In 1977, the film "Smokey and the Bandit" hit the silver screen and took the automotive world by storm. The black and gold Trans Am Special Edition driven by Burt Reynolds quickly became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time, and inspired countless Americans to head to their local Pontiac dealers. Sales for the Trans Am skyrocketed after the film's debut. Even today, this increased demand has caused true Special Edition cars to maintain higher value. However, the availability of reproduction parts has enabled Firebird and Trans Am owners to create their own more-affordable tribute builds, such as the example seen here.

When you know you've found a good thing, you hold on to it. This is the mindset that led Michael Argandona, of Huntington Beach, California, to keep this 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula for three decades. He has lovingly maintained it, keeping its smooth black paint and sleek sheetmetal in immaculate condition. The result is a car that's just as cool today as it was back in '89.

Yes, you're reading that title correctly. Although it may not look like it, this is a 1978 Trans Am. It has been heavily modified with parts from earlier and later model years, as well as a rare convertible top conversion by National Coach Engineering. It also features some custom-molded body panels and black accents on its bright red paint. The result is a truly unique second-gen Pontiac that draws a crowd wherever it goes.

The first-generation of the Pontiac Firebird was the beginning of a legend. Launched in '67 alongside its sibling, the Chevrolet Camaro, the Firebird quickly developed into one of Pontiac's most famous vehicles. It would live on for 35 years across four generations. The 1969 Firebird seen here marks a significant year in the model's history, signifying the third year of its production, the final year of the first-gen, and the starting point for the Trans Am (an option package in 1969).

There are many situations in which "too much of a good thing" is a real possibility. Even the things we love can get tiresome if we experience them in excess, like eating chocolate at every meal or listening to a favorite song 24/7. But for Katina Kaliterna, of San Pedro, California, this logic doesn't apply to her restored 1968 Firebird. She drives it every chance she gets, racking up miles with a smile on her face. Take one look at the beautiful Pontiac, and you'll understand why she feels this way.

The fourth-generation GM F-body is a performance bargain, and a platform that has been steadily garnering more appreciation as the years pass. This includes both Camaro and Firebird/Trans Am models. While some may claim the fourth-gen cars are too new to be considered classics, we can remember the same being said about third-gen and even second-gen models in past decades. As far as we're concerned, the fourth-gen is definitely worthy of respect and appreciation.

As the saying goes, patience is a virtue, and few are more acutely aware of this than those who save up for years to afford a dream car. It's not easy to deliberately set aside a portion of every paycheck and leave that money untouched until the day it can be handed over in exchange for the keys to the classic car you've always wanted. But Connor Schwarz, of Huntington Beach, CA, did just that in order to purchase his 1978 Trans Am.

As production of the groundbreaking first-generation Pontiac Firebird wrapped up after three successful years, GM would continue to sell the original F-body cars throughout 1969 and into the earlier months of 1970. Then, partway through the year, the automaker introduced the second-generation Firebird. As a result, some would call this new car a "1970 1/2" model.

California is a friendly environment for classic cars due to its mild and sunny weather conditions year-round. Snow, ice, and salted roads are virtually nonexistent, and even rain is a rare phenomenon. This means that the Golden State is a great place to find survivor vehicles that have been preserved in excellent condition since the day they rolled off the production line.

The name Firebird implies an avian creature with mythical capabilities, and the name Firehawk takes that bird's capabilities to the next level. A hawk doesn't just glide effortlessly through the air, it actively hunts down its prey. With this in mind, Firehawk is a fitting name for a special line of Pontiac vehicles that took the Firebird to a higher level of performance.