Smokey and the Bandit 1977 Firebird Trans Am

       
 
 
Burt Reynolds' 1977 Firebird T/A from the movie Smokey and the Bandit
Bandit Firebird interior (left) Bandit Firebird interior (right) Smokey and the Bandit Firebird 455 big block V8 Bandit Firebird Georgia state flag license plate Bandit Firebird Trans Am script Bandit Firebird Trans Am rear with BAN-ONE Georgia license plate

 
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The Firebird T/A from Smokey and the Bandit is a car I've wanted to add to my collection of movie cars for quite a while, but for many years the only kit available was AMT's MPC-era Firebird kit. I was never satisfied with the pinstripe decals on that one, so the project remained on the "wanted" list until Revell came out with their diecast kit (I've since found out that aftermarket decals are available, but the Revell kit is pretty good).

The kit is built box-stock, with only the addition of detail work. The chassis was painted and weathered lightly, and the engine was painted the appropriate factory colors. Inside, I added carpeting and Bare Metal Foil, and detailed the CB radio with a wire coil.

The predecorated body was left alone for the most part, though I did add the missing "Trans Am" text to the front fenders and trunk lid. I also hand painted gold stripes around the sideview mirrors, and redid the terrible gold/black paint mess around the grill openings. For some reason Revell did the "BAN-ONE" license plate in the rear, but omitted the front Georgia flag plate (fortunately this was easily remedied). The final detail I added was the CB radio antenna, made from a piece of wire with a scratchbuilt plastic-and-wire base.

 

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