Chuck Stovall Jr.
I was born and raised in
Northwest Arkansas. I grew up on grits, fried everything and small block
Chevy's. I was 3 years old in 77 when Smokey & The Bandit came out. I didn't see
the movie but I heard and saw the Trans AMs running
around town. I could not understand why my dad had to drive
an old Oldsmobile when there
were cool cars like those. When I was 8, we got a Satellite
dish and I first viewed Smokey & the Bandit. Right there, I
made a pact with my friends that someday, I would own a car
just like that. I never
strayed from that kid's dream.
Five years ago I purchased my Bandit from a retired Doctor in upstate New
York. He was the original owner and parked the car in 1980.
I was looking for a fixer upper but came across this dream
car instead. The car is a 1977 SE 400 4-Speed with Hurst
Hatches. It had 24,200 original miles and had been sitting
in a Garage for over 20 years. Everything was original, the
paint, sticker, 8-Track, interior and even the factory AC
Delco plugs, wires and cap were there. I popped the trunk,
and to my surprise, the original never mounted
spare tire, unused air canister and T-Top bag was all still
there too. I paid the asking amount and I have never stopped
grinning since.
To get the car running, I had to replace the Radiator, tires, ignition and
rear leafs. After that, she purred to life and I drove it
all the way to Arkansas. I now reside in Colorado, just out side of Denver. I am married and have a
Daughter. Since buying my Bandit I have put over 6,000 miles
on it. It has never seen rain nor snow and I keep the custom
car cover on it even in the Garage.
Lay the Hammer Down,
Chuck Stovall Jr.
