Smokey and the Bandit

1978 Smokey and the Bandit 1978 Pontiac Trans Am

1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Pontiac created more than just a new car when it introduced the restyled 1970 Firebird Trans Am; it spawned what would become a pop culture icon. As other muscle cars faded through the ‘70s the Trans Am continued to carry the torch for high-performance American muscle, and it got its biggest boost when it was chosen as the star car for the 1977 hit movie Smokey and the Bandit that starred Burt Reynolds in the title role. Two sequels appeared in theaters later, but it wouldn’t have mattered, for Reynolds and his Starlight Black Trans Am Special Edition became instant pop culture icons. Powered by the Pontiac 6.6L V-8 engine teamed with a Turbo 3-speed automatic they drove straight into the history books.