Jeep Gladiator Bandit Borrows Trans Am Motif
Made famous by the Pontiac Trans Am Bandit, this Jeep Gladiator pulls off the black and bronze motif beautifully.
Now, before we all get too excited about what the “Bandit” moniker or Trans Am inspiration might imply, there’s no 6.6-liter V8 under that screaming chicken. In fact, the third party that made these custom Gladiator Bandits left the 3.6 six-cylinder be. Probably for the better, too, since the original Bandit motor was only rated for around 200 horsepower. The inline-six that’s at-home in the Jeep makes 285 horsepower — which is more power. We’d have loved to see the 392 hemi in it, but that’s neither here nor there.
Most of what makes the Gladiator what it is was left alone. For the most part, this one no. 26 of a limited batch of Gladiator Bandits just has the appearance of a Bandit Trans Am — sporting black and bronze all over the body and interior. The only exterior modification that was made to this custom Gladiator was a lift kit and black and bronze wheels. On both the exterior and the interior, Bandit badges can be found in all the right places. Side panels, dashboard, head rests and rear gate. The interior was tastefully peppered with bronze accents, along with the Bandit moniker logo on the bottom right corner of the dash cover.
A lot like the original Bandit Trans Am, there’s a sticker on the non-functional hood scoop that features a decal stating the engine size and output figures. It’s not as impressive as “6.6L,” but, when the fact that the Jeep’s factory inline 6 makes more horsepower, it’s acceptable.
This Gladiator Bandit won’t be used in any Smoky and the Bandit remakes any time soon, but it’s a fun way to pay tribute. Used off-road, the bronze accenting should pop against any kind of mud or dust. The screaming chicken is the best part of it all, with it being what made the Bandit Trans Am more recognizable.
If you’d like to view the listing from Mecum auctions and view more photos, click here.
Photos: Mecum
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