The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, forever immortalized by the movie “Smokey and the Bandit,” remains an iconic muscle car. This article details a restomod build of a 1978 Y84 Trans Am with T-tops, aiming for a faithful recreation of the Bandit’s ride. The project, undertaken by Speed Inc., focuses on period-correct aesthetics combined with modern LS3 power.
Recreating a Legend: The Build Process
This Smokey And The Bandit Trans Am replica began with a stock Y84 model. The goal was to maintain the car’s original charm while subtly enhancing its performance. Instead of radical modifications, the focus was on creating a sleeper—a car that looked largely original but packed a hidden punch.
The heart of this build is a GM LS3 engine, fitted with a custom cam and heads package for increased power. This modern V8 provides significantly more horsepower and torque than the original Pontiac engine, while retaining a classic appearance. A T-56 six-speed manual transmission transfers power to the rear wheels.
To maintain the factory look, the engine bay was meticulously detailed. The LS3 was painted Pontiac blue, and a carb-style intake manifold with a hidden throttle body was installed, preserving the appearance of a classic carburetor setup. A functional shaker hood scoop adds to the visual authenticity.
Subtle Enhancements: Exterior and Sound
Externally, the modifications are minimal. The car sits approximately 1.5 inches lower than stock, thanks to a suspension upgrade. 17-inch Year One replica wheels provide a period-correct stance without deviating dramatically from the original design. Crucially, the iconic black and gold graphics remain untouched, ensuring instant recognition as the Bandit’s Trans Am.
One unique feature of this build is a 300-watt stereo system integrated into the front grill. This allows the car to blast the iconic “Eastbound and Down” soundtrack, adding to the overall Bandit experience.
A Modern Classic: Blending Old and New
This Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am restomod successfully blends the classic styling of the late 70s with the performance of a modern muscle car. The subtle enhancements create a vehicle that’s both powerful and respectful of the original. The result is a dream car for any Bandit enthusiast, capturing the spirit of the iconic film while offering a significantly improved driving experience.
Acknowledgements
- Tom Izzo, Speed Inc.
- Shaun Patel, Ray’s Electronics
