Reveal The Enigma: Unmasking The Owner Of The Original "Smokey And The Bandit" Car

Who Currently Owns the Original Smokey and the Bandit Car?

The original 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used in the iconic movie "Smokey and the Bandit" is currently owned by Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR team.

The car was sold at auction in 2014 for $550,000 to Texas businessman, Billy Gibbons, who later sold it to Rick Hendrick for an undisclosed amount.

The car is one of the most recognizable movie cars in history and is a popular attraction at car shows and events.

Facts about the Original Smokey and the Bandit Car:

  • The car was one of three Trans Ams used in the movie.
  • The car was repainted and modified several times during filming.
  • The car was originally equipped with a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, but was later upgraded to a 455 cubic inch V8 engine.
  • The car has been restored to its original condition and is now on display at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Who Owns the Original Smokey and the Bandit Car?

The original 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used in the iconic movie "Smokey and the Bandit" is currently owned by Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR team.

  • Current Owner: Rick Hendrick
  • Previous Owner: Billy Gibbons
  • Original Owner: Universal Studios
  • Manufacturer: Pontiac
  • Model: Firebird Trans Am
  • Year: 1977

The car is one of the most recognizable movie cars in history and is a popular attraction at car shows and events. It has been featured in numerous magazines and television shows, and has even been the subject of a book.

In addition to its iconic status, the car is also significant for its role in automotive history. It helped to popularize the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and is considered to be one of the most important muscle cars of all time.

Personal details and bio data of Rick Hendrick
Name Born Occupation
Rick Hendrick July 12, 1949 (age 73) Businessman, NASCAR team owner

Current Owner

Rick Hendrick is the current owner of the original Smokey and the Bandit car. He is a businessman and NASCAR team owner who has a passion for cars. Hendrick purchased the car in 2014 from Billy Gibbons, who had previously purchased it from Universal Studios.

Hendrick is a well-known figure in the automotive world. He is the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful NASCAR teams in history. Hendrick Motorsports has won 12 NASCAR Cup Series championships, and its drivers have won a total of 267 races.

Hendrick's purchase of the Smokey and the Bandit car is a testament to his love of cars and his appreciation for automotive history. The car is one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, and it is a valuable piece of automotive history. Hendrick is committed to preserving the car and ensuring that it is available for future generations to enjoy.

Previous Owner

Billy Gibbons, the guitarist and lead vocalist of the rock band ZZ Top, was the previous owner of the original Smokey and the Bandit car. He purchased the car in 2014 from Universal Studios, which had owned the car since it was used in the movie.

  • Gibbons' Love of Cars

    Gibbons is a well-known car enthusiast, and he has a large collection of classic cars. He is particularly fond of muscle cars, and the Smokey and the Bandit car is one of his most prized possessions.

  • Gibbons' Role in Preserving the Car

    Gibbons took great care of the Smokey and the Bandit car while he owned it. He had the car restored to its original condition, and he often displayed it at car shows and events.

  • Gibbons' Sale of the Car

    Gibbons sold the Smokey and the Bandit car to Rick Hendrick in 2014. The sale price was not disclosed, but it is believed to have been in the millions of dollars.

  • Gibbons' Legacy

    Gibbons' ownership of the Smokey and the Bandit car helped to ensure that the car was preserved for future generations. He is a true car enthusiast, and he understands the importance of preserving automotive history.

The Smokey and the Bandit car is one of the most iconic movie cars of all time. It is a valuable piece of automotive history, and it is thanks to Billy Gibbons that the car is still in such good condition today.

Original Owner

Universal Studios was the original owner of the 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am used in the iconic movie "Smokey and the Bandit". The car was one of three Trans Ams used in the movie, and it was the only one to survive filming.

Universal Studios used the car for promotional purposes after the movie was released, and it was eventually sold to a private collector. The car has changed hands several times over the years, but it is currently owned by Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR team.

Universal Studios' ownership of the Smokey and the Bandit car is significant because it helped to ensure that the car was preserved for future generations. The car is a valuable piece of automotive history, and it is thanks to Universal Studios that it is still in such good condition today.

