Nearly forty years has passed since the release of Smokey and the Bandit, and even still, the black and gold Trans Am remains as iconic as ever. As a sentimental tip of the stetson hat, Trans Am Depot, a specialist out of Tallahassee, Florida, have recreated the classic in a modern embodiment. Because Pontiac disbanded back in 2010, this new car, known as the Bandit, is based off a current Camaro. But with a custom interior and exterior, 840 horsepower and each of the 77 units signed by Burt Reynolds himself, this is so much more than a standard muscle car.
It’s more of a milestone, a marker of one’s halcyon years, or a throwback to simpler times. The Trans Am seems to inspire feelings of joy in enthusiasts. For instance, Trans Am Depot co-founder Todd Womack mentions “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.” To many men, it isn’t merely a straight-line sensation, but a romantic remembrance of their past.
But Smokey and the Bandit was what it was because of speed, and naturally, this car doesn’t lack any in that department. By using a 7.4-liter LSX motor mated to a 2.9-liter supercharger, the new T/A lays down 840 horsepower, which is enough to roast the tires at freeway speeds, as Mr. Reynolds gleefully demonstrates towards the end of the clip. Therefore, even if the looks are a little too bellbottom jeans and platform shoes for you, the grunt should have any red-blooded male salivating.
The aesthetics are what make the car, ultimately. With gold and black leather seats, a stylish bandit logo embroidered onto the headrests, retro-looking taillights and of course, the giant screaming chicken adorning the hood, it’s bound to get noticed wherever it goes. And go it will — quickly — because only 77 of these cars will be made.
Starting at $115,000, they’re not cheap, but with Reynolds’ signature adorning each car and enough attitude to level every disco in the neighboring vicinity, they’ll go fast.