Burt Reynolds’ 1978 Pontiac Trans Am Fails To Sell At Auction

For obvious reasons, the late Burt Reynolds really enjoyed Pontiac Trans Ams, having owned a number of them after filming Smokey and the Bandit. Still, when one of his former rides hits the market it always creates a stir, so it’s a little shocking this 1978 Trans Am which recently crossed the auction block didn’t meet reserve.

Clint Eastwood’s car collection is appropriately cool.

The actor owned this particular TR from the late 70s all the way until 2010 when he gifted this ride to his groundskeeper. Talk about treating your employees right! Since then it passed to Reynold’s niece, then to the current owner.

It comes with an LS3 V8 plus 6-speed manual transmission for plenty of fun. Balancing that out are four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes. Out of view are powder coated suspension components and a four-link coilover suspension, making for a smooth, responsive ride. Imagine taking this muscle car out for a spin on a canyon road, or even better an interstate run.

Having gone through a recent full restoration, you’ll see the classic Pontiac looks excellent outside and in. You’ll note the iconic black and gold exterior color scheme made famous by Reynold’s trend-setting movie role, including the Screaming Chicken on the hood. The look is completed by the Snowflake wheels provided by Restore a Muscle Car, achieving the aesthetics everyone wants.

We don’t know what reserve is for this 1978 Pontiac Trans Am previously owned by Burt Reynolds, only that the top bid from the Mecum auction in Dallas earlier in the month didn’t punch past the threshold.

It’s unclear what the current owner will do next, although we imagine the vehicle is still very much available and might even make an appearance at a future public auction. Exactly when that might be and what response it elicits from bidders remains to be seen.

Images via Mecum Auctions