One of the most recognizable muscle cars of the 1970s is returning to the spotlight, this 1974 Pontiac Trans Am Super Duty, set to cross the block at Mecum Kissimmee 2026 on Thursday, January 15th. This car isn’t just another SD-455; it carries Hollywood pedigree, having been part of David Carradine’s fleet in Studio City, California, and featured in the 1976 movie Cannonball. Guys, this is my personal dream car.
According to the Mecum listing, the car’s fascia was modified to resemble a 1973 Trans Am for certain front-end shots in the film. That small change helped tie it to Pontiac’s earlier, iconic look while giving it screen presence. After filming wrapped, Carradine reportedly held onto the car for years, ownership records from 1974 through 1985 are included, along with service receipts in his name.
Under the hood sits the legendary 455 cubic-inch Super Duty V8, the most powerful engine Pontiac offered at the time and a centerpiece of the brand’s performance reputation. Paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, it delivers the kind of raw, analog muscle that defined the Trans Am during the height of the American horsepower era. The car also comes equipped with power steering, power brakes, dual exhaust, and Rally wheels, staying true to the factory performance formula.
Finished in red with a blue center stripe outlined in yellow, the car wears the same look it carried in the film, complete with its personalized “003MEN” California license plate, a nod to the Carradine brothers. Inside, it features a white interior with bucket seats and a center console, blending classic Pontiac muscle with a touch of 1970s flair.
While Mecum notes that all descriptions are provided by the consignor, the documentation accompanying this Trans Am helps verify its provenance and movie history. Vehicles with verified screen credits, especially from the golden age of car-centric cinema — tend to attract both collectors and film buffs alike.
Crossing the auction block at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, this Trans Am represents a rare chance to own a piece of both muscle car and Hollywood history.
Would you preserve this Cannonball Trans Am as a movie relic or drive it like Carradine did on screen?
Never heard of this movie, it sounds awful. The plot is detailed on its Wikipedia page. It is available to watch for free on YouTube, search Cannonball, look for the link which says full movie.
I’m not sure what it’s worth, but I wouldn’t restore it (not every car needs to be restored), not a fan of the graphics. You’d constantly get questions and spend most of your time with it describing an obscure movie with a convoluted plot.
Steve R
You were just born in the wrong decade.
That’s very true, not every car needs to be restored.
If you go on YouTube and search car stars they did a video on this car.
Steve, the movie is just a little bit better than the original Gone in 60 Seconds, and that movie sucked out loud.
Ahh I loved the orig Gone in sixty seconds. Yes the acting tanked but the chase through out was golden! Also seen a lot of classic cars from that time…
But couldn’t touch “Gumball Rally”.
Raul Julia was perfect for his role and getting that group of machinery together must’ve been a Motörhead dream come true.
Agree with most all comments here! It does not have to be restored JUST MAINTAINED with this bad ass drive line! Another car that has survived the times!
It was a awesome movie . Lots of big names in the movie . If you are a true car lover this movie ranks in the top 10
Well, since Veronica Hammill had her butt in the passenger seat, I can only say TAKE MY MONEY!
If you go on YouTube and look for car stars they did a whole video on this car and the movie. Really good info.
If you want more information on this car go to YouTube and look under car stars they did a whole video on this car, some really good information.
What I love about ’74 TA’s and the years following is that by then Pontiac stood alone in offering a real powerful car. No other domestic offerings could compare to Pontiac 400 & 455’s.
Believe it or not the 1974 Javelin AMX with the 401was about its equal in power and handling.
Not when compared with the Super Duty.
Steve R
Carradine’s been gone for some time, so the car must have been part of an estate sale to end up in Florida. It’ll be interesting to see how the bids go on this car.
Keep it the way it is!!! Us Gen-x’ers remember this movie. Just like Gone In 60 seconds. These were fun movies taken as entertainment. Eleanor will always be an old Mach1 to many of us this age. Just like this car is a Cannonball movie car. I will always prefer these originals to today’s remakes.
10/10 would hoon just as it is.
Was this car in a flood?
To preserve its important originality, why were the interior side panels replaced? – colors dont match either.
How does the engine sound/car run?
Guys, an absolute must see is the youtube video –>
10 Cool Facts About Coy’s ’70 Pontiac Firebird T/A – Cannonball!
It looks like the two wrecked(alas) 1970 cars in the movie had shakers bolted to the hood, but not Carradine’s modded ’74.
the scene where he’s got a rear flat tire and the bad guys have taken his jack out of the trunk – gets the idea that he can back up on to one of those guardrails that start in the ground to get the wheel off the ground to change it – genius! RIP Zippo..
I must have seen this movie because I remember that scene, but nothing much about the movie itself.
This’ll probably go for a pretty penny, bidders love this sort of provenance at these big time auctions.
Funny story that has nothing to do with this car. I was actually one of a couple hundred extra’s in that movie. It was fun and I got a free lunch!
Nice to see it optioned like a muscle car, stick no air.
Front nose ”small change” but big improvement in the looks in my opinion.
Love these cars.
Knowing one of the guys who ran one of the real Cannon Balls, he said that it was just pure insanity. There you are with your foot to the floor just waiting to get picked off by the police. One thing that they learned right away. Don’t go blowing by an 18 wheeler more than 10 mph that they are going. If you do, then they rat on you. That way, while you are on the side of the road with the local constable they can put the hammer down. I love Firebirds, particularly ones with this front end treatment. I drove one of the last (if not the last) 455SD Firebirds. It was true bliss and a never forget experience. That car was a complete animal!
“This ain’t no race car, it’s a cuzz cruiser”. Yes, I know he was referring to the kid’s ‘69 Mustang GT. Funny and corny movie but worth a watch.
i watched the 1 hour 34 minute 14 seconds the opening shots of the TA were a sweet ride. during the movie the back end of every shot of this TRANS AM SD had the 1970 to 1973 rear chrome bumper. leading me to believe there was only 1 1974 ta. in that movie was the PROMO car that DAVID CARRADINE and bro’s owned. the ta’s i spotted were 1 with a white standard interior and 1 with a black standard interior. this TA on mecum’s site has what looks like a 70 – 71 nose and grill. the reinforcing fender bars were of 1970-1972 version. and all the movie TA shots had the scoop bolted to hood. the opening shot of 1974 TA was correct from what i saw. i saw no shots of the 74-75 ta back bumper. one thing that can be proven as fact and that is DAVID CARRIDINE did drive the 1974 TA and im sure after driving he made sure the 1974 TA SD would survive this flick. this is one TA i would be persuaded to put at least another 100 miles on just to be sure its a SUPER DUTY. . where can i get this test drive…
Stock ’70-’72 T/As oddly had NO reinforcing fender to radiator support bars, but Camaros did! ’73-76 T/A’s had ridiculous heavy leaf spring! connectors, & ’77-81s had much thinner lighter connectors. You can swap the later thinner ones onto Carradine’s car.
Clint Eastwood bought the ’73 T/A used in “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot” & was seen running errands in it! I would have thought Jeff Bridges would have bought it since only HE drove it in the movie.