Remembering special "Bandit" Trans Ams at the Bandit Trans Am Club
Second-generation Pontiac Trans Ams were produced from 1970 to 1981, and muscle car buyers loved them. The mid-1970s models, however, were not doing so well until the release of the successful movie "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds. After this film reached its peak, the Trans Am became a cultural icon; it was no longer "just another muscle car." This special edition and others from second generation models are the driving force behind the Bandit Trans Am Club located in Lakewood, Colorado.
About special edition Trans Ams
Though Burt Reynolds was the star of the movie, the real "Bandit" was the black and gold 1977 Trans Am. This car had been an option package the year before, and was displayed at the Chicago Auto Show as a 1976 Trans Am Limited Edition (LE) with black paint, gold pinstripes and interior accents and a decal with Pontiac's Indian mascot and a 50th Anniversary logo. With its 400 V-8 engine producing 185 horsepower, it was a true hot rod of its day.
Recognizing other special editions at the club
The Bandit Trans Am Club also recognizes other special editions of the Trans Am as well. The Gold SE, Recaros and Silver Anniversary models are also a focus. Those who enjoy these cars and own one may join the club and share memories.
A brief history of the Bandit Trans Am Club
The club was founded by Crawford Smith in 1992. He managed the club until 2004. Under his direction the club brought together folks from around the world who love Bandit Trans Ams. Members were able to find help with restoration and repair of their cars as well as get together for great times. Crawford's own 1977 Bandit Trans Am was chosen by Franklin Mint as a model for their Bandit Trans Am Die Cast Replica.
The same members plus more are continuing with a new Bandit Trans Am Club. Today the club is under the direction of George Holt. He is striving to make the club as good as or better than ever through great photos, facts, trivia and stories.
Membership information
Joining the club is easy. There are two ways to become a member. Anyone can join the club through a Yahoo.com group called the Bandit Club. Through this group, members can talk to one another and share ideas about Bandit Trans Ams. An online form is also available with detailed instructions about how to join the club website and how to submit proof of ownership of a Special Edition Bandit Trans Am. Members' car photos are displayed at the club's website along with a bio.
Congratulations Bandit Club
The Bandit Trans Am Club won “Second Place” in the 2005 Trans Am Nationals for Club Participation. The club became a major sponsor at the event, and five trophies were presented in the club's name for Special Edition Classes. In an article about the event published by the High Performance Pontiac Magazine, the Bandit Trans Am Club is mentioned.
Newsletters and restoration tips
Each month, club member Patrick Smith provides a newsletter and restoration tips for other members at the website. These include detailed articles and tips that are well-written and accurate. Subjects vary from history and development of the cars to maintenance updates and restoration guides. They are a must for the Bandit Trans Am SE enthusiast.
There are also overseas enthusiasts who contribute to the website and correspond with members in the United States.
About the club Web site
The Bandit Trans Am Club's official Web site is a treasure for enthusiasts. Members can join the Web site's forum or chat room to talk with others about technical stuff, cars or parts for sale, wanted items and everything else to do with Bandit Trans Ams. The website also offers an extensive photo gallery and member section with car photos, member bios, original club members and more. It's a great way for members to get to know one another before they actually meet.
At the club's Web store, members can buy club polo shirts with the logo. There's also a section for those wanting to join the club as well as contact information for questions.
The Web site offers history and facts about Bandit Trans Ams, a fun section and a trivia section. Trans Am fans can spend hours surfing the Web site and browsing through all the interesting information.
The Bandit Trans Am Club has been a help to Bandit Trans Am SE owners for years, and plans to continue providing great resources for many more years to come.
