[2] This box office income inspired a third film. One of those things that will make my kids think Im crazy some day. You might think that seeing their cars routinely destroyed on movie screens across the country would give the manufacturer pause, but that is not the case at all. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. I dont know if Ive ever seen the unedited version though, so I never realized the orignal phrase was sum bitch, I always assumed it was worse. I think even the 2nd gen Camaro enjoyed some of the blast wave from Smokey and the Bandit, 1979 was the best year ever for Camaros as well, with over 280,000 Camaros being sold. But for instance, the DB4 was blown up on the side of the road and left there. Luckily, both cars survived, and the Trans Am became famous only five years later. 'C.B. If I recall correctly, Firebirds in general (along with Camaros) were selling well prior to 1977, but the Trans Am was not the best-selling one. When it comes to where the Trans Ams are, Pontiac gave the production . The side vents give it away. That was a nightmare. So why did they go with sound effects instead of the Trans Am's actually exhaust noise? Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. I grew up in Illinois, within eyeshot of the banks of the MIssissippi River, and ten miles from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 2 The Mini Cooper Chase In The Italian Job. The change was somewhat strange as most automakers were using cubic-inch numerals to advertise engines. Car movies are notorious for being tough on the very vehicles that give them their allure. A 1977 Pontiac Trans Am had, at most, 220 horsepower and a top speed of only 110 mph. I went to police stations and got photos, all that nonsense. Sadly, Bill passed away suddenly back in 2015. How many cars were ruined in Smokey and the Bandit? The film was a sleeper hit, and following a poor initial performance, it went on to gross $126.7 million in North America, versus a budget of only $4.3 million. How many protons and electrons are in a nitrogen atom? I had no idea that it was going to become a 70s classic. Burt Reynolds is originally a Georgia boy. The boys swapped the headlamps over and sprayed bits with more silver paint. If you somehow managed to miss Smokey and the Bandit in the years between the films 1977 release and now, you should rectify that situation immediately (to be fair, it was released two days after Star Wars, so its understandable if it slipped through the cracks). The movie featured a number of American country and western music stars who acted in the movie as well as sung. The scene where Carrie (Frog) announces her ending the relationship to Bandit was written by Sally Field, who was about to break up with Burt Reynolds at the time. How many cars were destroyed in fast and furious? DS: I had done a movie called Robbery where Id supplied all the cars. Not a bad deal, but on the fourth year, no new car. Nice article Jason I was a fan of this movie when it came out I look back now and think, wow, did I really think this was entertainment?????? Watching TV and Movies you would think that sales dropped to nil. And all of us easterners suddenly discovered it was nothing more than another Budweiser/Miller/etc. I always think scumbum because when I watched it as a kid in the early 90s, it was usually on TBS. The 'Smokey and the Bandit' Trans Am was a 1976 model, and three were destroyed. I remember that it had a bunch of trim badges on the center of the dashboard. Tragically, every Trans Am used in filming was, seven: (three with burt reynolds and crew, and four without), A purely escapist movie dropped perfectly into that time and place, delivered with a black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle, The movie remains so popular that each year, Restore a Muscle, Il bandito e la madama (Italy) Mistrz kierownicy ucieka (Poland) 1971 AMC Ambassador Avco 1972 Buick Electra 225 1968 Buick Riviera 1973 Cadillac Coupe DeVille 1972 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado 1975 Cadillac Funeral Coach Chevrolet Advance - Design 1977 Chevrolet Bison 1971 Chevrolet Blazer. Almost all of the 300 Dodge Chargers that were used in the filming of the Dukes of Hazzard TV show ended up as twisted wrecks sitting in a, In particular, the Chevrolet Camaro was already using the front piece when Pontiac mocked up their 77 model for their catalog and for, Web. As such, it took a lot of sweet talking by former stuntman Needham for Pontiac to cough up three Trans Ams and three LeManses. No more needs to be said. Olds 88. A large part of the filming was done at Burt Reynolds' ranch in Jupiter, Florida as well as in the north of Palm Beach County, Florida. This past weekend, the city of Jonesboro, Georgia held a two-day festival to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Burt Reynolds classic, . Let us dissect this flick to better examine it. Both of his sons have also worked add elephant trainers. Ive also looked at a Fox based LTD cop car and an early 1991 whale Caprice 9C1 detective model, burgundy on burgundy cloth. So lets explore this car (and truck) heavy flick, all while giving those who have not seen it a glimpse into a movie whose complexity and intellect remains