The Trans Am had been a performance model of the Pontiac Firebird for many years. Then, along came 1977 and the Burt Reynolds movie, Smokey and the Bandit, and all bets were off. Sales of the car soared for the next three years thanks to the success of the flick at the box office (which was only bested by a little movie called Star Wars). This ’77 is a mostly complete project that has both the Y81 and W72 packages, making for a rare production combination. Located in Solon, Iowa, this rough Poncho is available here on eBay. While the reserve is unmet, the current bid is just $1,025.
After the movie premiered in May 1977, every red-blooded American male wanted to be like Burt’s character, the Bandit. On the other hand, few had an interest in emulating his adversary, Sheriff Buford T. Justice. Sales of Pontiac Trans Ams soon took off and set new records, especially those finished in black paint like the car from the movie. While a boatload of Trans Ams were sold in 1977, ones order with codes production Y81 and W72 numbered just over 500 copies.
The Y81 was a Special Edition (aka SE) that omitted the T-Tops, which symbolized the Reynolds car (which was a Y82). But it includes the black and gold combination of paint and decals, and a 400 cubic inch V8 engine. The W72 provided for a higher-octane version of the 400 V8 that produced 200 hp SAE net. It benefited from high-compression heads, a beefier camshaft, and a bigger carburetor. These cars were easily capable of doing 0 to 50 mph in eight seconds (shades of the early 1970s!).
We’re told this Trans Am has been verified by PHS documentation. The original W72 V8 is gone, replaced by another 400 that does not run. It has the more common TH-400 automatic transmission as opposed to a manual. The body of this car is not too bad, but it seems rougher the further back you look. The rear bumper and gas tank have been removed, but they survive. And the car does retain its original Shaker hood set-up. Do you see yourself behind the steering wheel one day, wearing an RCA-style cowboy hat and red shirt?
The more common TH400??? No F body from either line up ever came with a TH400 after 1974. Not only weren’t they needed with the weaker engines, but the addition of the catalytic converter in 1975 left no underbody room for the larger bodied TH400. So, from 1975 on up the TH 350 served duty if an automatic trans was selected. P.S. TH250 was used in some base model/6cyl. applications as well.
This sellers eBay store is named Second Generation Pontiac Parts, every item listed fits a second generation F-body. Wait a month or two and this car will likely wind up being sold off one piece at a time.
Steve R
rusted out floors …. lots of work on this one to bring it back to life !!
My neighbor bought a 77 brand new buccaneer red with red doe skin interior I believe. 400 4 speed only option was power windows. wanted the 455 but i dont think it was available, Now i was 10 at the time this thing moved.. was a nice car, He still has it to this day but it needs a new body he would never sell it.
All rarity aside this is a tall order. I agree with Steve R that this is destined to become pieces.
Sooo it’s missing the rare parts except the paint ?
The only thing rare about this crusty Bird is the reserve not met at 500 bucks.
Ended at $2,850.
Reserve Not Met
20 bids.