Tech & Auto
What Really Makes A 'Bandit Edition' Pontiac Trans Am Unique
By SHANE SCHMID
When "Smokey and the Bandit" hit theaters, Pontiac saw a sales boom, as the film featured a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am with an updated front fascia from the yet unreleased 1977 model.
While the "Bandit Edition" Trans Am is iconic, Pontiac never actually made an official model. Instead, it's a name bestowed on classic Trans Ams that match the film's car.
There are specific details that make it a "Bandit Edition" Trans Am. The car needs black paint with gold accents and the Pontiac "Snowflake" wheels with silver and gold accents.
The Firebird decal across the hood is required. The car from the film also had a hood scoop, side scoops, Trans Am lettering, T-tops, and a rear spoiler.
A "Bandit Edition" doesn't have to be a 1977 model, but it needs to look as close to the original as possible. The engine and interior can also vary.