When Henry Ford began producing automobiles, the purpose was to provide a car to get people from point A to point B, while being easy to maintain and afford. Before Ford came along, cars were available only to the very wealthy. Aspects such as styling, appearance and aura were out of the question at Ford's factory in 1927. Cars made by Ford were strictly functional.
Jump to the 1970's when cars were designed to project a specific image. Plus auto manufacturers focused on the image in advertising. If you drove a specific car, all your dreams would be realized, in both career and romance.
America has, since its inception, celebrated youth as a culture. Since pioneer days, freedom for the individual has been highly prized. Thus the Pontiac Firebird TransAm embodied both characteristics - youth and freedom.
The TransAm was a true muscle car. While the classification of muscle car is somewhat unclear, it is usually acknowledged that it has two fundamental requirements. It has to be a tiny car with a big engine and a stylish exterior. Both criteria were met in the Trans Am.
The Firebird was also featured in films. Although it has enjoyed a lengthy film career, two movies in particular are distinctive. In 1977, the movie Smokey and the Bandit featured the TransAm. Featuring Burt Reynolds in the lead role, with cast mates Sally Fields and Jackie Gleason, the movie revolved around Reynolds' character's attempt to score on a bet by smuggling a load of Coors beer cross country. Burt Reynolds convinced a friend to be the driver of the truck. Next, to serve as a decoy to draw attention from the truck, he raced the TransAm on the identical course. Along the way, Burt Reynolds finds a runaway bride, and the intended groom-to-be is the simpleton son of local Sheriff Justice. The son as well as the lawman took off in pursuit of Reynolds. Since Sheriff Justice was distracted and occupied, his attention was diverted from the truck that was part of the multiple car chases and mishaps. Mixing this much action along with lots of comedy naturally produced a box office hit.
A total of 5 black TransAms were modified to perform the stunt jobs called for in the script. Still, the stunts were so demanding that each of them suffered damage while the movie was filmed.
There is a rumor that, before the filming, a high level Pontiac executive said he would present Burt Reynolds with a free Pontiac Firebird if the movie became a success. But when Reynolds tried to collect his award, the big exec had gone into retirement, and the man who took his place wouldn't keep the bargain. Reynolds still bought a TransAm anyway.
Cannonball was another film that the TransAM was featured in. In this case, David Carradine is an ex-stock car driver and former con, just released from jail and now out on parole. Coincidentally, his parole officer is the same girl he is dating. Trying to score the reward, Carradine elects to enter the Trans-American Grand Prix, a race across the country from LA to NYC. Carradine's gal pal and parole officer attempts to discourage him. However, he convinces her to accompany him, then they drive off in his very red TransAM.
LemonFree.com - Buying or Selling a 1970 Pontiac Firebird? Check out LemonFree.com Cars