If you’re wondering what car was KITT in Knight Rider, you’re not alone. The famous autonomous car in Knight Rider was a heavily customized 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. This iconic vehicle, with its sleek black finish and futuristic red scanner, became a star in its own right during the 1980s television series.
For many fans, KITT was the real hero of the show. The car’s advanced artificial intelligence and near-indestructible features captured the imagination of a generation. Let’s take a closer look at the automotive legend behind the voice of William Daniels.
What Car Was Kitt In Knight Rider
The primary vehicle used to portray KITT was a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. This model was part of the third generation of the Firebird, which ran from 1982 to 1992. The show’s producers specifically chose the Trans Am for its aggressive, futuristic styling.
Its sharp lines and aerodynamic shape looked like it could belong to the next century. The car perfectly matched the high-tech persona of KITT himself. Several vehicles were used during production, including both standard and modified versions for different stunts.
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: A Perfect Choice
General Motors and Pontiac were eager to have their car featured on a hit TV show. The Trans Am was already a popular model, but Knight Rider sent its popularity into the stratosphere. The show’s car coordinator, Paul Baxley, recognized the car’s visual appeal and worked closely with the studio.
The base model was transformed from a cool sports car into a science fiction icon. This transformation involved both cosmetic changes and functional modifications for filming.
Key Features Of The 1982 Trans Am
The stock 1982 Pontiac Trans Am had several distinctive features that made it a solid foundation.
- Body Style: A three-door liftback coupe with a distinctive “bird” decal on the hood.
- Engine: A 5.0-liter V8 engine, often referred to as the 305 cubic inch V8.
- Styling: Pop-up headlights, a sharp nose, and flared fenders that gave it a wide, stable stance.
- Interior: A digital instrument cluster was available, which fit the high-tech theme perfectly.
The Transformation Into KITT
Turning a stock Trans Am into the Knight Industries Two Thousand was a detailed process. The production team, led by customizer George Barris in the first season, made several key alterations. These changes defined KITT’s look for millions of viewers.
The most famous modification was, of course, the front scanner light. But many other subtle changes contributed to the car’s unique identity.
Major Customizations For The Show
Here are the primary modifications that defined KITT’s appearance:
- The Scanner: The oscillating red light across the front nose was made from 24 individual lights. It was housed in a custom black housing that replaced the stock grille.
- Paint Job: The car was painted in a specific, super-glossy black. It was often said to be a “Star Wars Black” to avoid reflections under studio lights.
- Interior Dashboard: The entire dashboard was replaced with a console full of blinking lights, monitors, and the famous voice modulator display. This is where KITT’s personality came to life.
- Special Effects: Holes were cut in the body to allow for smoke and sparks during stunt scenes. Reinforcements were added to the frame for jumps and crashes.
- Turbo Boost: While the actual jump scenes were performed with ramps, the iconic button and sound effect were added to the interior set.
The Different KITT Cars Used In Production
The show didn’t rely on just one vehicle. A fleet of Pontiac Trans Ams was used to fullfill different needs on set. Each had a specific purpose to keep filming running smoothly and to achieve the desired effects.
Having multiple cars was essential for a production with so much action. It allowed the team to film different angles and scenes simultaneously without delay.
Hero Car
This was the pristine, fully detailed model used for close-up shots. It featured all the working lights, the perfect scanner, and the complete interior set. The Hero car was rarely used for stunts to keep it looking perfect for dialogue scenes.
Stunt Car
These vehicles were heavily reinforced with roll cages and strengthened suspensions. They were used for jumps, crashes, and high-speed maneuvers. They often had fewer cosmetic details to save on cost when they were inevitably damaged.
Remote Control Car
For scenes where KITT appeared to drive himself, a smaller scale remote-controlled model was sometimes used. This was especially common for tight shots where a driver would be visible in the seat.
Sound Stage Car
This was essentially just the interior cockpit, mounted on a hydraulic platform. It allowed for realistic movement during driving scenes filmed indoors, with projected footage outside the windows.
The Legacy Of KITT’s Pontiac Trans Am
The impact of Knight Rider on the Pontiac Firebird’s popularity was immense. Following the show’s debut, sales of the black Trans Am increased significantly. The car became a symbol of 1980s cool and technological aspiration.
For years after the show ended, fans would add aftermarket scanner lights to their own black cars. The association between the Trans Am and KITT remains strong even today, decades after the final episode aired.
Where Are The Original KITT Cars Now?
Many of the original filming cars have survived and are owned by collectors and museums. Their whereabouts are often tracked by dedicated fans.
- The most famous “Hero” car from later seasons was restored and has appeared at auto shows.
- One car is on permanent display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois.
- Another was owned for a time by David Hasselhoff himself.
- Several stunt cars, often in rougher condition, occasionally surface for auction.
These cars are peices of television history and continue to draw crowds wherever they are shown.
KITT’s Specifications And Abilities
While the real car was a modified Pontiac, the fictional KITT had capabilities far beyond any 1980s vehicle. The show’s writers gave him a set of functions that fueled countless childhood dreams.
Here are some of KITT’s most memorable features from the show:
- Super Pursuit Mode: A transformation that changed the car’s bodywork for higher speeds.
- Turbo Boost: The ability to make incredible jumps over obstacles.
- Molecular Bonded Shell: Made the car’s surface nearly impervious to damage.
- Voice Synthesizer: Allowed for communication with Michael Knight and others.
- Auto Cruise: The foundation of his self-driving capability.
- Anamorphic Equalizer: Allowed KITT to change his appearance briefly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Year Was The KITT Car From Knight Rider?
The primary model used was a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. As the show progressed through its four-season run from 1982 to 1986, they continued to use the same basic model year to maintain consistency, though some parts from newer models may have been used for replacements.
How Many KITT Cars Were Built For The Show?
It’s estimated that between 8 and 12 Pontiac Trans Ams were used throughout the production of the original series. This included Hero cars, stunt cars, and a remote-control version. Several were damaged or destroyed during filming of the intense action sequences.
What Does KITT Stand For?
KITT is an acronym for “Knight Industries Two Thousand.” This was the name of the project that created the advanced artificial intelligence and the vehicle. His predecessor was named KARR, which stood for “Knight Automated Roving Robot.”
Could The Real KITT Car Drive By Itself?
No, the real filming cars could not drive autonomously. Self-driving scenes were achieved using hidden drivers, remote-control models, or by towing the vehicle on a trailer. The autonomous driving was entirely a fictional concept for the television show.
What Happened To The Car After Knight Rider Ended?
The cars were sold off or kept by production members. Many have changed hands among private collectors. Some have been meticulously restored, while others remain in the condition they were in after filming. They are highly sought-after by fans of the series.