Modern Bandit: 2010 Pontiac Trans Am Conversion

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This 2010 Pontiac Trans Am conversion is a professionally built tribute to the legendary Smokey and the Bandit Special Edition cars, combining modern muscle with classic Trans Am styling cues. Based on a fifth-generation Camaro and converted by Trans Am Depot or Trans Am Specialties, it features the full body and interior transformation that makes these builds some of the most desirable modern retro-muscle cars. With 41,000 miles, a 6-speed manual, and 426 horsepower from its LS3 V8, it’s offered here on eBay by a private seller and is said to be in showroom condition.

Trans Am Depot and Trans Am Specialties have spent years perfecting these conversions, offering enthusiasts a way to own a new-age Trans Am after Pontiac’s demise. This one appears to be an early build, making it even more appealing to collectors who value the craftsmanship and rarity of these authorized conversions. Finished in deep black with gold graphics and accents, it captures the spirit of the Bandit-era SE models while delivering modern performance and reliability.

Under the hood, the LS3 6.2-liter V8 produces 426 horsepower, paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission for a proper muscle car feel. Supporting upgrades include a K&N performance air cleaner, a functional shaker hood, and a performance exhaust system designed to provide a classic Trans Am tone with modern flow. The car rides on Pirelli performance tires, sized 245/45ZR20 up front and 275/40ZR20 in the rear, wrapped around gold and silver alloy Trans Am–style wheels.

The interior is just as meticulously detailed as the exterior. Two-tone leather seats feature Trans Am embroidery, and gold-accented gauges and console trim complete the retro vibe. Comfort features include power bucket seats, a power sunroof (a far easier alternative to wrestling with T-tops), power windows and mirrors, cruise control, and a tilt steering column with integrated audio controls. The seller claims that everything, from the laser-straight paint to the like-new interior, presents as if it just rolled off the showroom floor.

The Trans Am’s body conversion features authentic styling elements such as the functional shaker hood scoop, billet Trans Am door sills, halo headlights, and SE-inspired graphics. Even small details, like the Trans Am floor mats and console gauges, contribute to the build’s authenticity.

For enthusiasts, this car represents the perfect blend of retro appeal and modern usability. Whether you’re a collector, a Burt Reynolds fan, or simply someone who wants to stand out at the next muscle car show, this build checks all the boxes. Would you take it to shows as a tribute to the Bandit, or drive it hard as the modern muscle car it’s meant to be?

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Comments

  1. Fox Owner

    Never liked the Smokey and the Bandit edition Firebirds. Hey for some real retro looks, why not make up the Camaro to look like a 1973 Firebird Trans AM? White paint with blue stripes an all, I think it would look better than the beak on this Bird. Scotty where are you when we need ya?

    Like 13
  2. A.G.

    I the like the theory of blend of retro appeal and modern usability. Like the latest TBird, the SSR, the Excalibur and others, this ersatz Trans Am doesn’t flip the nostalgia switch for me. I very much appreciate the craftmanship which went into building this car but there’s always a but. Like most ‘tributes’ there’s nothing appealing to my eye.

    Like 12
  3. 19Tiger65

    Nope, don’t like it! The front is hideous and this looks to much like what it is, a doctored up Camaro. Never liked the new Camaros and like this even less. I appreciate the time and effort into the design but there is to many Camaro elements left to be call a “Firebird”. Hard pass!

    Like 15
    • Dano

      I was also thinking that it still looks too much like a Camaro, hasn’t quite pulled off the look they were aiming for – close, but no cigar. The nose, though, looks more like a hawk, than any other Firebird I’ve ever seen.

      Like 4
  4. Wayne

    I really like the lines on this car. But like Fox owner I would prefer a more MKII Firebird nose. You can buy a 1 piece fiberglass nose. So why not modify that nose, make it a tilt front end and go the rest of the way to REALLY COOL!?
    Tail end needs to be “flattened out” also.
    JMHO

    Like 3
  5. jwaltb

    Um, it’s a Camaro👎

    Like 6
  6. Denny N.Member

    Am I the only one who is tired of these “Bandit”,” Christine”, and “Eleanor” so-called Tribute cars?
    I say: Let’s move on, folks!

    Like 10
  7. Gary DelVecchio

    Why??????

    Like 4
  8. Jeff

    Most of recent comments don’t seem to realize this car is already 15-16 years old and on a shared chassis as many GM cars have done for decades.

    After watching the show Trans Am, you realize these are No Camero with a body kit.

    Remember that American Muscle years by GM was introduced by John Delorean of Pontiac Motor Division.
    So it’s a great Tribute that evolved after this 2010 model as other models from Trans World.

    Like 1
  9. GTR

    It has some interesting features but, it misses the mark. If only Pontiac had survived, who knows what we would see today but, it’s just off and can’t put my finger on it. I want to like it but, I don’t.

    Like 3
  10. Chitownjeff

    I saw one of these in person and it’s obviously a Camaro with Firebird do-dads

    Like 4
    • Kim in Lanark

      Well that’s what the real Firebirds were when you get down to it.

      Like 3
  11. MoparMikeMember

    The nose resembles a bird beak. I’ve seen other trans am conversions that looked okay but not this one. Also why do they all have to be bandit replicas?

    Like 1
  12. frozenbird

    Looks like a very very Angry Bird! Which is not necessarily a good look.

    Like 2
  13. Jeff Szal

    Its really well built and looks terrific. The person that did the build is very talented. Whoever you are great job dont listen to these old grumps.

    Like 4
  14. MelanitesUnited

    Ugly

    Like 1
  15. John Calo

    They lost me when I saw there were no leaky T-Tops.
    Hard pass.
    Just kidding. Or not.

    Like 2
  16. Guardstang

    I’m sure if you check the VIN its still a Camaro. Same thing as Saleen Mustangs.

    Like 0
  17. theGasHole

    I saw one of these at a Konner Chevy car show here in Caldwell (NJ) about 10 years ago. Much, much better looking in person than in these pictures. It had a crowd around it and people seemed to love it.

    Like 0
  18. Greg G

    Not bad not bad at all. I don’t know how Pontiac fans feel though. Nbnbn

    Like 0
  19. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Ended at $40,100.
    Reserve Not Met.

    Like 0

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