What Semi Truck Was in Smokey and the Bandit?

Released in 1977, Smokey and the Bandit was a popular action-comedy movie starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field. The story focuses on Bo “Bandit” Darville (Reynolds) and Cledus “Snowman” Snow (Jerry Reed), two truckers who accept a challenge to drive from Atlanta to Texas and back within 28 hours, while transporting 400 cases of Coors beer. Along the way, they face off against Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) in a wild cat-and-mouse game.

One of the most iconic elements of the movie is Bo Darville’s semi truck. Specifically, it is a 1977 Peterbilt 352 Pacemaker cabover with a 576-cubic inch Cat diesel engine and 13-speed transmission. It was painted bright red with white stripes running along its sides and across its hood, giving it an unmistakable look that has been featured in many subsequent films.

The truck itself was owned by director Hal Needham, who acquired it from his father-in-law. Needham then hired truck customizer Bill Carter to customize the truck for Smokey and the Bandit. Carter added chrome grills on the front fenders, an Eagle hood ornament, chrome stacks on the roof, dual spotlights near the windshield, a CB radio antenna on top of the cab, and several other features that helped give it its unique appearance.

The Peterbilt 352 Pacemaker became an instant classic thanks to its role in Smokey and the Bandit. Its look has become iconic, with fans all over the world recognizing it as an integral part of movie history. To this day, replicas are still being built to honor this classic piece of cinema history.

In conclusion, what semi truck was in Smokey and The Bandit? The answer is clear – a 1977 Peterbilt 352 Pacemaker cabover with a 576-cubic inch Cat diesel engine and 13-speed transmission. This iconic semi truck has become an instant classic thanks to its role in Smokey And The Bandit, with fans all over the world recognizing it as an integral part of movie history even today.

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Karen Watkins