10 Wild Facts About Michael's '82 Trans Am "K.I.T.T." - Knight Rider

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The Knight Industries Two Thousand, commonly known as KITT, was an iconic car featured in the 1982 TV series "Knight Rider." KITT was an advanced, artificially intelligent Pontiac Trans Am equipped with numerous futuristic technologies. Its sleek black exterior, red scanner light on the front, and distinctive voice made KITT an instantly recognizable and beloved character. KITT possessed remarkable abilities such as turbo boost for high-speed jumps, molecular bonded shell for enhanced durability, and a surveillance system for tracking and analyzing data. With its partnership with the show's protagonist, Michael Knight, KITT became the ultimate crime-fighting companion, capturing the imaginations of viewers worldwide.
-Enjoy

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

No matter how corny it may seem today the facts are the stunts were real done by professionals, unlike alot of movies and tv shows of today doing theirs with cgi . That fact has earn those old shows a nod of respect for sure

[@CarStarz42]

Well, yes and no; I mean that is true of the first season at least, but that last season very obviously used a lot of model faked stunts whish is was just as bad as cheaper CGI today really. It is all painfully obvious watching the show on Blu-ray as an adult at least, lol.

[@johndrake2729]

@CarStarz42 I think they did the same thing on Dukes.

[@charlesdalton985]

Somehow, even after all these years, I didn’t know Barris did these. Thanks for the education. ~ Chuck

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed, it's baffling how many so influential cars that dude worked on over the years!

[@DorksClassicAds]

Michael Knight is a man on a mission. Reborn, so to speak, after getting shot in the face, Knight decides to dedicate his life to fighting for justice. Just a awesome show

[@thomasrodriguez7803]

It was a great TV show as a kid, but if you re-watch it as an adult, man there are so many mistakes in the show. As always, thanks for the insight.

[@clearcreek69]

That & Airwolf

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed aimed at kids for sure. When I started watching these on the Blu-ray set recently for to make this vid; I about died laughing at the crazy fast forwarding they did for SPM; I didn't remember it being THAT bad, lol! Amazing how perspectives and times change so much over the years.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I recall a 2000s era Myth Busters where they checked if a sports car like KITT: size, speed could drive into a moving 18 wheeler 🚛 . Tests showed a car could safely make it!

[@knytrydr73]

It's especially obvious when you're watching a low def TV show from the 1980s on a 75" 4K high def LED TV. Despite that, even at the age of 50, I can watch and enjoy Knight Rider in all it's 80s nostalgia glory.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Yeah, my older cousin and I watched it CONSTANTLY (had it on VHS and everything) in the real late '80s and early '90s and it was AMAZING. He was born in '80, I in '85. Watching it now, it's hilariously awful, haha! I never knew Barris built the K.I.T.T. cars, though, that's awesome!

[@BCaldwell]

Knight Rider Historian channel is an awesome source for any gurus out there....👍

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed, those guys are KITT nutty! LOL 😁

[@johndean2110]

​@@CarStarz42awesome video, are you going to do a Hardcastle & McCormick coyote X in the future?

[@CarStarz42]

@@johndean2110 Thanks and that is on my list to look into. Thanks again 👍

[@johnh3476]

I didn't know that existed. Thanks 😎👍

[@richardr7947]

@@CarStarz42 Can you do videos on the 1991 knight rider movie on the Red dodge stealth kitt and the and 2008 series mustang kitt

[@LongIslandMopars]

You got to love that last clip in your video. Watch the fuel come out of the filler door when the stunt driver spins out.

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, yeah I noticed that too; glad it didn't catch fire or anything 😬

[@LongIslandMopars]

@@CarStarz42 🤣

[@justinsanders2705]

KITT ignited my passion for cars especially the Pontiac Trans Am.

[@CarStarz42]

A very cool car full of imaginative spirit for sure! 🙂👍

[@robertgolden1080]

I just love the 3rd gen Pontiac F body. Kitt is a awesome car. Knight Rider as a show, way to much cheese. I ha a 1982 Firebird SE I bought in 1985 then sold it. After I retired from the Army I bought a 1984 Trans Am. I absolutely love that car. It still looks modern even today. It get plenty of thumbs up at the car shows and weekend drives. Thanks for sharing.

[@dennisanderson7034]

I got to sit in KITT in 84 or 85 at a car show at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. It was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid.

