Many second-gen Trans Am enthusiasts have a love affair with Smokey and The Bandit and the ‘77 Special Edition Trans Am in the movie. Does anyone truly know how many black-and-gold beauties were used in the movie? Bo Durban has made determining that his mission and he’s happy to share what he’s learned about Smokey and The Bandit in the process. Here’s how..

Frank Woods Pontiac in Charlotte, North Carolina regularly used special-paint Pontiacs to promote its dealership during the 1960s. Follow along to learn more. Have you ever seen any of these uniquely-equipped-and-painted vehicles? Or are you aware of any similar dealer promotions?

Most Pontiac enthusiasts know that the 1973 Trans Am was the first Firebird to receive boldly-detailed exterior ornamentation with its optional hood decal. Did you know that the large Firebird emblem wasn’t Pontiac’s first attempt at such ornamentation? The 1969 Firebird 400 was slated to be boldly decorated. And here’s proof!

Did you know that Pontiac offered its Cordova Top option on Trans Ams during the 1974 and 1975 model years? I’ve documented a small-number of 1974 Trans Ams equipped as such, but have yet to document any 1975 Trans Ams equipped with the factory-installed padded vinyl roof option. Have you ever seen one?

Pontiac discontinued its 400-inch Pontiac V-8 after the 1978 model year, but tens of thousands of 1978 and 1979 Formulas and Trans Ams received with the basic L78 or optional T/A 6.6 in those model years. Have you ever tried documenting the originality one? Those produced at Van Nuys can have their engine’s partial VIN stamp in a couple of locations. Here’s where you can find them!

Let’s step back in time for a moment, say to the 1972 model year. You walk into your local Pontiac dealer to order a new Firebird Formula. How would you equip it? Chances are, you’d check off the appropriate boxes that would deliver maximum performance. Does that sound about right? If so, I’d like to introduce you to Dave Witt and the 1972 Formula 455 that he ordered new!