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Building on the legendary legacy of the Knight Foundation’s crusade for justice, the future of event entertainment has officially arrived across the Atlantic with Knight Rider U.K. The iconic, sleek black 1983 Pontiac known to millions as K.I.T.T. has crossed the pond and is ready to bring the ultimate 80s AI supercar to your next big moment.
Whether you are looking to draw massive crowds to a corporate conference, inject Hollywood magic into a car show, or make a truly unforgettable statement at a wedding, birthday, or special occasion, this is the ultimate Knight Rider fan’s dream come true.
Complete with his signature scanning red light and unmistakable futuristic charm, K.I.T.T. doesn't just display—he commands the room, ensuring your event is absolutely legendary.
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Cruise in Style: A memorable chauffeur-driven experience where you can enjoy a scenic route, relive childhood dreams, or make a high-impact, grand entrance at your event.
Chauffeured Elegance: A professional chauffeured service designed for relaxing and soaking in the experience. This package is ideal for making a stylish statement at weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations, ensuring you arrive in true K.I.T.T. fashion.
Static Display: This package brings K.I.T.T. to your event as a captivating, crowd-pulling centerpiece. It is highly recommended for creating an unforgettable focal point, providing extensive photo opportunities, and elevating movie premieres, themed gatherings, or corporate exhibitions.
What the Experience Includes:
Regardless of the profile you choose, the vehicle provides a deeply immersive, screen-accurate trip back to the 80s:
An Interactive Talking A.I. Experience: The car features interactive talking capabilities that play K.I.T.T.’s famous lines, bringing the vehicle to life for your guests.
High-Tech 80s Cockpit: A fully computerized interior packed with video screens, flashing buttons, and LED displays replicating the classic TV dashboard.
Iconic Pulsing Scanner: The famous red scanner light sweeping the crowd to instantly draw eyes and capture attention.
Flexible hire durations are available ranging from 1 to 8 hours, as well as multi-day or multi-week
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At Knight Rider U.K., we have tailored our high-octane 80s experience to meet the strict demands of professional production companies, corporate giants, and creative agencies.
We are a LTD Company so work with M.O.D, N.H.S, Film & TV Companies, and studio broadcast productions seeking complete "screen-accuracy" for close-ups and driving scripts, to sales and marketing teams deploying K.I.T.T. as a crowd-pulling promotional powerhouse, we deliver a flawless professional service.
We work hand-in-hand with corporate event organizers, exhibition venues, comic-cons, and car show coordinators to guarantee a seamless logistical setup.
With dedicated, professional vehicle handlers managing every detail on-set or on-location, our corporate clients and media partners can focus entirely on captivating their audience while we provide the star power.
KNIGHT RIDER KITT HIRE - UK
Our immersive Knight Rider experience brings childhood dreams to life, featuring a stunningly accurate K.I.T.T. replica complete with retro-futuristic LED displays and an interactive, talking AI dashboard.
Knight Rider K.I.T.T Car Hire for corporate events
Rev Up Nostalgia with Knight Rider K.I.T.T. Hire Service
A shadowy flight into a world of a man who does not exist ! Channel your inner Michael Knight !
Buckle up and experience a piece of television history firsthand as you experience this iconic TV Star
Introducing Knight Rider KITT Hire - Your On-Demand Partner in Justice (and Style!)
KITT Knight Rider
HIRE Experience - U.K
Built by Fans, Perfected by You.
We created the ultimate immersive Knight Rider KITT Hire turning this Iconic TV Start into making ‘Your Dream’ come true !
A shadowy flight into a world of a man who does not exist !
www.Knightrider.uk KITT@Knightrider.uk
K.I.T.T - Knight Rider
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K.I.T.T - Knight Rider 〰️
Your next Future Knight Rider Experience
Knight Rider - KITT Hire
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If you’re looking to draw attention to your event, then KITT, the iconic car, is the perfect choice. It will create a captivating focal point that sparks conversation and easily becomes a social media magnet, attracting guests and online viewers alike!
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The most advanced A.I. talking car, featuring one of the most iconic dashboards ever seen, will undoubtedly captivate your guests. It promises to generate significant media attention and become a memorable talking point that resonates for years to come.
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We provide Ki.T.T (Knight Industry’s Two Thousand), the iconic car, perfect for that most amazing Birthday Gift, Anniversary Present, Wedding Hire, Car Show, or Comic Con Event. Our service ensures a unique and unforgettable experience for any special occasion.
