What's even better, Sullivan is the one did the bulk of the restoration on the 1977 Chevrolet Camaro Type LT from the ground up.

"When I first saw that beat up, rough, jacked up dirty Camaro pull into Bobby Boliva's car lot on the first Transformers movie, I was instantly sent back to my high school years", says Sullivan. "It was exactly like the cars I drove, raced and hot-rodded back in my youth and early 20s, and instantly had a connection with it. I had to recreate it!"

Sullivan says he builds all of his cars to drive and enjoy. 

"Show cars are nice, but if you can't drive them, they don't give me a lot of satisfaction. So I bought the body in 2015, just before my daughter was born. And began the car's transformation in early 2016."

For the gear heads out there, Sullivan's replica has a stock GM 350 crate engine producing 260 horsepower by GM's specs. It is mated to a 700R4 overdrive transmission with a shift kit, and a 3:73 geared positive traction rear end. 

For the screen-accurate fans, the exterior of Sullivan's Bumblebee has all of the movie correct touches...such as the bolted on hood scoop, special front spoiler, passenger side mirror delete along with standard (non bullet style) driver's mirror, mismatched skinny Cragar wheels up front, and fat Real Rodders wheels out back. The interior of Bumblebee has the movie correct Grant steering wheel, B&M shifter, and center console gauge addition. 

Sullivan has taken his Bumblebee to various types of events over the years. The car has appeared in parades, comic cons, and a movie car display at an NHRA event. Bumblebee has also proudly joined the world's only AOE replica of Optimus Prime for a Christmas Parade in South Carolina. One Sullivan says he was honored to be a part of. 

But he says he mostly enjoys meeting all of the people. 

When asked if he has a favorite event he has attended thus far with Bumblebee, Sullivan states: "the farthest we have traveled together was an amazing adventure driving a portion of the Hot Rod Power Tour, where we clocked around 1,200 miles along side of thousands of other amazing vehicles.  But the reactions and faces from all the children and grownups alike when seeing the progression of Bumblebees leading the mighty Optimus Prime in that Christmas parade will definitely live in my heart and memories!"

In Sullivan's own words...

"When I originally built this car, it was purely meant to be a fun driver that reminded me of my high school days. I never thought that so many other people around me would have such an appreciation for it, let alone a desire to see it themselves, to see the same Autobot Scout that came to Earth, and won their hearts on the big screen. 

It is an honor and privilege to meet all of the folks I have met along the way in sharing Bee with everyone, and has been an absolute honor to work beside Joe and Optimus Prime in sharing their message against bullying. Joe had a dream of building a replica of Optimus to show his son that anything is possible, and he accomplished it with flying colors. 

I had a dream of replicating one of the coolest and most humble Autobots there ever was, and dreamed of life behind the wheel of him. I accomplished that as well, and it has grown into so much more, which I am very humbled and thankful for. I only hope when my daughter is old enough to really know my journey, that she will be as proud of me!"

Looking ahead to the future, Sullivan tells us that his Bumblebee replica is currently under some reconstruction following an unfortunate road rage incident that caused some considerable damage. But he plans to bring Bumblebee back and make it better than before. 

"A few repairs and more movie correct additions, and we should be even more ready to hit the road for future events."

We are honored to partner with Sullivan, and wish him well on his continued journey with Bumblebee. We also encourage you to follow his adventures on Instagram.  Because their mission alongside Team Prime is one that is worthy of a Prime!