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“For the good old American life: For the money, for the glory, and for the fun… mostly for the money.” — Bandit

In 1977, the first of three Smokey and the Bandit movies hit the big screen and the world met the iconic character: The Bandit played by none other than Burt Reynolds. At the same time, audiences also laid eyes on the very famous Smokey and the Bandit car. This car, a 1977 Trans Am, was a perfect match for the Bandit.

It was in August of 1980 and again in 1983 that movie-goers and Bandit fans got to see the modern day moonshiner, Bo Danville, and the Bandit Trans Am in all its glory! Each movie added to the car’s fame and made it a part of Hollywood history.

Now, let’s get up close and personal with the official Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am!

SEE ALSO: The Truth About the Ferris Bueller Ferrari

The Official Smokey and the Bandit Car: The 1977 Trans Am

The black and gold 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used in the making of Smokey and the Bandit was a special edition version of the vehicle.

The movie Trans Am 1977 special edition was such a hit from the first Bandit movie that Pontiac sales skyrocketed. From 1977 to 1979 sales went up from 68,745 to a remarkable 117,108 units. The Trans Am Bandit edition driven in the movie was souped up with a V8 engine and the grille was upgraded featuring four square headlamps.

There were four 1977 Trans Ams used in the making of the first Smokey and the Bandit film three used during filming and a fourth for promotional purposes. But as you may recall, the Trans Am Bandit driven throughout the movie went through hell and back. One of them was completely destroyed in that bridge jump scene, and by the end of filming none of the cars survived. May all the Smokey and the Bandit cars rest in peace (or rather pieces) in the car graveyard.

Chedfck out the famous movie scene where the Bandit edition Trans Am takes a turn for the worse:

Luckily there was one other non-production Bandit Trans Am that was used for promotional purposes and it is still intact. This promotional car was actually Burt Reynolds’ Trans Am who then sold it to an anonymous buyer. It went up for auction with its original drivetrain and engine back in January 2017 for 1 million smackers.

Although, this is the only remaining official Bandit Trans Am left in the world, 40 years later a new edition of the Smokey and the Bandit car is here for all of its fans to drive.

The New Smokey and the Bandit Car: The 2016 Trans Am

Even after 40 years, the Smokey movies and Bandit Trans Am remain a favorite for many. So much so that we are now given another opportunity to see the iconic car — but this time in person! The new Trans Am Bandit edition is here and now is your chance to step into the boots of Bo Danville and take this bad boy for a hellish spin.

Please Note: It is NOT suggested to attempt recreating stunts that were performed in the original Smokey and the Bandit car.

Announced at the 2016 New York Auto Show, Trans Am Depot planned to build a limited edition version of the iconic car as tribute to the unforgettable character and movies. A total of only 77 units of the new Bandit Trans Am were built. The number built could be yet another tribute to the cult classic that was released in 1977.

The new car is pretty spectacular even if it wasn’t meant to be the re-invented Smokey and Bandit Trans Am. Equipped with an impressive 840-hp 7.4L V8 engine that guns it to 0-60 mph in 3 seconds and maxes out at a spitfire speed of 200mph.

The cost of the latest Bandit Trans Am is $115k.

Of course, the spokesperson for the special edition car is Burt Reynolds himself. I don’t think we could have it any other way. Check it out:

Now that the Smokey and the Bandit car has been reinvented, what do you think the chances are that Universal Studios will try and remake the movie?