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Turbo Boost Sales and customer interest to your stand but Hiring our KITT Knight Rider TV Star at your next Show / Event / Conference
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The Ultimate TV Star makes the perfect photoshoot to promote your Company or Brand.
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Available to hire from 1 to 8 hours, also multi day and week hire available. Contact us for further information and great prices.
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We offer our KITT from Knight rider across the South, Midlands, Wales, and parts of the North for any event
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Available for :
Birthdays
Special Occasions
Anniversary’s
Weddings
Corporate Events
Shows
Conferences
Sales and Marketing
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This was the Future of advanced cars in the 1980’s. With interactive talking features, computerised LED display, and many special features K.I.T.T was Knight Industry’s most unique crime fighting machine
Available to Hire across South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Some Northern Areas
Ready to make your event legendary? Press ready to press the ‘Turbo Boost’ button and Contact us today to make your Dreams come true
"We're thrilled to bring K.I.T.T into the real world,"
says owner Mark D Elliott founder of www.KnightRider.uk
"This is about renting a dream, bringing your childhood dreams into a reality in this iconic car; hire a piece of television history, a technological marvel, and a chance to feel how Micheal Knight felt driving is TV show star "
Knight Rider Hire: Bringing Fiction into reality
Knight Rider KITT Experience – Become the Legend
Some cars are famous - KITT is unforgettable.
When that red scanner sweeps… you don’t just recognise it, You feel it.
The Arrival That Changes Everything
Sleek. Black. Timeless.
KITT doesn’t just appear — it commands attention.
And when you step closer…You realise you’re not looking at a tribute.
You’re stepping into something that feels straight out of the show.
Inside the Future (As You Remember It)
The cockpit surrounds you - Lights flicker -Displays glow - This is where imagination lived — and now you’re in it.
Capture the moment — because this isn’t something everyone gets to do.
Then… You Hit the Road
15 miles of pure Knight Rider immersion:
The iconic scanner in motion
The unmistakable presence of KITT
That feeling you only got watching it for the first time
Midway stop — your hero moment. Because for a brief time…
You’re not watching Michael Knight.- You’re living it.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss This
Moments like this are rare., Cars like this are iconic., Experiences like this?
They stay with you forever.
Also Available: Event & Display Hire
KITT is the ultimate attention-grabber for:
Corporate events
Brand activations
Private parties
Retro & 80s themed nights
Wherever it goes… It delivers instant nostalgia, excitement, and impact.
KITT Technical Spec :
Wheelbase 2,565 mm (101.0 in)
Length 1982–1987: 4,877 mm (192.0 in)
1988–1992: 4,890 mm (192.5 in)
Width 1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height 1982–1987: 1,275 mm (50.2 in)
1988–1992 Coupe: 1,280 mm (50.4 in)
1991–1992 Convertible: 1,283 mm (50.5 in)
Curb weight 1,400–1,525 kg (3,086.5–3,362.0 lb)
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We must say (and we might be a little biased here) that this was undoubtedly the most futuristic dashboard ever featured in a TV or film car. This dashboard competed directly with iconic setups like Airwolf’s flight deck, Blue Thunder, and Street Hawk. The sheer number of displays, TVs, and advanced high-tech crime-fighting equipment made this an absolutely amazing and standout vehicle.
The dashboard of KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) from Knight Rider is arguably the most famous and complex part of the car's futuristic design, serving as the primary interface for its advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The design went through several changes during the series run (particularly between Season 2 and Season 3/4), but the key, iconic features remained consistent:
🌟 Central Control Unit
Voicebox / Anamorphic Equalizer: This is KITT's "mouth"—a series of red, horizontal LED bars that light up and modulate in sync with KITT's voice. This visual representation of his speech is one of the car's signature elements.
Video Monitors: The dashboard featured two rectangular CRT-style video displays (later merged into a single large display in later seasons). These screens were used for:
Communication: Displaying video calls from Michael's boss, Devon Miles, or other FLAG personnel.
Data Analysis: Displaying diagnostic scans, chemical analysis results, and surveillance data.
Navigation and Entertainment: Showing maps, and sometimes even allowing Michael to play video games.
