From the late 1960s to early 2000s, the Firebird Trans Am was as iconic a muscle car as any American-made muscle car out there.
Now, the thrilling ride is being revved up for a return via a limited-edition run. Fox Sports is reporting that the iconic Firebird Trans Am is back with 77 models of its limited Bandit edition, which was immortalized in the Smokey and the Bandit string of movies. Adding to the nostalgia is that all 77 models of the Trans Am Bandit edition will be autographed by the star of the films himself — none other than Burt Reynolds.
In fact, Reynolds helped the special relaunch of the iconic vehicle, narrating a video announcing its return. The Bandit edition of the Trans Am is also on display at the New York International Auto Show from now until the event wraps up this Sunday.
For auto enthusiasts especially, this is like a dream come true. Pontiac originally made a splash with the Trans Am in 1967, revving it out until 2002 before the automaker ended production seven years later in 2009. That being said, despite Pontiac crossing its finish line, the company Trans Am Depot licensed its name and logo from the parent company General Motors for the rights to still produce custom Trans Am models like the Bandit. The only catch is these 77 Trans Ams were actually rebuilt from Chevy Camaros, which are flagship vehicles under Chevy's line, which is also a GM automaker.
According to Tod Warmack, co-founder of Trans Am Worldwide, each Firebird Trans Am Bandit model touts upward of 230 new parts in addition to turbo-charged engines, which could rev up to around 840 roaring horsepower. That kind of screaming power attached to an iconic vehicle like the Trans Am — logo and all — will cost you in the neighborhood of $70,000 and all the way up to $115,000.
We love the way Reynolds growls right along with the Bandit Trans Am's reintroduction here, even driving the limited-edition car off into the sunset to end the clip.
"Yeah, it was hot. It was hot in every way," the legendary actor says in the video about the car. "It was a love story and most guys have a love story with their car."
Pretty awesome, to say the least.
