THE HOOD SCOOP: This Trans Am looks like it’s ‘doing 100 just sitting there’

Meticulously maintained, this 1977 Trans Am is a sight to see around the Island. Photo by Jenna Lookner.

STONINGTON: When Charlie Gokey of Stonington was just a kid he knew he wanted a Firebird. Unlike many, Gokey’s goal remained unchanged and, in 2025 he acquired the car of his dreams: a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with just over 37,000 documented miles and a similarly thorough provenance. 

Gokey’s wife, Elaine, is an accountant for the Deer Isle-Stonington Schools and I first spotted the car on my way to an unrelated meeting there. The candy apple red example was as good a Firebird as I have ever seen, and the iconic auto beckoned me to pull over for a closer look. I took a few photos and emailed a contact at the school’s office with a single, atypical inquiry: Who owns that beautiful car? 

Elaine and I exchanged several emails and I got in touch with Charlie. We arranged to meet on a sunny, brisk Saturday morning in late October on the eve of Gokey’s Firebird heading into heated storage for its winter slumber. 

Trans Am owner Charlie Gokey of Stonington. Photo by Jenna Lookner.

Gokey had parked the Firebird alongside his sloped lawn and two bay garage, its red paint gleaming in that particularly spectacular light that seems reserved for October. 

“I was nine years old when Smokey and the Bandit came out in 1977,” Gokey said. “I saw these cars in grocery store parking lots. It’s always been a passion of mine to have one.”

The Trans Am was a specialty package for the Pontiac Firebird, introduced in the late 1960s. Smokey and the Bandit boosted the popularity of the Firebird Trans Am, with star Burt Reynolds famously portrayed at the wheel of the legendary “Bandit Car.” 

A patient man, Gokey knew exactly what he wanted, but he bided his time and resources. In the 1990s he purchased a 1985 project Firebird for $300 and spent years fixing it up, often with his son at his side. 

“I had to bring it home on a flatbed,” he said. “I started putting money into it as I could.” 

Gokey said he sold his NASCAR model collection to help finance the project. During the restoration he connected with enthusiasts and shops that shared and encouraged his passion. 

“My son was growing up and learning as he went,” Gokey said. “I was, too.” 

Gokey said that his son told him that he would eventually like to inherit the 1985 as it is infused with memories. 

“It’s been a great car,” Gokey said. “It pacified me until I got what I really wanted.” 

The Trans Am’s throaty V8. Photo by Jenna Lookner.

Gokey found the 1977 in August and took delivery of it in Portland on September 1. He drove it home to Oceanville with no issues. 

Gokey is the fourth owner, with the original registration attributed to Ralph’s Pontiac, the dealership that originally sold the car in Buffalo, New York. Gokey said he has spoken to its previous owners. The car is a remarkable, clean survivor that reflects its meticulous care and low mileage. 

“The only thing that’s not original is the exhaust,” Gokey said. 

The car was originally painted in Buccaneer Red and was faithfully repainted about 15 years ago in the same color, with all factory decals dutifully replaced. He said that it arrived with factory rally wheels which he has since swapped out. 

The car was built in Norwood, Ohio, one of two plants where the car was produced in 1977 (the other was in California). Notably, there were multiple engine options available including the standard 400-cubic inch Pontiac L78 V8, the Oldsmobile 403-cubic inch V8, and the optional extra-cost Pontiac 400-cubic inch W72 V8. 

Gokey’s is the latter—and the rarest— of the options, with approximately 11,000 produced, he said. The Oldsmobile engine was largely marketed to higher altitude customers as the Pontiac engines could not satisfy emissions requirements, according to tran-zam.com, a website for enthusiasts.

In 1977, the signature shaker hood scoop was also rebadged to reflect metric displacement. Only the optional W72 Pontiac 400, like Gokey’s, received the "T/A 6.6" decal.

A ride in Gokey’s Trans Am can only be described as exhilarating. We made our way around the Island as the car warmed up, I asked questions and appreciated its throaty engine and remarkable suspension at every speed. Gokey found a safe spot to have a little fun with the car with an unmistakable grin. 

I don’t think I stopped grinning for an hour, either. 

Gokey said having the car makes him feel “complete.” He said he and Elaine enjoy it together., “I love that Elaine loves it.”

Gokey said that the car will be maintained as it has been. The Gokeys received it just in time to attend Autumn Gold where Gokey said that the car didn’t quite fit into a class. Still, it received a second place honor in the 1970s class, competing against scores of MOPARS and other formidable iconic cars of the period. 

“I bought it because I love it,” he said. “Not to impress anybody else.” 

Gokey said he and his wife love to drive it locally, and while it’s not a daily driver, he said it’s not a trailer queen either. 

“You take it around and little kids see it and they have never seen anything like it,” he said. “Now that we have it, I love it. I just love driving it. Doesn’t she look like she’s doing 100 just sitting right there?”

The dashboard of Gokey’s Trans Am. Photo by Jenna Lookner.

Photo by Jenna Lookner.