[@1983jblack]

I did too in Cincinnati when i was 4 or 5. They pulled me out when I pushed all the buttons then tried to put the car in gear

[@dennisanderson7034]

@@1983jblack 🤣. That's hilarious! I was about 6 I wanna say and I was in absolute awe to sit in KITT. When I was 4 I got to see the General Lee at a car show in Madison, WI. Both times I was on top of the world.

[@williammitchell4417]

It was wild to see the Blind-drive cars again. As for the SPMs on of those cars were originally one of the other KITT's used for the show "Junkyard Dog". Lastly yup Joe and AJ who own the screen-used KITT's have their own channel Knight Rider Historians 😎

[@HM2SGT]

*305ci\150hp* 😳🤣 Reminds me of Jeremy Clarkson's plaintive question _"HOW do they get so little power out of such a big engine?!_

[@Adrian-mq5ld]

Yea but that guy has no idea how cars work so there's always that.

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, yeah he's a clueless character for sure, but at least he's always quick to admit to it and is just frickin hilarious in his shows too, lol.

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed, 1970s-1990s pretty much was a dark age in the automotive performance realm. At least we have a ton of crazy high power stock vehicles/engines to choose from these days!

[@johnh3476]

😆 Hard not to like JC, even if he thinks everything American is rubbish. I still watch the old TG almost daily and for background noise while going to sleep because I can visualize everything just from the audio.

[@CarStarz42]

@@johnh3476 Yeah, great old show for sure that I truly love as well. At least we still get a Grand Tour episode or two per year from the former TG trio 😉

[@ratpatrol07]

Great facts about one of my favorite childhood TV show cars!!!

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it 🙂👍

[@KnightRiderHistoriansOfficial]

Not too shabby! You got most of the facts correct - clearly you've watched our channel! Great narration, great photos.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks much, means a lot coming from you guys who have indeed done the leg work to obtain this kind of info for us all. Thanks again 🙂👍

[@realazduffman]

Fact #11: KITT was the only known turbine engine car to have a turbo engine.

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, yeah; one of the many things in the show that make no sense at all in reality.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I recall too, as a kid 1980s, 📺 how Devon from Knight Industries explains to Michael how KITTs ext is a high tech polymer, bonded material like what was used on the NASA Space Shuttle 🚀.

[@markk3652]

I enjoyed the 10 facts. This was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid. I have a Polaroid picture of me in one of the KITT cars at the world of wheels carshow around 1984. Liked the car, loved April the mechanic!❤

[@gofishingwhenyoucan]

I wish it was still the 80s my friend

[@justinwhite9689]

I have a fourth gen convertable base T/A at 48 years old. I grew up watching Kitt and the bandit. I always wanted a T/A.

[@craigjones2878]

Gotta love the Hoff.

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Great information and this was one of my favorites TV show. Thx for bringing and recollection of the past .😊

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it

[@nolanworkman4306]

I saw four of the cars on a hauler at Universal Studios tour in the '80's.

[@ccg1171]

Great vid. Love T/As but was never a fan of these bodies after 81.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm with you there for sure; Knight Rider is about the only thing that really calls attention to them I suppose.

[@Bohemianredneck]

I tend to run through your videos but I always make sure to come back and like!

[@CarStarz42]

Much appreciated and glad you are enjoying the channel 🙂👍

[@Malbeefance]

So, David's own KITT sold at a whole $300k. Now, $300k is a lot of money. But this was KITT. And David's personal KITT at that. Selling at a measly $300k says a lot.

[@milfordh.mercado2787]

Seriously, 300k for kitt no way i would (if i was a rich guy)pay 5 million dollars to have the hoft's personal car but come on now that auction was joke big time 😂😂.

[@nxstng7325]

We were in Spain this summer and I was watching reruns dubbed in Spanish. It was called El Coche Fantástico. Just as cheesy in Spanish as in English but I loved it. One of my faves as a kid.

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, Cool 😉👍

[@battlestarmarc]

Cool show from the 80's. Kind of reminded me of Airwolf. Actually gave Dallas some competition on Friday nights.

