Police Detective Lieutenant Michael Arthur Long. Michael Long recovers from a fatal gunshot wound in the face. With a new look, he assumes a fresh identity as Michael Knight and wages a war against criminals with his indestructible supercar, K.I.T.T.
That was the intro to the original Knight Rider series that saw Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff), a crime fighter who uses a high-tech, artificially intelligent automobile, the Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT). This car is a virtually indestructible weapon that fights for justice and was originally voiced by actor William Daniels.
The Iconic Car: 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
The car used as K.I.T.T. in the series was a customized 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, costing US$100,000 to build (equivalent to about $196,000 in 2021 or €170,000). The studio hired former Mattel (and later Back to the Future DeLorean) designer Michael Scheffe to turn Pontiac’s latest sporty targa into something special in record time. He redesigned the car’s nose and dashboard, giving it a unique and sleek appearance.
Early promotional shot. Note the lack of modifications at the front. NBC UNIVERSALGETTY IMAGES
The hero car, the one featured in close-ups and intricate shots, was the only vehicle that contained the fully functional dashboard. Spare cars were available for other scenes, and Universal eventually made all the modifications needed to bring K.I.T.T. to life on-screen. However, a mock-up dashboard was used on a sound stage for closeups of the voice box or other buttons.
Designing the Perfect Crime-Fighting Vehicle
Glen Larson, the producer of Knight Rider, wanted the talking muscle car to have a unique touch. He asked Michael Scheffe to design a beam of light, similar to the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica, to be used on the front of the vehicle. As a result, the Pontiac’s nose was extended slightly to accommodate this futuristic addition.
The studio acquired most of the cars from Pontiac for just $1 each, although some of them had been damaged in a train derailment. Only the hero car, the main one used on-screen, had to be paid for. The other cars were used as backups and for stunts.
For scenes where K.I.T.T. appeared to be driving without a visible driver, Jack Gill, the former stuntman of the show, would sit behind the driver’s seat. His arms and legs would extend through the seat, hidden from view. In some scenes, a two-way mirror was used to conceal Gill when K.I.T.T. appeared to be driving solo. However, extended solo driving scenes were challenging to shoot.
William Daniels, the voice of K.I.T.T., recording lines for the show.
The voice of K.I.T.T., William Daniels, would record his lines after the majority of the episode was filmed. David Hasselhoff, who played Michael Knight, would work with an assistant off-camera who would read K.I.T.T.’s lines to him. If K.I.T.T. was in motion during filming, the lines would be played through the car stereo while Hasselhoff drove.
The Impact and Legacy of Knight Rider
Knight Rider became a pop culture phenomenon, and the studio capitalized on its success with marketing campaigns. Fans could write to the network and receive a pamphlet detailing some of K.I.T.T.’s features. The show’s first campaign was held in August 1982 and showcased K.I.T.T. parked alongside a vehicle resembling the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard.
See here Jay Leno’s take on the original Knight Rider
See here the video of this offered Knight Rider:
This particular Knight Rider car is a fully functional replica of the iconic Pontiac Trans Am, meticulously crafted to resemble KITT. It was purchased by the previous owner and has been well-maintained and serviced since its delivery in Berlin in August 1993.
Images of the Knight Rider replica car.
The car underwent extensive work to transform it into the perfect recreation of KITT, ensuring every detail was just right. It is road-legal in Germany, registered with historical number plates, and comes with a detailed list of performed work. The interior is functional and packed with various gadgets and features, truly capturing the essence of KITT.
Various features and gadgets of the Knight Rider replica car.
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FAQs
1. How much did the Knight Rider car cost to build?
The Knight Rider car, a customized 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, cost US$100,000 to build (equivalent to about $196,000 in 2021 or €170,000).
2. Who voiced KITT in the Knight Rider series?
KITT, the talking car, was originally voiced by actor William Daniels.
3. How many seasons of Knight Rider were there?
Knight Rider had four seasons and a total of 90 episodes.
4. Was the Knight Rider car indestructible?
The Knight Rider car, KITT, was portrayed as a virtually indestructible supercar.
Conclusion
The Knight Rider series and its iconic car, KITT, have left an indelible mark on popular culture. The 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, transformed into a crime-fighting machine, became a symbol of justice and adventure. The attention to detail in designing and building KITT, along with the captivating performances by the cast, made Knight Rider a beloved show that continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts and fans alike.
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