Description
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I have owned this car for approximately seven years. I purchased it from a genuine Smokey and the Bandit enthusiast in the USA, who himself had owned it for a number of years. During his ownership, the car attended many events, and the photographs I have are fantastic, showing the car alongside various recreations from the film at different shows.
One of the most important aspects of this car’s history relates to the previous owner, Jere. In 2018, he took the car to an event called Bubbafest, where Burt Reynolds was signing memorabilia. Jere met Burt in person and had both the glove box and the rear number plate signed by him.
Very sadly, as I understand it, Burt Reynolds passed away just a few weeks later. It is my belief that this was the last public event Burt attended, and I also understand that there were no other Trans Ams present at the event, other than the promotional car. As such, this may well be one of the very last cars Burt Reynolds ever signed.
Since the car arrived in the UK, I have spent approximately £9, 000 on it. It is now fully UK registered and has benefitted from:
• Paintwork improvements
• Mechanical work
• A fitted CB radio
It really is a fantastic-looking car and always draws attention wherever it goes.
I have since learned that all of the cars used in the original film were 1976 models fitted with 1977 front noses. I did consider fitting a ’77 nose to this car; however, it retains the appearance of a 1976 LE Special Edition, which is incredibly rare in its own right. For that reason, I decided to keep it as it is.
Given the prices these cars are now achieving in the USA, combined with this car’s unique story and provenance, I genuinely believe it represents excellent value at this level. I am confident that if the car were sent back to the United States—particularly to a specialist Smokey and the Bandit event—it would achieve a higher figure.
The car is a little bit different, and it certainly causes a stir wherever it goes. However, it doesn’t get used as much as it deserves, and it seems pointless for it to simply sit with me.
It is a truly fantastic-looking car with an exceptional backstory. I also have excellent videos, including burnout footage taken by the previous owner, which really capture the spirit of the car.
