars is on the rise. The Bandit Run 2025 is expected to draw even more attention as the film approaches its 50th anniversary.
2025 Bandit Run Highlights:
- 500+ Bandit-style Trans Ams expected
- Stops at filming locations
- Meetups, car shows, and driving events
In addition, builders like Trans Am Depot and Custom Classics USA are still producing street-legal Bandit editions. You can find all the right visual cues, including T-tops, shaker hoods, snowflake wheels, and modern powertrains to match.
Spotting A Real Bandit Trans Am At A Car Show
Several tribute builds of the original Smokey and the Bandit car exist, making it hard to identify the real one. However, if you are in on the identifying game, look for the following features:
- Factory Special Edition trim code in the VIN
- T-top roof with Fisher body panels
- Black and gold Firebird decal package
- Shaker scoop hood
- Gold snowflake wheels
- Gold pinstripes
I recommend you never rely solely on the looks of the vehicle. Real collector Trans Am includes build sheets, PHS documentation, factory records, and matching VINs. So, if you are ever in doubt, ask to see the papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Bandit Trans Am street legal?
Yes. Many modern Bandit tribute builds, like those from Trans Am Depot, are fully US street-legal and road-ready.
Are any Bandit cars still around today?
Yes, a few tribute and promo cars survive today and can be seen at shows or in museums.
Was the movie car a real 1977 Trans Am?
No, it was a 1976 Trans Am modified to present like the 1977 model.
How much is the Bandit car worth in 2025?
Depending on condition and provenance, anywhere from $30,000 to $300,000+.
What were the police cars chasing the Bandit?
In the movie, several vintage cop cars were used, mostly 1970s full-size sedans like Pontiac LeMans and Dodge Monacos, outfitted for stunts and destruction.
Conclusion
The car from Smokey and the Bandit is more than just a cool car that appeared in a movie. It is a symbol of freedom, style, and the soul of American muscle culture. Whether you’re hunting for one for sale, building a tribute, or just appreciating it from afar, the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am remains one of the most recognizable and desirable American cars ever made.
And in 2025, with events like the Bandit Run, modern tribute builds, and renewed collector interest, its legacy is stronger than ever.
