1978 Bandit Trans Am - Survivor 28K Original Miles Autographed by BURT REYNOLDS!

1978 Pontiac Trans Am Description

Here's the story...This 1978 Bandit Trans Am was purchased by its original owner in December of 1977 in Holbrook, Arizona. It was transported to Ohio by a new owner in 2003 who had buyer’s remorse and sold it to me on May 9, 2003, with 12,686 original miles on it. I drove it back to Illinois where I was living, and it was garage kept. It was transported to Los Angeles when I moved here in 2013. The car currently has 28,864 original miles on it. I have shown it at various car shows and at Trans Am Nationals where it qualifies in the rare “Survivor” category.

The car’s build sheet shows that it was a “radio delete” car, but at some point before I purchased it a Jensen aftermarket radio was added. I have done minimal work on the car. I replaced the exhaust with a Pypes 2.5” dual exhaust cross over pipe system to enhance the sound and performance of the engine. I replaced the wheels with period correct WS6 wheels. A new brake master cylinder was put on in 2012. In 2013 I had two California compliant catalytic converters added so it would pass a smog test, although it has not been presented for a smog test or licensed in the state of CA yet. The only other thing I did was obtain the original signature of Burt Reynolds on the glove compartment.

In 2011 I attended a movie tribute to Burt Reynolds at which he was making a personal appearance. Smokey and the Bandit was one of the films being featured, so I called the theater to ask if they would like me to exhibit my original Smokey and The Bandit Trans Am for the attendees to enjoy. The PR person accepted my offer. Upon arriving my brother and I were ushered backstage to a dressing room for a private meeting with Burt, at which time we chatted about the car and he signed the glove compartment. I have the photos showing this meeting and showing him autographing the glove compartment. These photos will be given to the purchaser only.

Following are the items I have for the car:

Documentation:
-Pontiac Historical Society (PHS) report
-PHS Window sticker reproduction
-PHS B/W Photo
-Original ‘build sheet’ of all options—confirms the Y82 Special Edition option and the W72 engine upgrade
-Original Sales Agreement from Hall Ford Sales in Holbrook, AZ from 12/29/77
-Original owner license documentation
-Original Pontiac owner’s manual
-Original Pontiac service manual

-Original 1978 Pontiac sales brochures

Unique features of the car:
-Miles at purchase 12,686, current miles 28,864

-Signed by Burt Reynolds with photos of signing

-Pontiac T/A 6.6 litre 400 4 bbl engine
-Hurst T-Tops
-Hurst T-Top bag
-Hurst T-Top inspection sticker on left door jamb
-Original Pontiac Trans Am Floor mats
-Original unused ‘blowup’ spare tire with canister
-Original spare tire instruction stickers on trunk lid
-Original shaker that has not been cut or drilled open

This Bandit is in original condition. Though the photos don’t show the imperfections well, the paint is lightly checkered and the bird is in fair condition. After purchasing it I went back and forth about whether or not to paint it and restore it to brand new condition. However after going to Trans Am Nationals and seeing hundreds of cookie-cutter, overly restored cars that look exactly alike and only a dozen true originals that qualified in the survivor category, I made up my mind to keep it a survivor. It’s only original once, and like any antique, all of its imperfections tell its life story. It runs great even though I haven’t driven it much in the past couple of years.

I had the best of intentions to show thisgorgeous carat California car shows when I moved a few years ago, but unfortunately a hectic schedule has prevented me from even licensing it, and my Bandit has become a garage queen that occasionally gets spotted with excitement by a passerby when my garage door is open. Whenever the car is visible my doorbell rings and someone asks to see it or asks if I will show it to their kids. This car needs to go to an owner who understands what it is, appreciates it, and wants to show it, as I believe historic cars such as this one should be shared with the public as often as possible. Every time I drive it, it turns heads and draws a crowd, and someone always asks me if I would be interested in selling it. All numbers match, clean title, and the ownership history is documented. The documentation and lineage are impeccable and prove it is an original survivor, which is extremely rare if not completely impossible to find any more on a Bandit Trans Am. Here it is out of nowhere, your dream car Bandit Trans Am in great condition with low mileage, an original survivor -- and autographed by the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds!

I will not, at any price, sell parts from this car or sell the autographed glove box separately. Every piece of this car and its documentation goes with it when it is sold.