Bandit Trans Am obliterates estimate

| 16 Dec 2014

 

A 1977 Pontiac Trans Am belonging to Burt Reynolds has sold for more than five times its pre-sale estimate at an auction in Las Vegas. The car was used as a promotional vehicle for the film Smokey and the Bandit and was given to Reynolds as a gift after the movie's release.

Burt Reynolds Trans Am

Despite a pre-sale estimate of just $60-80,000, the hammer eventually fell when bidding had reached a dizzying $480,000.

Burt Reynolds Trans Am

The T-top Coupe features a 400cu in V8 engine with four-barrel carburettor and automatic transmission, plus a plaque on the door stating '1977 Pontiac Trans Am owned by Burt Reynolds'.

Burt Reynolds Trans Am

The Pontiac was the headline lot in a sale of Reynolds memorabilia, which included photographs, a stage coach and other smaller movie props from the actor's collection.

Burt Reynolds Trans Am

The car wasn't the only lot to exceed the auctioneer's expectations: a jacket from the same film sold for $35,200 despite a pre-sale estimate of $4-6000, while an Emmy award made $28,800 – more than $25,000 more than its upper estimate. 

Burt Reynolds Trans Am

Photos courtesy of Julien's Auctions