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed 😉👍

[@pliantimpala7858]

Would have been cool if you spoke about when the "General Lee" showed up, and it gets destroyed but it's obviously a totally different car to a Charger

[@gofishingwhenyoucan]

Ahhhh the good old days 😊

[@1320fastback]

That least scene with the gas spilling out of the car 😅

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, yeah I noticed that too 😉

[@24Garland]

I really love your channel. So many interesting facts. Thank you.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks and glad you are enjoying it🙂

[@Bigsmoke-so9vo]

6:18 is that gas spilling out of the tank?😂

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed. Splish Splash! 😬

[@DuckReach432]

It's a shame some of the cars were crushed. They were part of television history.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I did a ABC ESPN event in Florida, 2000s. They ran a promotion with GM. All the brand new cars, pick ups were by contract: torn down, scrap for parts or destroyed. A guy on set from ABC said this was for legal, safety, liability reasons 📂.

[@1983jblack]

Meh, technically the cars didn't exist. Story is Pontiac simply left 3 cars outside the factory for Universal to pickup (No meet, no paperwork, no registration, no money, nothing. They were essentially ghost cars)

[@R.J.1]

Sure was fun to see one of these or a Big Foot as a kid. Having a Polaroid next to one was neat.

[@unstablebobgable]

Man you deliver the goods! Thanks for taking me back to a really good time in my life. 👍

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks. You bet, and glad you enjoyed it🙂👍

[@MrWoodstock94]

I love your videos! If you do one on Death Race 2000, hit me up. I own the bull car used in the film.

[@MadMax-sc1su]

Terrific video and great Information. Do you think you could do a video about the 6000 SUX from robocop? Always was really interested in that car

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks, wow; that's actually a car I haven't thought of yet. I'll add it to the big list to look into. Thanks!

[@MadMax-sc1su]

@@CarStarz42 awesome I can’t wait to see more of your content you do a great job with this series

[@cyclissimo]

I have a photo of me at 11 or so, sitting in KITT at a car show, you can barely see the moon boots I was wearing 🤣

[@CarStarz42]

Cool😉👍

[@joey193650]

There is a guy on KZbin that has the trailer from the show. He is restoring in back to the way it was.

[@CarStarz42]

Yep that's one of the Knight Rider Historian guys; pretty cool 😉👍

[@leegoldeneagle9003]

Very cool thanks 👍👍👍

[@CarStarz42]

You're welcome and glad you enjoyed it 🙂👍

[@rockzhard2009]

how about the Dodge Charger from the movie Blade?

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, already on my list to look into. Thanks

[@Ecosse57]

another great video! pontiac did toy with the idea of coming out with a "kitt" tribute production car that was mainly a decal appearance option. the knight rider historic yt channel talks about it.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks and that would be cool! Too bad Pontiac is a goner now though, but who knows, maybe they'll return one day. I personally hope they do as I'd sure like to see a new modern take on the Trans Am and GTO before gasoline cars are faded out, but probably won't happen in time unfortunately.

[@michaellandreth1392]

Lot of great info. But I think you need to add one thing. The jumping cars were Volkswagen Beetle chassis/engine.

[@ClarkeMarek]

One was. They also had at least two Firebirds with acrylic windows and altered weight distribution.

[@johnh3476]

I'm having preteen flashbacks. This one must have been a fun but tough one to research. The specs on the front red light was crazy. SPM... cheesy. I miss the '80s 😆

[@Francois_L_7933]

And there are countless recreations that were made by various people. One of them was recently bought by Perifractic (Retro Recipes channel) and he's in the process of bringing it back to it's former glory.

[@BlueShift2000]

I already knew all the facts (Thanks to Knight Rider Historians who own 2 surviving cars, with one in the peterson Museum). I still good video m8.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks, yeah this video pretty much became a summary of some of the main KRH discovered information and I feel quite honored that one of those guys positively commented on it here recently 😉👍

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

06:18 watch how the gasoline comes gushing out of the filler as the rear end slides around!

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed, super safe, lol!

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

Have you done the Vipers from 'Viper'? Speaking of hilariously bad old TV cars. I was obsessed with the show (and the real car) as a kid in the '90s. The high point of my young life was my old man getting the owner of a local Dodge/Plymouth/Eagle dealership whose son worked for him to take me for a ride in his '92 Viper. Probably a bit more 'spirited' than the old man probably had in mind, as we hung the ass out on a local country road and topped 125, and the old man probably would've beaten his ass if I hadn't been sworn to secrecy, haha!

[@CarStarz42]

That's certainly one I haven't seen, lol; I'll add it to my list to look into however. Thanks.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@@CarStarz42 It was an utterly RIDICULOUS show from the '90s, in the vestigial stage of CGI. Like five times more ridiculous than Knight Rider, and I genuinely don't think I'm exaggerating.

