The new 840-horse Bandit Trans Am would give Smokey a run for his money

By Miles Branman Published March 30, 2016

It’s been almost four decades since the Pontiac Trans Am was made famous as the co-star of the film “Smokey and the Bandit.” Now that the automaker has since gone bust, the only way for the world to greet a revived classic is through the work of Trans Am Depot, a specialty tuning shop that has introduced a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro-based limited-edition Trans Am.

That’s not all, Trans Am fans, the other co-star of “Smokey and the Bandit,” Burt Reynolds, has signed each of the 77 examples of the new car and was there to introduce the vehicle.

Recommended Videos

Worthly reports that when asked about the rise of the Trans Am and the movie that made it famous, Reynolds says, “it was hot in every way. It was a love story and most guys like a love story with a car in it.”

1 of 26

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0020 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0019 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2016 Bandit Trans Am — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0021 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 001 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0022 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0024 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 005 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0012 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0018 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0011 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0016 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0025 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0015 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0023 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0014 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 006 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 003 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 008 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0010 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0013 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 004 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 002 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 007 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 009 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

burt reynolds signs pontiac trans am revival models new bandit 0017 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The movie also had a special place in Trans Am Depot co-founder Tod Womack’s heart. “To see Smokey and the Bandit, it’s like you remember your first kiss, you always remember where you saw the movie, who you were with,” he said. Gee, doesn’t that just make you all warm and fuzzy?

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Brother and co-founder Scott Warmack recalls that within two weeks of the movie’s debut, their father bought not one, but two Trans Ams. I’ve never quite understood why people would buy two of the exact same car, especially a new (at the time) vehicle, but hey, if you love something that much …

And the brothers really must love the cars, because since 1977, the two have owned nearly 50 Trans Ams. Obsession? Possibly, but who else better to build a revival of the iconic Bandit-mobile?

For a long time, the Warmack brothers have been told that Burt Reynolds needs to be part of their business, and finally their dream has come true.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states

costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Cars

Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work

Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Cars

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?

Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.