In Depth
Burt Reynolds' Bandit Rides Again
From CB to DIY
Look out, smokeys, here comes a whole fleet of Bandits.
DIY Network’s “Celebrity Rides” program plans to launch a series of shows featuring actor Burt Reynolds rebuilding a set of Pontiac Trans Ams so they resemble the car he drove memorably in the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies.
“Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit” kicks off on the channel Oct. 19 at 10 p.m. In the series, Mr. Reynolds and his design team at the Year One auto restoration company rebuild the Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Ams.
One fan also will get a chance to win one of the fully restored cars.
On Oct. 8, before the show begins to be televised on cable, DIY will launch a Burt Builds a Bandit Contest on Heavy.com. Users will be able to upload videos explaining why they should win the car.
The winner is scheduled to be announced during a one-hour special recapping the series Dec. 14.
“In 1977, the water cooler conversation focused on Princess Leia, Annie Hall and a hot little car called Bandit. Thirty years later, car and film enthusiasts alike still have a passion for this incredible vehicle and the impact it had on pop culture,” said Kathleen Finch, DIY Network’s general manager. “To be able to give away one of these incredible custom vehicles to a lucky DIY viewer is just icing on the cake.”
The first episode of the series will feature footage from the original movie.
Mr. Reynolds appears to have retained his fondness for the car. “There wasn’t anything on the road that looked like it,” the actor said. “It still looks like it could eat you for lunch.”
DIY plans to extend the franchise in 2008 with “Celebrity Rides: Dillon and the Rebel.” In that limited series, Kevin Dillon of HBO’s “Entourage” will build a kit-car replica of the 1955 Porsche Spyder driven by James Dean.
Jay Leno, who was featured in the first “Celebrity Rides” special, will be back in “Celebrity Rides: The Last Dusenberg,” restoring a 1931 Model J418 Wood Towncar found in an old garage in Manhattan.
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Comments 5
Marty Akkashian
I love it! any tv series, any movies based on that movie will be watched by me. It's too bad the movie "east bound and down" was never made.
Marfanman
I was fortunate to purchase a brand new BANDIT back in 1977 but, UNfortunate to have it totaled
by another driver :( After owning hot rods,
muscle cars etc. I miss my BANDIT most of all.
All I have left from my 77 T/A is 1 old picture,
a scar in my forehead and, my old plate "NASTY77".
Anybody that has a BANDIT should hold on to it.
Chad Hall
The car was not called Bandit~!~ That was Burts CB call sign in the movie. He (BURT) was the bandit! The truck driver was the snowman !! The car was a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am.......
Arline Kimball
Is there a DVD I can purchase of Year One building the Bandit?
Arline Kimball
Is there a DVD of Year One building the bandit available for purchase?
Thanks,
Arline Kimball