[@CarStarz42]

@@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney Hmm, ok; well if all the stunts are just like bad early CGI or something; I won't cover it as I don't do CGI heavy shows or movies, but I'll look into it to make that determination. Thanks

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

@@CarStarz42 There were plenty of actual car stunts as I recall, you'll see.

[@haroldbirge6881]

🍀Got R done😎✌️

[@ryancramm5769]

Here’s hoping you’ll cover Fun Facts of the Mustang used in the reboot of Knight Rider!! 🤞😎❤️🙏

[@CarStarz42]

Not sure about that one as all the remake KR series were pretty awful.

[@ryancramm5769]

@@CarStarz42 That’s fair. Is Viper the next best option?

[@CarStarz42]

@@ryancramm5769 Possibly

[@kiwimunster]

I know of a replica in New Zealand. An old workmate owns it.

[@DarrenWS6]

Good info. Good watch. However, the first 3 cars off the assembly line were in deed not the ones sent to Pontiac. The cars were on sale to the public late 1981, and Knight Rider was in development in April 1982.

[@CarStarz42]

Thanks. Yep, topic has already been discussed here; my bad on that one. I've heard that info commonly for so many years I didn't even think to look it up.

[@clifftonlindsey382]

You should do snow man’s truck 😊

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, that one is already on the list to do when making second rounds through movies I've already covered the primary vehicles on.

[@randallrobertson23]

I've heard that there was a Train Crash out in the Desert, most of the Trans Ams and Firebirds were off of that Train , a couple of Firebirds were white, those were used in the Fallguy TV Show..

[@CarStarz42]

Yes, I talked about the train crash GM deal in the video; make sure to watch it all 😉

[@sthigmavideoprodutora8987]

The only version that wasn't shown was the white KITT which was only used in one episode after the tractor destroyed the previous version (I think it was from this one that they created the one equipped with chase mode). I was a very young child and I remember there was an impostor with a green front light who was also not mentioned.

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, can't catch everything I suppose 😉

[@erichkapfer9797]

Is that the episode where Kitt is dumped into the toxic waste pit

[@tyrinonbrightblade]

I like how the fuel spilled out of the tank near the end of the video. lol Shame most of the cars were destroyed though...

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, I noticed that too, good thing there wasn't any fire around for that stunt 😉

[@666bpm4]

Did anyone notice the massive amount of gasoline that came out of the gas door in the last scene here?

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, indeed. At least it wasn't near a fire 😉

[@Animeaddiction]

Another car that could drive itself and could do crazy stunts was the the 1963 Volkswagon Beetle, Herbie the Love Bug.

[@CarStarz42]

Indeed, might cover the original one at some point 😉

[@Rob_1776]

Did like this show as well! But I really only like the TAs and Firebids! Are before the 80s ones!

[@CarStarz42]

Yeah, same here on that point for sure 😉

[@erichkapfer9797]

Having owned a 2nd gen Firebird and a 3rd gen GTA those cars don't need much more in the handling department, especially with the WS6 package.

[@CarStarz42]

Nice 😉👍

[@johndrake2729]

Third gens Fbirds (and Camaros) still look futuristic to me.

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, indeed 😉

[@1joshjosh1]

KITT kicks a**. !!!

[@CarStarz42]

😉👍

[@Kyntteri]

6:17 With KITT the fuel economy is calculated by gallons per mile 😂

[@CarStarz42]

Quite possibly 😉

[@johndrake2729]

One would more than likely have no problem finding a Lego version of an SPM KITT.

[@CarStarz42]

😉👍

[@johndrake2729]

Stick shift would have looked cool in KITT.

[@CarStarz42]

😉👍

[@leegoldeneagle9003]

Wow cool thanks 👍👍😊

[@CarStarz42]

You're very welcome 😉👍

[@grant4510]

U should do Bob falfa's chevy

[@CarStarz42]

Kind of already did in a way with the Two-Lane Blacktop video, but I do intend to do a dedicated video covering it in particular when I make second rounds through my long list to cover secondary vehicles. 😉👍 And in the mean time, here you go... kzbin.info/www/bejne/opC5aJuFnMyHecU

[@grant4510]

I didn't really mean what I meant to say was dazed and confused o'bannon's car

[@JP-xd6fm]

The wildest fact was that 5000cc engine only produced 150hp!

[@CarStarz42]

Lol, yeah; typical back then here in the US anyways.