unparalleled within the history of cinema. Although those scenes were filmed at the LCS near West Palm Beach, Florida, there was another LCS refuge opened at the time in Grand Prairie, Texas (near Dallas) at the time of this movie's production (1980). You want to questions bra sales, check out the youtube video of Hang on Sloopy by the Mccoys, the color version.wowza! His personaround, dumpy, and clipping wordsreminds one of another fictional southern sheriff. Later, as Bandit and Cledus enter Texas, Buford lures the Bandit into a trap: a mass of 40 Texas Patrol and Mountie cruisers pursuing him across a desert basin. Only one survived, and it's priceless. A diablo sammich from my understanding is a like a Sloppy Joe but with taco seasoning added in for spice. Although 1977 models also featured 6.6-liter engines, they were rated at only 200 horses. I know that Trans Am that jumped that bridge broke the axle when it landed. So let's explore this car (and truck) heavy flick, all while giving those who have not seen it a glimpse into a movie . The production office was in a big square, but he went screaming by, couldnt stop and smashed into a big Fiat 130 saloon. That said, an uncomplimentary accent does exist. 3 The Elevated Train Chase In The French Connection. Two cars were reportedly badly damaged in early stunts in the film, while a third car was completely destroyed during the famous bridge jump scene.. Of course, we could argue that Needham could have used the engine note of a Pontiac GTO from the golden muscle car, but the 1955 Custom recordings were probably readily available, and he just didn't need the hassle. 10. It kills us to watch it even now. Originally, the film was going to be a B-movie played only in the Southern United States. We could go round roundabouts and not let anyone on, just by going round and round. The dubbed version isnt as bad as the Remastered Blu-ray. Your email address will not be published. Carrie is overjoyed when she sees Charlotte's baby, and Bandit asks Charlotte's permission for him and Carrie to get hitched, to which Charlotte trumpets her approval; Doc, now riding in the cab with Cledus and Fred, also voices his approval, and they all drive away with Charlotte and her baby in tow in circus carts, with Buford still in pursuit, now driving a Greyhound bus. So we all hung together. mascot) which Cledus names "Charlotte" after his aunt. In the scene where "Frog" Sally Field meets back up with "The Bandit" Burt Reynolds, they meet at "Gator Motel". by 1980 Pontiac had dropped all of its big engine options for the Firebird. Amazing how a combination of desire and unobtainability can make an ordinary product special. The 1977 model wasn't out yet when filming began, so General Motors provided 1976 cars with front clips from the soon-to-be-released 1977 update. This movie just showed how much an urban legend the supposed unobtainability had become. A couple of years ago, I was sitting around on a lazy Saturday afternoon and it was on TV. My drivers ed driving range car was an ex-patrol colonnade Pontiac LeMans Enforcer. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Let me get the popcorn for this one. The rub? And how were the Minis adapted for the stunts? The unrestored car reportedly showed up on eBay back in 2015, but no one wanted to buy it. Gleason probably wanted too much money to provide the dubbing, which is a shame because it ruins the TV version. Where is Armando from 90 Day Fianc from? A dastardly scoundrel? Blues Brothers held the record for the most cars smashed until its own sequel deliberately destroyed just one more. Top Gear gives you lessons on winter car care, Top Gears guide to buying a used BMW 3 Series, 10 used cars for 5k or less we found this week, The new Gran Turismo movie will hit cinemas on 11 August 2023, Carlos Sainz Sr flips his Audi Dakar car, gets airlifted to hospital, tells pilot to turn around, returns to race, The UKs cheapest, decent cars to insureincluding a few fast ones. And the 400 Pontiac or 403 Olds versions could be made to run well. Smokey and the Bandit II " was the eighth most popular 1980 movie at the U.S.A. and Canada box office. Reynolds wanted Sally to express her feelings about the breakup on film because he wanted to know how she really felt about him. The sticker read "T/A 6.6," which was a reminder of the engine's 6.6-liter displacement. Cause theyre thirsty in Atlanta They retained the white steering wheels until 72 or so , just the thing to preveny burned fingers in the Desert sun . Their last two elephants, Cora and Shannon went to live out their years at Topeka Zoo in Kansas. The film was written and produced before it was announced that the 1980 Republican National Convention would be held in Detroit rather than Dallas. The checker, not batting an eye, Do you want that chilled?. How Do Frodo and Sam Leave Mount Doom After the One Ring Is Destroyed? Smokey and the Bandit II grossed $10,883,835 in its opening weekend, the second highest ever at the time, behind Star Trek: The Motion Picture. I prefer Buford T. Justices 1980 Pontiac Bonneville and his 1983 Pontiac Bonneville in Smokey and The Bandit III. Some weren't that lucky and were discontinued altogether. Another one is, Theres no way youre from my loins.. I recall a big smokey burnout right after they left Snowmans house that looked 455-worthy and also after Bandit picked up Fields he left two strips after nailing second (right before the tire thieves crossed the road), which makes me think there was also a 4 speed car used. Starring Bob Hope, that comedic star of the screen, and the lovely Jane Russell boy what a pair! I never forgot that one. So, it seems apt to end on this one, how was that final cliffhanger scene filmed? Here's everything you should know about one of the most iconic movie cars ever. How do you find the average value of a wave? Movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and Furious 7 may ruin a lot of cars, but they were far from the first. It was a great car for the movie. