Burt Reynolds Received Annual Pontiacs Until Awkward GM President Call
Burt Reynolds, a legendary figure in cinema, gained immense notoriety for his role in the Smokey and the Bandit films. Released in the 1970s, this franchise not only propelled Reynolds into stardom but also transformed the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am into a cultural icon. Following the success of the series, General Motors (GM) offered Reynolds an annual gift of a new Trans Am, promising him one for life. However, this luxurious arrangement was unexpectedly cut short due to a change in leadership at GM.
Burt Reynolds and the Pontiac Trans Am
In the Smokey and the Bandit series, Reynolds portrayed Bo “The Bandit” Darville, a character whose escapades created a lasting impression on audiences. The films featured notable actors such as Jerry Reed, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason. Due to the series’ popularity, Trans Am sales surged by an impressive 700 percent.
The Generous Gift from General Motors
- GM promised Reynolds a new Trans Am every year for life.
- Reynolds gifted the first car to his sister and the second to his stepbrother.
- He kept the fourth Trans Am for himself.
For five years, Reynolds received a new Trans Am annually. This arrangement highlighted both his star power and GM’s desire to capitalize on the film’s success. However, everything changed when Reynolds noticed a missing car one year.
Termination of the Agreement
Surprised by the absence of his latest vehicle, Reynolds contacted the GM president for clarification. Unfortunately, he discovered that the initial lifetime deal was voided upon the passing of the original president. The new president, who was not as enthusiastic about Reynolds’ films, terminated the agreement.
Reynolds expressed his disappointment, arguing that his deal was meant to last his lifetime, regardless of the leadership changes at GM. Ultimately, this accelerated the end of an otherwise fruitful partnership that lasted just half a decade.