[@dennisanderson7034]

Do some vids on the Transformers cars, if you haven't already. First movie 😊

[@CarStarz42]

Probably won't get into those kinds of movies due to the over use of CGI. Much like with most F&F movies, excessive and very obvious CGI in car focused movies just really kills interest for me in movies being a car guy who prefers realistic car movies. Sorry and thanks for the suggestion anyhow.

[@dennisanderson7034]

@@CarStarz42 thanks for the reply. I love your content. 👍

[@CarStarz42]

@@dennisanderson7034 Thanks much as I try my best to please 🙂👍

[@gregoryklogan1050]

Hey can you do one on Burt Reynolds 1955 Oldsmobile from w.w. and the Dixie dance kings?

[@CarStarz42]

I'll add it to the list to look into. 😉👍

[@milfordh.mercado2787]

Oh thank you carstarz 😊😊 i am overly impressed that my request was made all ready anyway i may ask you that some of facts in this video weren't correct like three trans am of the line as kr historians has already cleared up this myth, the superpersute mode was inspired by a batmoble toy gimmick ok then will see you later bye now.

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, I'm well aware of those historian folks and all the goodies they have, guess that tidbit just slipped under my radar as well. It's just one of those kind of details that you hear so often and see mentioned so many places you just kind of think it's common knowledge and don't even really think to look up. Thanks

[@milfordh.mercado2787]

@CarStarz42 you too my friend, and do you know that one more kitt still out there it's lost hard top stunt that survived the crusher but it's whereabouts are unknown currently 🤔🤔.

[@matthewcarter2686]

What about K.I.T.T.s evil twin.

[@CarStarz42]

Might catch that one when I eventually make second rounds through my long list thanks

[@stereolababy]

KITT needed wheels and tires

[@richardr7947]

Kitt had wheels and tires lol

[@icecreamtruckog3667]

Damn those cars were crap. In the last clip in the end of the video fuel is poring out of the gas cap.

[@CarStarz42]

I'm sure someone just forgot to put the cap back on...

[@ReSandman]

The "first three off the assembly line" has been completely debunked by Knight Rider historians.

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, I'm well aware of those historian folks and all the goodies they have, guess that tidbit just slipped under my radar as well. It's just one of those kind of details that you hear so often and see mentioned so many places you just kind of think it's common knowledge and don't even really think to look up. Thanks

[@phoenixblack1220]

Great stuff, but one of your facts is incorrect and actually a myth regarding the first three cars pulled from production to make KITT. The show was developed and filmed during spring of 1982, and the 3rd generation F-body cars hit the market in September 1981. They had already been available to the public for approximately six months. I’m surprised I never caught this being an car guy and F body specialist, but you don’t need to believe me, the Knight Rider Historians debunked the first three car myth a couple of years ago. They are ones who own the car in the Peterson, they own another survivor and recently acquired the second GMC general tractor and Dorsey trailer that comprised the FLAG semi. Good stuff though!

[@CarStarz42]

Yep, I'm well aware of those historian folks and all the goodies they have, guess that tidbit just slipped under my radar as well. It's just one of those kind of details that you hear so often and see mentioned so many places you just kind of think it's common knowledge and don't even really think to look up. Thanks

[@phoenixblack1220]

@@CarStarz42 all good, and like I said, I’m a major car nut and I can’t believe I didn’t fact check that one either. I guess I never bothered because I never knew when they started filming.

[@GoatTheGoat]

Fact #11 :: The General Lee is better in every way compared to KITT.

[@jonathandephilippo1949]

Your fact about the knight rider cars being the first off of the assembly line of Pontiac is false. See knight rider historians

[@CarStarz42]

Already been discussed here, thanks.

[@garywatt7314]

Stupidest show ever....

[@CarStarz42]

opinions vary I suppose.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Years ago, late 2000s; I worked as a extra on a new ESPN, MNF 🏈 promotion: sports opening with singer Hank Williams Jr 😎. ABC/ESPN did the NFL event as a ad for new GM vehicles. Cars, SUVs, Corvettes, pick ups. A producer on set, Orlando Florida said by 📑 the vehicles could only be filmed, used in the scenes then due to GM's terms the cars-SUVs would be scrap, destroyed. This was due to they were "used", danced on, filmed in. Dents, wear, scuffs, etc. All the cars were brand new!

[@CarStarz42]

Yeah, an unfortunate fate that most film used vehicles face. 😑