Video: The Trans Am From The Film “Cannonball”

Car movies of the 1970’s have a special place in our hearts. They were made during a time of war, racial tension, and before something called political correctness ever existed. In many of the films, you can usually pick up on all of the hidden meanings and subliminal messages buried beneath the action and dialect. We sometimes wish movies of today still were made that way.

One of those films that falls under this category is the 1976 flick, Cannonball starring David Carradine. The storyline was written by Erwin G. “Cannon Ball” Baker who traveled across the U.S several times. It was also inspired by the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, the illegal cross-country road race introduced by Brock Yates protesting the then recently introduced 55 MPH speed limit. This race also inspired other films including the Cannonball Run film trilogy.

While the latter films directed by Hal Needham (of Smokey and the Bandit fame) were more slapstick, this one was more along the lines of action, suspense, and drama. What starts out as a friendly competitive race turns into a win-at-all-costs blood bath with cars crashing into one another, vehicles being sabotaged, people getting shot, and even a scene with police brutality.

There were plenty of cool cars too, including not one, but two identical ’73 Trans Ams, a ’69 Mustang, a ’68 Charger, a ’74 Corvette (piloted by David’s son, Robert), an early De Tomaso Pantera, and countless other vehicles of interest. We don’t want to spoil the ending for those of you that have never seen it, but we have included this video that a fan has put together showcasing every scene that featured the T/A.