K.I.T.T, or KITT, for Knight Industries Two Thousand, the iconic car from the TV series Knight Rider, is much more than just a vehicle. It embodies the perfect alliance between high technology and man, represented by the famous vigilante played by David Hasselhoff. Here is the fascinating story behind this car that marked a whole generation. Somewhere in France, a unit used during the filming of the series is very well hidden.
A little reminder for the younger ones reading this… KITT is an intelligent car that goes far beyond today’s autonomous driving technologies. In the Knight Rider fiction, this ultra-modern Pontiac Firebird Trans Am accompanies the character Michael Long played by David Hasselhoff. Who doesn’t remember the opening credits of Knight Rider and the following? “A solitary knight in a dangerous world. The knight and his mount!” KITT is thus equipped with artificial intelligence, speaks and humorously communicates with Michael Knight, the duo conducting investigations for the billionaire Wilton Knight.
In the heart of the 80s, Glen Larson, an American TV series producer, found himself in a delicate situation. He still had to honor one last contract with Universal Studios before transferring his production company to 20th Century Fox. Almost at random, he chose a script titled Knight Rider, which tells the story of an intelligent, speaking car with advanced technologies. Meanwhile, at Pontiac, the American car brand, sales were declining, and General Manager Bill Hoglund was desperately seeking to restore the brand’s image. His dream? To see a movie hero driving a Pontiac. Eric Dahlquist, Pontiac’s public relations officer on the west coast, heard about the series project involving a futuristic car. He tried to convince Bill Hoglund to provide vehicles for the filming, but the initial response was negative. Eventually, thanks to the involvement of California Pontiac dealers and assembly plant officials, Pontiac provided 1982 Firebirds to the Knight Rider production team. The car was then transformed into K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand), a machine equipped with artificial intelligence, speech, and extraordinary capabilities. Its dashboard lights up, its headlights and brake lights work, and it has a sophisticated communication system.
Michael Knight, the vigilante behind the wheel of K.I.T.T., became inseparable from his mount. For 90 episodes of 45 minutes each, he traveled the roads, fighting crime and restoring justice. The series achieved worldwide success, and K.I.T.T. became an automotive icon.
Finally, thanks to a happy coincidence and the determination of a few enthusiasts, the 1982 Pontiac Firebird became much more than just a car. It became a symbol of courage, technology, and adventure, and its name still resonates today in the hearts of Knight Rider fans.
The editorial team
Photos: LesVoitures.com
