In 1977, Burt Reynolds starred in Smokey and the Bandit, a movie about a pair of guys smuggling beer - and a bride, across the states in a tractor trailer truck and a ‘77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The movie would go on to immortalize two careers: that of Burt Reynolds himself, and that of the Firebird Trans Am in all its glory, forever tying it to a film that can still be enjoyed to this day.
Pontiac’s beautiful Trans Am muscle car came equipped with a 6.6-liter V8, capable of 185 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The optional "T/A 6.6" engine made 200 hp and 325 lb-ft. Fitted with that optional engine, the Trans Am could run from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the ¼ mile in 16 seconds, which was quick for the time. The '77 Trans Am could be had with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
One of the biggest reasons the Trans Am became so iconic is its truly beautiful and timeless design. In front, the ‘77 Trans Am featured a muscular hood that dipped down into a pointed grille with a spoiler below the bumper. The bumpers were color-keyed and artfully blended into the body, unlike most cars of the day with their chrome-plated battering rams. The headlights integrate beautifully into the vehicle’s split grille, completing the cohesive front end design. Down the side, both fenders flare out just enough to hover comfortably above the Trans Am’s gorgeous multi-spoke golden wheels, and a pair of vents flank each side of the vehicle. Finally, the rear slopes down directly from the roof to meet the Firebird’s ducktail, which is placed directly above and around the rear light panel.
Above is one of the finest examples of the Smokey and the Bandit Firebird Trans Am that I've ever seen...right down to the license plate on the front of the car. If you are a Bandit fan, enjoy this beautiful piece of Americana!
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D7200 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
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