1977 Bandit Trans Am Owned by Burt Reynolds Consigned to Carlisle Auctions

The Carlisle Auctions brand was re-born in November of 2013 with an event in Florida and it’s only fitting that because of an event in Florida two years later, Carlisle Auctions has landed its biggest and most promising consignment to date.  Crossing the block as part of the Spring Carlisle Auction (April 23-24) at the Carlisle Expo Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am owned by none other than the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds.  This car is one of 350+ consignments that Carlisle Auctions will move as part of the event which runs from approximately 3 p.m.-10 p.m. over two days.

Though one of 350+, this particular Trans Am will quickly turn heads when hopeful bidders walk up to it in the Expo Center.  Purchased by Reynolds last year, it was meticulously restored by long time friend and Trans Am restoration expert Harold Murphy of Murphy Auto Body and Restoration in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Since then, it’s been a part of the Reynolds collection, but it’s also the LAST of his cars to be auctioned as he transitions to a new chapter in his life.

With so many auction companies across the country, how does a piece of automotive history owned by one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons wind up with Carlisle Auctions?  The answer is simple and it speaks to the value of doing business with Carlisle Auctions.  As mentioned previously, the modern day version of Carlisle Auctions ran its first event in Florida and continues to run a pair of events annually within the Sunshine State (Florida Fall and Winter AutoFest in Lakeland).  During the Winter AutoFest event, which took place in February of 2015, the Carlisle Auctions team and Director of Auction Operations Tony Cline had the chance to work directly with Murphy.  It was that working relationship and positive experience that convinced Murphy and Reynolds to consign with Carlisle, where as the slogan goes, you’re not just a number, you’re a member of the Carlisle family.

In addition to being a fine piece of restoration work and a true tribute to one of the most iconic cars in all of film, the car has been autographed by Reynolds!  His signature adorns the hood and can be found again inside on the dash board.  Both autographs have been protected to assure a long lasting keepsake.  Further, the winning bidder will receive the Florida DMV title that proves Reynolds is the current owner.  Along with the title and autographs on the car, the winning bid takes home an autographed hat and jacket.  The hat and jacket were worn by Reynolds during a photo shoot for the car.  Those photos are available online at www.CarlisleAuctions.com, embedded within the document version of this release below, although higher quality photos are available by request.

With this being the last Reynolds car to cross any auction block, collectors will be quick to bid on this piece of automotive history.  But, what does this particular Trans Am mean in the world of classic cars?  Trans Am expert Rick Deiters of www.TransAmFlorida.com believes that given its lineage, it could bring top dollar.

“The 1977 Trans Am Special Edition, AKA the Bandit car is possibly one of the most iconic cars of all time.  Unless you’ve lived under a rock, you have to be aware of Smokey and the Bandit and of those who starred in the film,” noted Deiters.  “In the last 10 years, these cars have gained incredible attention, proving that iconic cars are desirable and collectible,” continued Deiters.  “As such, a huge amount of fans of the car and the movie are out there looking for this important piece of Americana.  To find an authentic black on black 1977 TA Special Edition proves to be a mission because only a limited amount of them were produced.   In 2014 alone, ones in museum quality condition sold for over $100,000 and in December of 2014, another ‘77 Trans Am from Reynolds’ collection sold for $450,000…and in my opinion, that car wasn’t in as good a condition as some of the others I’ve seen.  That speaks volumes to the demand for not only the car, but for ones owned by Reynolds.  In my opinion, this last car from his collection is a really good and a correct one.  I personally know the car as it was sold by my company to Mr. Murphy to do the project for Mr. Reynolds and I know the group who restored it.  They do good work.  The car is identical to the car driven in the movie; it’s a correct Special Edition Y82 model with Hurst T-Tops, black deluxe interior and a 6.6 liter engine.  Hopefully bidders should do so with complete confidence and I believe this car will do quite well, making its future owner very proud,” concluded Deiters.

Enthusiasts looking for their first classic, next classic or just a way to spend a spring evening should look no further than the Spring Carlisle Auction.  Powered by the Carlisle Auctions’ FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, the event has something for everyone.  Consignments should range from four figures to six and with competitive buyers and sellers fees and a friendly staff, it’s no wonder why the Carlisle Auctions brand is the fastest growing collector car auction company in the business today.