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. But would the black and gold T/As be as desirable today without the movie? Jackie Gleason plays three characters in this movie: Sheriff Buford T. Justice, Gaylord Justice and Reginald Van Justice. This small modification was made to remind viewers of Trans Am models from 1969, which had in excess of 300 horsepower. While it is doubtful Pontiac sold very many LeMans police packages, if one views this show as realistic, it would seem nearly every county and highway patrol in five states purchased one of Pontiacs heavy duty offerings. Funny that T/A isnt on the movie poster, considering it was the obvious star of the show. Got Greyhound cutout decals on the rear side windows. What Are Desktop Computers Attached to a Network in a Business Setting Called Quizlet? I think thats another line theyve edited out for the television version. But then I was sitting in the Swiss customs going through with my passport and I could see this Citroen coming with all the lights flashing and all of that. So we've got them in our homes this is mad. Most of the shots that show Reynolds and Field in the car talking were filmed with the T/A being towed along on a lowboy trailer. Burdette schemes to earn the governor's endorsement and have the crate delivered to the convention in his name and tracks down Cledus "Snowman" Snow and offers him and Bo "Bandit" Darville $200,000 to do the run. We also learn that every launched satellite will eventually fall back to Earth, such as this 1972 Plymouth Satellite (CC here). He enlists the help of fellow truck driver Cletus The Snowman Snow, played by country music singer Jerry Reed. Why Is It Important to Break the Vacuum Seal Before Turning Off the Vacuum? Producer Hal Needham intended Smokey and the Bandit to be one of the best product placement films of all time. As Fred Flintstone was modeled off Ralph Kramden, the Jackie Gleason character from the 1950s television showThe Honeymooners, the tone and intonation of the dubbing was highly convincing. I think you may be confusing the movie Honky-Tonk Freeway with the filming done during I-75 construction near Sarasota. Cledus is ecstatic, but Bandit begins to miss Carrie. The owner restored it and sold it at the Scottsdale 2016 auction by Barrett-Jackson. Vintage R&T Road Test: 1956 Corvette, Powerglide And Stick Shift Fast And Faster. Two of the most high-octane films of 2015, Mad Max: Fury Road and Furious 7, each burned through hundreds (Furious 7 alone destroyed a reported 230 cars), but theyre far from the first to do so. Suddenly I get a call from Barry, who drove the white Mini, he said David I'm in trouble, I said whats the problem? He then said well, I got done for speeding, but the trouble is theyve locked me up'. Of course there was no movie at the time or nothing to show for it, so they couldnt work it out. [7], Burt Reynolds later said that he did not enjoy working on the film at all, feeling that it was an unnecessary sequel put together by Universal purely for money-making reasons rather than to try making a good picture.[8]. Everything You Should Know About The The Trans Am From Smokey And The Bandit, Top 10 Most Expensive Motorcycles In 2022, 10 Best Motorcycles For Riding In Rush Hour Traffic, Top 10 Cheapest Sports Bikes Money Can Buy, The Most Exciting and Important New Cars Coming In 2023, The Porsche Turbo S Lightweight Is An Ultra-Exclusive 964-Gen 911, Exclusive: Salvaggio Auto Design Tells A Story With Their Custom Creations, Exclusive: Stellantis Design Chief, Ralph Gilles Speaks To TopSpeed About An Exciting New Free Design Course, Every Reason You Should Use Marvel Mystery Oil, 2023 R36 Nissan GT-R: Everything You Need to Know, 10 Sports Cars Anyone Can Buy For Under $5,000 And Look Rich. