The Film’s Director Chose The Car
“Smokey and the Bandit” director Hal Needham was a former stuntman and racer who had a deep love for cars. According to Needham, he had originally planned to use a different car in the film but changed his mind after seeing a Trans Am at a car show. The car’s sleek lines struck him. He was convinced it would be the perfect choice for the film’s high-speed chase scenes (via Get Jerry).
Needham’s decision to feature the Trans Am in the film proved to be a stroke of genius. The car quickly became an iconic symbol of American muscle cars and racing culture. The film’s success helped propel the Trans Am into the mainstream and cemented its status as a beloved cultural icon for generations of car enthusiasts.