This 1977 Trans Am has all the important option codes and is fresher than when it left the factory 42 years ago
This has to be one of the most recognizable cars from movie history. The car that was lead character in the second highest grossing film of 1977 - Smokey And The Bandit. A film that took over $250 Million at the box office, and was second only to Star Wars.
Sales doubled overnight for the Trans Am and with good reason, it was the curtain call of the muscle car era. The final muscle car to survive in a world of economy boxes, the strangled 6.6 liter V8 gave meagre horsepower compared to its forefathers, but what it stood for was far more important.
Naturally, given the fame bestowed upon the Trans Am thanks to Burt Reynolds legacy, values for true Special Edition W72 models have soared in recent years, with the best of the best now creeping towards $100,000 in some cases.
The car offered here, by Restore A Muscle Car, is one of the true Y82 SE Trans Ams. Having undergone a fully blown restoration that leaves it looking better than factory fresh, this is the one to have. Even the original build sheet is included, and shows the optional W72 engine package along with the Special Edition option.
Those in the know will instantly recognize the W72 option code as the best Pontiac could offer in a world of catalytic converters. As the most powerful engine available to them at the time, this 400 cubic-inch produced 220 horsepower. Although that may sound meagre, for 1977 that was fairly heroic, and with 325 lb/ft of torque as perhaps the measure of most importance.
Having resided in Arizona its whole life, this example is particularly rust free and is a matching numbers car. Despite not being specified, performance parts have allegedly brought this exquisite car to life. Judging by the OEM emissions equipment typically fitted to these, we would assume a proper dual exhaust has been fitted to allow that 6.6-liter to really breath.
For more information on this Trans Am visit Restore A Muscle Car.
