There are few cars more instantly recognizable—or more unapologetically cool—than the black and gold Pontiac Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit. It wasn’t just a star of the 1977 cult classic; it became a pop culture phenomenon. But what many fans don’t realize is that the very first Y84 Special Edition Trans Am went straight to the man who made it famous—Burt Reynolds.
In a new video from National Parts Depot, we get a closer look at this milestone machine and its remarkable connection to Reynolds. The Y84 Special Edition package took the already bold Trans Am and turned it into a rolling icon. With its gold accents, snowflake wheels, and legendary screaming chicken on the hood, it was unmistakable. And while Pontiac officially debuted the Y84 in 1977, this very first one was quietly delivered to Reynolds as a thank-you for making the car a movie star.
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The video from NPD dives into the details of this first-production Y84, highlighting how it became more than just a car—it was a symbol of swagger, rebellion, and freedom. The Trans Am represented a rare kind of automotive charisma that helped rekindle America’s love for muscle cars at a time when emissions restrictions were choking performance.
Smokey and the Bandit didn’t just feature the Trans Am—it elevated it to legendary status. Dealers couldn’t keep them on the lots. Everyone wanted “the Bandit car,” and the Y84 Special Edition became Pontiac’s hottest ticket. It was fast, flashy, and full of attitude—just like Burt himself.
Check out the full video from National Parts Depot to learn more about this historic car and why it remains one of the most beloved movie cars of all time.
Memorial Day weekend 1977 kicked off the release of Smokey and the Bandit. Pontiac only gave up a handful of cars in what would have been a million-dollar product placement today. So when Star Wars was the only film to eclipse Bandit at the summer box office, the GM executives were really lucky/happy. Pontiac gave Reynolds a new black and gold Special Edition car (and promised him many more.) Although he waited a little while for his car, it was the first one of something rather special.
It’s a reminder of a time when summer movies were big, and as it turns out, the T-tops were getting even bigger. – Myles Kornblatt