Manufacturer

The original Smokey and the Bandit car was manufactured by Pontiac, a division of General Motors. Pontiac was known for producing high-performance muscle cars in the 1960s and 1970s, and the Firebird Trans Am was one of its most popular models.

The Firebird Trans Am was chosen for the Smokey and the Bandit movie because it was a stylish and powerful car that fit the image of the main character, Bandit. The car's distinctive black and gold paint scheme and screaming chicken decal made it instantly recognizable, and it quickly became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time.

The success of the Smokey and the Bandit movie helped to boost sales of the Firebird Trans Am, and it remains one of the most popular Pontiac models ever produced. The car is a valuable piece of automotive history, and it is thanks to Pontiac that it was created.

Model

The connection between the model Firebird Trans Am and the original Smokey and the Bandit car is significant. The Firebird Trans Am was chosen for the movie because it was a stylish and powerful car that fit the image of the main character, Bandit. The car's distinctive black and gold paint scheme and screaming chicken decal made it instantly recognizable, and it quickly became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time.

The success of the Smokey and the Bandit movie helped to boost sales of the Firebird Trans Am, and it remains one of the most popular Pontiac models ever produced. The car is a valuable piece of automotive history, and it is thanks to Pontiac that it was created.

The Firebird Trans Am is an important part of the Smokey and the Bandit car's identity. It is the car that Bandit drives in the movie, and it is the car that is most closely associated with the character. The Firebird Trans Am is a powerful and stylish car, and it is the perfect car for a character like Bandit.

Year

The year 1977 is significant in the context of "who owns the original Smokey and the Bandit car" because it is the year that the movie "Smokey and the Bandit" was released. The movie featured a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, which became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time.

The car was used in several key scenes in the movie, including the famous "jump the creek" scene. The car's distinctive black and gold paint scheme and screaming chicken decal made it instantly recognizable, and it quickly became a symbol of the movie.

The success of the movie helped to boost sales of the Firebird Trans Am, and it remains one of the most popular Pontiac models ever produced. The car is a valuable piece of automotive history, and it is thanks to the movie "Smokey and the Bandit" that it is still so popular today.

FAQs about "Who Owns the Original Smokey and the Bandit Car?"

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ownership of the original Smokey and the Bandit car.

Question 1: Who currently owns the original Smokey and the Bandit car?


Answer: Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, a NASCAR team, currently owns the original Smokey and the Bandit car.

Question 2: Who previously owned the car before Rick Hendrick?


Answer: Billy Gibbons, guitarist and lead vocalist of the rock band ZZ Top, previously owned the car before selling it to Rick Hendrick.

Question 3: Who was the original owner of the car?


Answer: Universal Studios was the original owner of the car, having used it in the production of the movie "Smokey and the Bandit."

Question 4: What is the make, model, and year of the car?


Answer: The car is a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.

Question 5: Why is the car so iconic?


Answer: The car is iconic because it was featured in the popular movie "Smokey and the Bandit" and is associated with the character Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds.

Question 6: Where is the car currently located?


Answer: The car is currently on display at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

The original Smokey and the Bandit car holds a special place in automotive and cinematic history. Its iconic status and association with the movie and its characters have made it a timeless classic.

Transition to the next article section:

To further explore the legacy of the Smokey and the Bandit car, the following section will delve into its cultural impact and enduring popularity.

Conclusion

The original Smokey and the Bandit car has a rich and storied history. It has been owned by several notable individuals, including Universal Studios, Billy Gibbons, and Rick Hendrick. The car is currently on display at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it can be enjoyed by fans of the movie and automotive enthusiasts alike.

The Smokey and the Bandit car is more than just a piece of automotive history. It is a cultural icon that represents the spirit of freedom and rebellion. The car's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Exclusive Interview With Tom Hanks And Colin Hanks
Tempestt Bledsoe's Family: Her Journey As A Mother
The Ultimate Guide To Being A Blasian Male: Embracing Your Unique Identity

‘The Original First Born Bandit’ Trans Am lives in Miami, FL FL Keys News

‘The Original First Born Bandit’ Trans Am lives in Miami, FL FL Keys News

Smokey And The Bandit Car Worth bramapetro

Smokey And The Bandit Car Worth bramapetro

You can now own your own ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ Firebird National

You can now own your own ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ Firebird National