The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →K.I.T.T. from the original Knight Rider was portrayed as a black 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The car on screen was a modified vehicle; its talking computer and extraordinary abilities belonged to the fictional character. That distinction matters when identifying the car, judging a replica, or weighing claims about screen-used examples.
What car was K.I.T.T.?
K.I.T.T. stands for Knight Industries Two Thousand. The original-series car was a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, commonly described more precisely as a 1982 model. The U.S. Army’s feature on a K.I.T.T. replica identifies the original as a 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: Army feature on K.I.T.T.
“Firebird” and “Trans Am” are not competing answers. Firebird is the broader Pontiac model line; Trans Am identifies a version within it. A replica specialist explains the relationship in its Knight Rider replica FAQ and build information.
What most fans may not know about the real car
K.I.T.T.’s intelligence was fictional
The show presented K.I.T.T. as a talking, intelligent car with a computer and abilities that helped drive the story. The physical production vehicle was a modified Trans Am dressed for the screen—not a real autonomous AI system with the character’s capabilities.
#1 Best Overall
- Large Approx. 9.5” replicas
- Die-cast metal body with plastic parts, with opening doors and engine compartment on some models
- Full functioning steering Four- wheel suspension Adjustable seat backs on some models Detailed chassis with separate exhaust system
- Mounted on display stand for collectors
- Detailed die-cast precision model
Replica electronics can work in limited ways, but those features belong to particular builds. For example, a replica owner describes dashboard displays for vehicle readings and a working compass and turn-signal indication on that owner’s car. That is not evidence that every replica, or a screen-used car, had the same equipment.
A replica can use a different year
The Army feature profiles replica owner Gary Hunter, whose K.I.T.T. was built from a 1991 Trans Am. The conversion involved details including the scanner opening, wheels and hubcaps, taillights, seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. Hunter’s donor car is a replica example, not evidence that the original production used a 1991 model. He explained his purchase simply: “It reminded me of the car from the show and I had to get it,” he said.
Rank #2
- [Product Size] 4.9×1.9×1.4 inches(1:36 scale). Package weight: Approx. 0.37 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- [Good Quality] Detailed interior and exterior trim, using high grade alloy die-cast into form.
- [Great Diecast Toy Car] Made of non-toxic paint spray, doesn’t contain harmful substances, protecting the safety of children greatly.
- [Funny Pull Back Car Model] Left and right doors can be opened. Place the car on the ground, press down on the body and pull it back, the car will move forward.
- [Awesome Toy for Kids] Sturdy body, fine workmanship. Suitable for collections, birthdays, Christmas and decorations. Great for kids, boys, girls and adults.
Replica accuracy varies with donor year, season styling, chosen parts, and local rules. One specialist describes a build with later-season dashboard details and custom components; its owner also notes that local requirements influenced the taillight treatment. A replica’s appearance or working electronics alone do not establish that it was used in filming.
How to tell what kind of K.I.T.T. you are looking at
- Donor car: Check the year and whether the base vehicle is a Firebird Trans Am. Later donor years can still be used for replicas.
- Season details: Compare exterior and dashboard features with the version being represented; styling and equipment can vary.
- Provenance: Look for documentation supporting a screen-use claim. A convincing conversion is not the same thing as a verified production car.
- Electronics: Find out whether displays and controls are functional replica equipment or decorative props, and avoid assuming one build’s features apply to another.
- Road use: Lighting and other modifications may reflect local rules, so a street-legal conversion may differ from a screen-accurate one.
What is known about screen-used K.I.T.T. cars?
A CBS News report in 2007 described a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am offered for $149,995 and called it one of four documented camera cars used for close-up and behind-the-wheel scenes: CBS News report on a K.I.T.T. offered for sale. That figure was the reported asking price at the time, not a current valuation.
Rank #3
- Package Dimensions: 23.368 cms (L) x 17.018 cms (W) x 8.382 cms (H)
- Product Type: Hobbies
- Package Quantity: 1
- Country Of Origin: China
The report’s reference to four documented camera cars does not establish how many K.I.T.T. vehicles were built for the production or how many survive today. A definitive production-wide total or current survivor count is not established by the available reporting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you build or buy a K.I.T.T. replica?
For a miniature, a Knight Rider model kit is a directly relevant option. A DeAgostini brochure describes a buildable K.I.T.T. replica: DeAgostini Knight Rider collection brochure. The brochure supports the model-kit category; it does not establish current stock, retailer availability, or a present-day price.
Rank #4
- Revell Model Kit #14535, Skill Level 5, Contains 144-Parts, Recommended for ages 13 and up
- Detailed 5.7-liter V-8 engine with tuned-port fuel injection. Positional front wheels.
- T-Top body with removable clear roof panels. All-new and expanded decal sheet.
- Molded in white and clear with soft black tires.
- Illustrated assembly instructions. Requires paint and glue. (not included)
A full-size replica generally starts with a Firebird Trans Am, but the finished result depends on the donor year, styling target, parts, electronics, and local road-use rules. When evaluating one, treat claims of screen use as a separate question from the quality of the conversion.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pre-lettered Goodyear GT Radial tires
- 3 Firebird hood and color stripe options
- 1/25 scale, skill 2, paint and cement required
- Molded in pearl blue
- T-top roof
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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