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2026 Honda Ridgeline ReviewCool Car Find: Smokey & The Bandit Firebird
A limited-edition Smokey and the Bandit-style ‘90s Firebird? Yes, it exists! Learn more about the handful of these models and how they were customized.
Continuing the Tradition of Smokey & The Bandit
You’ve all seen Smokey and The Bandit, right? Of course you have, it’s a classic. Even if you didn’t like the movie, we all know how Smokey and the Bandit made the Trans Am an icon. Now, how many of you have seen Smokey and the Bandit Part 3? That’s OK not many people did. And those who saw it didn’t much like it. The car, however? It was still pretty cool! The movie showcased a third-generation Pontiac Special Edition Trans Am. That’s our Cool Car Find today. Learn more about this 1991 Pontiac Firebird and how it was customized in a way that would make Bandit proud.
The 3rd-Generation Pontiac Firebird
The third-generation Pontiac Firebird was first released in 1981 as a 1982 model, but the Firebird model specifically used in Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 was a 1983 Pontiac Trans Am. The ’82 Pontiac Firebird featured a slightly restyled phoenix hood decal. An embossed silver variation of the decal was also placed on the gas tank cap. Beyond the slight restyling, another significant change almost happened.
There was a moment in time, during the aftermath of the fuel crisis, that Pontiac considered adopting a front-wheel drive platform for the third-generation Firebird. That didn’t happen, but Pontiac did cut about 230 pounds from the curb weight through a more aerodynamic body design. This was done to maintain higher acceleration ability on the new Firebird.
The three engine options from the previous generation were carried over into the third-generation Firebird, but with the reduced curb weight, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that the ‘82 Firebird got an estimated 24 miles per gallon (mpg) with its 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hydramatic transmission. That combination produced just 90 horsepower. When that engine was coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission the horsepower didn’t increase, but it shot the fuel efficiency estimate up to over 31 mpg on the highway. There was also a version of the ’82 Firebird that was equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 automatic that delivered 165 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Our 1991 Firebird Formula Coupe
By the time this listed 1991 Firebird Formula that we found was manufactured, Pontiac gave the Firebird a slight refresh. It got a new nose that was somewhat inspired by the Pontiac Banshee IV concept car. The ’91 Camaro also received a front-end update based on the Banshee. Three trims were available for the 1991 Firebird, including the Base, the Formula, the Trans Am, and the GTA. Both the Formula and the Trans Am received a new wraparound design, too. As you can see, this ‘91 Formula coupe is a T-Top, but convertibles were also offered.
Engine choices evolved to include a 3.1-liter V6, a throttle body-injected V8, and a port-injected V8. This one has the original 13,860-mile 5.0-liter V8 and automatic four-speed transmission under the hood. It’s capable of producing 170 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Still a RWD, this ’91 Firebird gets a combined 20 mpg, though people aren’t going to be buying this 90s classic for fuel efficiency. They’ll be buying it for the Smokey and the Bandit swagger it has!
Customizing It, Bandit-Style
Our Cool Car Find obviously has the classic black paint and gold firebird decal on the hood, but, taking a closer look at this 1991 Firebird Formula coupe, the cabin is styled with black velour cloth and a gold-colored buffed aluminum dash. While it may not be Bluetooth-enabled, this ’91 Firebird Formula does come with an attached Motorla car phone. Who’s to say if it even works, but just seeing it there certainly helps transport you back to the early 90s.
In addition to the standard factory features on a 1991 Firebird, this Formula has been customized to add a little bit more Smokey and the Bandit flare. There are movie sequels, and, in this case, there are car sequels. This is a third-generation Firebird like the one that was used in Smokey and the Bandit Part 3, so the name of this vehicle is “Bandit II.” It can be seen on a vanity plate up front, painted across both doors, etched into the headrests, and even on the floor mats. The idea of outfitting a newer Firebird in the same style as the Trans Am from Smokey and the Bandit is certainly a fun one. You’ve got to love a good throwback. So, who customized it and why does it have “Limited Edition” badging?
There’s not a lot of official information from Pontiac since this wasn’t a factory option, but there are indeed a handful of these Bandit IIs out there. They were customized by a company out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was a dealer option, and they were available in black, red, green, and white. If you see one of these unicorns at a car show or in a random parking lot, they are legitimate and they’re definitely something to keep an eye open for.
These Limited Edition Bandit II’s aren’t necessarily worth a lot of money. It really depends on the condition of the vehicle, but if you’re a Smokey and the Bandit fan and you find one in good condition, it could be worth making an offer on. After all, getting behind the wheel of this Firebird is sure to make you feel like Bandit.
