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I anticipated the release of the ’77 Trans Am from FM since it’s only the second Pontiac they’ve done. What’s more, it’s a replica of the car that starred in Smokey and the Bandit. I’ve decided to look at this image in light of the disparaging comments cropping up on the D4C Forum regarding FM quality and features. Just what do you get when you order this special FMCC LE? Let’s take a look.
First, it’s a numbered LE with the plate on the underside of the gas tank. It has the expected working suspension – fore and aft. Trunk and interior details are up to par. The 1:24 scale black vinyl seats are a good representation of what the original came with upholstery-wise. The seat belts could have been separate items instead of being molded into the seats though. The dash is clean and crisp, featuring a CB radio. (Though the interior schematic shows a mic and coil cord, they’re not present on my image.) Details under the hood are there, including wires and hoses. Things don’t look as crisp as some other FM releases, however, but they’re not terrible either. The “shaker” air cleaner is fitted nicely to the hole in the hood but it doesn’t remove like in the ’70 Hemi-‘Cuda. The seams around the hood, doors and trunk are tight. There are two, removable smoked-glass panels for the “T-top” roof and they fit well. The exterior paint finish and other detailing is generally done well, save for tampo markings in lieu of separate side marker lights and door handles (which are in bas-relief). There are 3-D front fender ports with screens and the “screaming eagle” on the hood stands out well – very sharp. The special mags look good, as do the white-lettered radials.
This image’s few shortcomings do nothing to detract from the muscular lines of the car and the overall crispness of its execution. It’ll look great on the shelf among the other “muscle cars.” [P. S. – Though the red chosen for this LE is a good shade, I would really have liked to see the image in black – just like the one in the movie.]
An identical model sold without a display base is numbered B11997 on the box.
(09/24/2002)
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