Total production for the year was 20,862. Pontiac designed the Esprit as the luxury Firebird, and also gave it the 350 V8 standard. The base models came in second with a total production of 22,293.
While the top selling Firebird had previously alternated between the base model and the Esprit, both of these were eclipsed in 1975 by the Trans Am, which would lead Firebird sales for the rest of the second-generation models. The elimination of the pony car competition allowed Firebird sales to flourish. Base model Firebirds were equipped with a 250 CID six-cylinder rated at 100 horsepower, while the base V8 was a 350 CID motor rated at 155 horsepower. Other engine options remained essentially the same as they had been the previous year. The top 455 engine in 1974 produced 290 horsepower. However, this engine was simply taken from Pontiac’s Bonneville and was rated at a mere 200 horsepower. However, in the middle of the year they bent to consumer (and press) wishes and brought back a 455. Pontiac had elected not to include a 455 CID V8 model as had previously been customary, likely in response to rising fuel prices. This is despite the fact that, at the beginning the model year, the top performing engine was a 400 CID V8 that produced a mere 185 horsepower. And since the Z28 model was discontinued for 1975, the Firebird Trans Am was easily the top performing pony car that year.
More importantly, it dramatically increased visibility, which had been a major problem with the first of the second-generation models.Īfter the elimination of most of the pony car competition throughout the 1974 model year, Firebird was left to compete only with its GM sister Camaro. The altered front end wasn’t as drastic as the wrap around window, which provided a sleek new look to the cars. CarScoops says the seller is also offering “an engraved dedication plate affixed to the driver’s door and an autographed copy of Burt Reynolds’ autobiography, ‘ But Enough About Me.’ The buyer will also receive a late-’70s style “Trans Am” jacket and a “Bandit” cowboy hat, as well as a DVD copy of Smokey and the Bandit.While the overall look of the Firebird stayed the same from the previous year, the minor updates helped this and subsequent models really stand out. Where will the Bandit-1 be sold?īurt Reynold’s 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE is heading to the 2022 Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson car auction. I’ll say that one more time: This is the only Firebird Burt Reynolds ever owned. Shortly after the film’s launch, the ‘77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was given to Reynolds as a thank you gift.Īlthough we can’t see Burt Reynolds without seeing the Bandit-1, this was the only Trans Am that Reynolds ever owned. It is so iconic that it’s hard to believe it was ever made in an American car factory.Īs we mentioned before, this cop-thwarting screaming chicken wasn’t a picture car, but it was used extensively as a promotional prop for the film’s release and marketing. I don’t know if there’s another car model that is so indelibly linked to a film (maybe the DeLorean), quite like the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE in a black and gold finish. 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE “Bandit-1” | Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson What is the Smokey and the Bandit car?
#Pontiac firebird trans am movie
This is one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, and now it can be yours. Although this Trans AM wasn’t one of the picture cars, it was gifted to the Lord of the Launch, Burt Reynolds, AKA The Bandit from Smokey and the Bandit. Behold! This is the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SE.
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