Burt Reynolds 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Burt Reynolds 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

Released in 1977, the movie Smokey and the Bandit probably did more to sell Pontiac Trans Ams than any advertising campaign in the brand’s history. As the second-highest grossing film of 1977, it cemented actor Burt Reynolds’ reputation as a bona-fide superstar, so it stands to reason that a car with ties to both the movie and the actor would command a premium price at auction. In the fall of 2014, a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am used to promote the film (but not in the actual filming) and later gifted to Reynolds sold for $450,000 at a Julien’s Auctions sale in Las Vegas, far exceeding the $80,000 pre-auction estimate.

The Pontiac was part of a Burt Reynolds-specific auction that included everything from paintings and sculpture through clothing and movie memorabilia, all formerly part of the actor’s personal collection. A gas-powered black Trans Am replica go-kart (also said to be a promotional item from Smokey and the Bandit) sold for $13,750, while the red-with-black trim “Bandit” jacket worn by Reynolds in the movie fetched $34,375. Even a shirt worn by Reynolds in the movie managed to achieve a selling price of $15,625, making the $20,000 paid for his “Bandit” cowboy boots seem like a relative bargain.


The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am sold had been given to Reynolds following its use in promotional appearances to support the film. A plaque inside the door identifies the car as being owned by Reynolds, and a copy of the title supplied with the car lists Reynolds as a previous owner. “Bandit” is even lettered on the driver’s door, just in case the car’s new owner forgets its provenance. Aside from these identifying features, the car is believed to be otherwise stock, equipped with a 403-cu.in., 185-horsepower V-8 mated to a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission.

Interested to see the other items from the Burt Reynolds Auction and the amounts they brought in? Check it out here!

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