Mark Osborne has always loved "Smokey and the Bandit". Already owning an original Dukes of Hazzard screen-used GENERAL LEE - the need to fill the void of his other favority movie car grew strong towards the end of 2008 and early 2009. Soon the search was on for a correct 1977 Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. Mark started doing his research about the Bandit cars and went about looking for the correct year model and option package as seen the "Smokey and the Bandit".

There are tons of these cars out there - but few in the correct configuration for a Smokey and the Bandit replica. The majority of cars Mark came across were hard-top cars - lacking the small Hurst (and prone-to-leak) T-tops. The cars were originally available in a variety of colors and Mark was on the hunt for factory black. A 1978 car passes for a 1977 in front of most on-lookers - and they are easier to find - but Mark stayed on the trail of a 1977 Black on Black Trans Am with Automatic Transmission and factory t-tops. Mark actually bid on a couple of cars on eBay - but never ended up with a solid deal or winning bid through those means.

Eventually Mark landed on a company specializing in Trans Ams called Restoreamusclecar.com.

Mark struck a deal on a phenomenal 1977 Black on Black Trans Am SE - one of only about 3,760 produced with factory Hurst t-tops, air-conditioning, automatic transmission and a unique combination of power windows and manual locks.

Restoreamusclecar.com was extremely easy to work with and very knowledgeable. The interior on the car was already complete - and Mark got his hands on a very rare factory General Motors CB Radio. He shipped it out there and it was installed by the experts before delivery of the car. In fact - the management wanted the opportunity to freshen up the engine bay - and pulled the motor just to apply a fresh coat of blue paint!

When all was ready to go shipping was arranged through Restoreamusclecar.com and it arrived without a hitch! Overall the car has proved incredibly reliable - and Mark has driven the car to several events. This has been one of the best experiences he has had with a classic car - as the owner of three older 68-69 Dodge Chargers that require constant maintenance - the ability to get in the Bandit car and drive it literally anywhere is a welcome change for Mark.

This is a close-up look at a very rare factory General Motors CB radio that Mark was able to find for the car. The folks at Restoreamusclecar.com were shocked that Mark was able to locate one - and it works like a charm! This option originally cost $195 from Pontiac!