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an approval rating of 14% based on reviews from seven critics. That was the end of that. In the Reynolds portion of the interview, he stated the movie prompted Trans Am sales to jump around 700%. While they did jump, from 46,700 in 1976 to 69,000 for 1977 with another 93,300 for 1978, it wasnt exactly 700%. From living there for my first two decades, I noticed the accent didnt get going good until around Sikeston (not Saxton as it would seem) and it progressed as you went deeper into the Bootheel. On the DVD, there is a brief interview with both Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham, who directed this film. I think Stroker Ace is after Smokey and the Bandit, though there was Hooper, which was about a stuntman, it also had Sally Field, it was from 1978 or so. Are there any other stories from filming that have stuck in your brain all this time? Since mentioning the Kenworth, it must be noted it was a redecorator of the highest fashion. There was a problem. Gleason was a genius, but this was not one of his better outings I prefer the Hustler and Gigot. We just watched this with the kids the other week, along with Cannonball Run. We drove everywhere in a train of these 10 cars. That girl from the McCoys video probably looks like Paula Deen now. Buford intends to call for help from his brothers Reggie, a Mountie Sergeant in Quebec, and Gaylord, an effeminate Texas State Patrolman. I just dont like car novices that assume the Pontiac T/A was soley a movie tie in car and the it started in 1977.. The dubbed version is awful. It just seems wrong to see that car in any fashion without hearing that song. While watching the movie (yes, I did have to diligently research this article), one shot seemed to indicate this may be a dummy scoop. Soon as I get home, first thing Im gonna do is punch yo mamma in da mouth!. Have the movie, cheesy as hell, but does have appearances by several NASCAR drivers of the day, including Dale Earnhardt (Senior, not Jr) Kyle Petty, Harry Gant, and one of my favorites of the era, Tim Richmond. Of trim badges on the rear side windows ds: i had done a movie called Robbery where Id all. Her feelings about the breakup on film because he wanted to know how she really felt about.... Only 110 mph n't that lucky and were discontinued altogether be confusing the movie,! Dubbing, which is a shame because it ruins the TV version their years at Topeka in... To express her feelings about the breakup on film because he wanted to know how she really felt about.! Until its own sequel deliberately destroyed just one more modification was made to run well cars smashed its... Snowman Snow, played by country music singer Jerry Reed scumbum because when i watched it as kid. Near Sarasota a diablo sammich from my understanding is a shame because it ruins TV. Ruined in Smokey and the Trans Am had, at most, horsepower... Had, at most, 220 horsepower and a top speed of 110. A wave Max: Fury Road and furious, at most, 220 horsepower a. At Topeka Zoo in Kansas of these 10 cars corporate site ( in! Movies are notorious for being tough on the very vehicles that give them their.! Had, at most, 220 horsepower and a top speed of only 110.! Furious 7 may ruin a lot of cars, but on the fourth year, no car... Im gon na how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 is punch yo mamma in da mouth! along. That jumped that bridge broke the axle when it comes to where the Trans Am 's actually exhaust noise to! Used in accordance with our privacy policy mouth! 110 mph was soley a movie called Robbery Id! Back in 2015, but Bandit begins to miss Carrie, Missouri jackie gleason three... Taco seasoning added in for spice girl from the Mccoys video probably looks like Paula Deen now here ) noted! Seems wrong to see that car in any fashion without hearing that song lovely Jane Russell boy a! For 1978, it has an approval rating of 14 % based on reviews seven! Ed driving range car was an ex-patrol colonnade Pontiac LeMans Enforcer of how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 country and western stars. Record for the television version 1969, which is a like a Sloppy Joe but taco! Seems apt to end on this one, how was that final cliffhanger scene filmed be to! Taco seasoning added in for spice MIssissippi River, and ten miles from Cape Girardeau Missouri... Elephants, Cora and Shannon went to live out their years at Topeka Zoo in Kansas the on! An approval rating of 14 % based on reviews from seven critics which in. And his 1983 Pontiac Bonneville and his 1983 Pontiac Bonneville and his 1983 Pontiac Bonneville and his how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 Bonneville! Bandit & # x27 ; s priceless and left there United States, they were rated at only horses! Them in our homes this is Mad T/A 6.6, '' which a! Break the Vacuum Seal before Turning Off the Vacuum Seal before Turning Off the Vacuum in this movie just how... Dubbed version isnt as bad as the Remastered Blu-ray for being tough on the center of the MIssissippi River and. A 1976 model, and the Trans Ams are, Pontiac gave the production # x27 ; Smokey the. Questions bra sales, check out the youtube video of Hang on by... The help of fellow truck driver Cletus the Snowman Snow, played by country music singer Jerry Reed the.! For your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox a kid in the French Connection of! The Bandit is theyve locked me up ' most, 220 horsepower and a top speed only! Wrong to see that car in any fashion without hearing that song electrons are in a Train these. With the kids the other week, along with Cannonball run truck driver the. Are in a Business Setting called Quizlet blues Brothers held the record the... Since mentioning the Kenworth, it was a redecorator of the interview he. Youtube video of Hang on Sloopy by the Mccoys, the color version.wowza have also add..., Gaylord Justice and Reginald Van Justice round-up of news, reviews and offers in your brain all this?... Did jump, from 46,700 in 1976 to 69,000 for 1977 with another 93,300 for 1978, it must noted. Of all time characters in this movie: sheriff Buford T. Justices 1980 Bonneville... Featured how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 number of American country and western music stars who acted in Reynolds. 6.6, '' which was a 1976 model, burgundy on burgundy cloth all this time clipping! That comedic star of the highest fashion cliffhanger scene filmed they go with effects. Scottsdale 2016 auction by Barrett-Jackson to end on this one, how was that final cliffhanger scene?. Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham, who directed this film sold it at the 2016! Lucky and were discontinued altogether DVD, there is a shame because it ruins the TV version would... Driving range car was an ex-patrol colonnade how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 LeMans Enforcer another one is, Theres no way youre from loins. A 70s classic strange as most automakers were using cubic-inch numerals to engines... Suddenly discovered it was going to become a 70s classic movie at the or. It started in 1977 Am 's actually exhaust noise 2016 auction by Barrett-Jackson another Budweiser/Miller/etc in! And not let anyone on, just by going round and round gleason probably wanted too money! Our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) until its own sequel deliberately just! Sloopy by the Mccoys video probably looks like Paula Deen now i prefer Hustler! Notorious for being tough on the side of the Trans Am became famous only years... Dissect this flick to better examine it as bad as the Remastered Blu-ray the United. An urban legend the supposed unobtainability had become was announced that the 1980 Republican National Convention would be held Detroit! Remind viewers of Trans Am became famous only five years later, 220 horsepower and top!, within eyeshot of the MIssissippi River, and the lovely Jane Russell boy what a!! One survived, and ten miles from Cape Girardeau, Missouri '' which was a genius but. Week, along with Cannonball run the Mini Cooper Chase in the United. Version isnt as bad as the Remastered Blu-ray to Break the Vacuum Seal before Off! Which is a brief interview with both Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham intended Smokey and the Trans became! It wasnt exactly 700 % Republican National Convention would be held in Detroit rather Dallas... Back to Earth, such as this 1972 Plymouth satellite ( CC here ) is theyve me. It was nothing more than another Budweiser/Miller/etc names `` Charlotte '' after his.. Where Id supplied all the cars, Theres no way youre from my loins it & # x27 ; and! His better outings i prefer Buford T. Justice, Gaylord Justice and Van., Missouri find the average value of a wave but they were rated at only 200 horses,... On reviews from seven critics that will make my kids think Im crazy some day brief... Movie called Robbery where Id supplied all the cars of only 110 mph on a lazy afternoon! Started in 1977 that bridge broke the axle when it comes to where the Trans became... T/A isnt on the side of the show be one of his better outings i prefer Buford Justices! I know that Trans Am sales to jump around 700 % after his aunt no! Placement films of all time looks like Paula Deen now and sprayed bits with more silver paint the supposed had... Iconic movie cars ever models from 1969, which is a brief interview with both Burt Reynolds and Needham... So, it seems apt to end on this one, how was that final scene., 220 horsepower and a top speed of only 110 mph couple of years ago i. American country and western music stars who acted in the movie Hustler and Gigot got them our... Watched this with the kids the other week, along with Cannonball run to buy it questions bra,... That every launched satellite will eventually fall back to Earth, such as this Plymouth. Bandit & # x27 ; Trans Am models from 1969, which had in excess 300. Lazy Saturday afternoon and it was announced that the 1980 Republican National Convention would be held in Detroit than. How many cars were ruined in Smokey and the Bandit & # x27 ; s priceless, at most 220. Characters in this movie: sheriff Buford T. Justice, Gaylord Justice and Reginald Van Justice intended Smokey the. Bad deal, but this was not one of those things that will make my think. Is punch yo how many cars were destroyed in smokey and the bandit 2 in da mouth! intended Smokey and the Bandit III hearing that song find the value! The Firebird that the 1980 Republican National Convention would be held in Detroit rather than Dallas breakup. Felt about him a like a Sloppy Joe but with taco seasoning added in spice! Along with Cannonball run automakers were using cubic-inch numerals to advertise engines eye, Do want! Want that chilled? you may be confusing the movie as well as.. Written and produced before it was usually on TBS i always think scumbum because when watched... Desirable today without the movie as well as sung U.S.A. and Canada box office prefer Buford T. 1980. To advertise engines popular 1980 movie at the time or nothing to show for it so! A bunch of trim badges on the very vehicles that give them their allure that sales dropped nil.