🕹️ Instrument Panels and Controls
Digital Readouts: The main instrument cluster (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) was entirely digital, using brightly lit, graphic displays rather than traditional analog gauges, reinforcing the car's high-tech nature.
Tactile Buttons and Keypads: The dashboard was covered in a plethora of backlit, multi-colored buttons and keypads grouped into various panels. These were used to manually activate KITT's extensive list of functions, such as:
Turbo Boost: The ability to achieve high-speed bursts or jump over obstacles.
Ski Mode: Driving on two wheels.
Silent Mode: Dampening engine noise for stealth.
Surveillance Mode: Activating various scanning and tracking systems.
Manual Override/Auto Cruise: Switching between human and computer control of the vehicle.
Futuristic, Over-sized Fiberglass Shell: The entire dash was custom-built with a large, sweeping fiberglass shell that encased the original Trans Am interior, making the cockpit feel less like a car and more like a fighter jet or spacecraft.
Overall, KITT's dashboard was a chaotic but captivating piece of 1980s retro-futurism, defining the look of a talking super-car.
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The steering wheel in KITT, the intelligent car from the Knight Rider television series, is one of the most distinctive features of its highly advanced dashboard.
Here are the key aspects of KITT's steering wheel, specifically the most iconic version seen in the early seasons:
"Gullwing" Design: Its most recognizable feature is its unique, non-circular shape, often referred to as a "gullwing" steering wheel. It is essentially a thick, U-shaped yoke that extends outward at the top. This futuristic design was radically different from standard car steering wheels of the time.
Integrated Controls: The design is primarily a control yoke rather than a traditional wheel. The inner surfaces of the grips typically featured an array of buttons and keypads, designed to give Michael Knight immediate, fingertip access to KITT's numerous functions and gadgets.
Material and Look: In the show, the wheel and dashboard were generally finished in black or dark matte colors, contributing to the high-tech, futuristic cockpit look.
Functionality: The unconventional shape suggested that the steering was not purely mechanical, but rather heavily computer-assisted, which aligns with KITT's advanced Artificial Intelligence and autonomous driving capabilities (Auto Cruise).
It's an iconic piece of 1980s television design that perfectly encapsulated the futuristic vision of the show.
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The light bar across KITT's front bumper is arguably the most defining, dynamic, and memorable visual element of the car. It acts as the physical manifestation of his high-tech senses and, alongside the dashboard "voice box," provides his primary visual presence.
Here is a detailed description of KITT's front bumper scanner bar:
Official Name and Color
Name: The device is officially called the Anamorphic Equalizer.
Color: It is characterized by a line of deeply red, pulsating lights housed behind a translucent black lens. The red color symbolizes KITT's programming by the benign Knight Foundation, contrasting with the orange/amber color of his evil counterpart, KARR.
The Dynamic Light Pattern
The Sweep: The essential visual effect is the smooth, lateral sweep of the red light, moving quickly from side-to-side across the width of the front nose.
The Sound: This movement is instantly recognizable by its accompanying, distinct "swoosh" sound effect, which fans often refer to as the "Cylon" sound (a nod to the identical sound effect used for the Cylon robots in the earlier Glen A. Larson show, Battlestar Galactica).
Speed Variation: The speed and intensity of the sweep often change depending on KITT's function or emotional state:
Normal Idle/Cruise: A steady, rhythmic sweep.
Scanning/Analysis: A faster, more intense sweep when actively using his sensors.
Turbo Boost: The bar sometimes pulses or changes pattern briefly when activating a gadget.
Function and Purpose
The Anamorphic Equalizer is KITT's primary sensory array—his "electronic eyes." It allows KITT to perceive the world around him, giving him capabilities far beyond human vision:
Environmental Scanning: It can scan the environment, detecting objects, people, and vehicles.
Wavelength Vision: KITT can "see" in various visual wavelengths, including X-ray and infrared (heat vision), allowing him to track heat signatures, look through thin barriers, and analyze a target's composition.
Diagnostic and Chemical Analysis: It worked in tandem with KITT's onboard laboratory systems to perform chemical and forensic analysis on materials he was pointed at.
A.I. Presence: Most importantly, it serves as an immediate visual cue that the AI is active, thinking, and communicating, bringing the inanimate object to life.
The Anamorphic Equalizer is the quintessential symbol of Knight Rider and an iconic piece of TV automotive design.
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The amazement KITT inspires in the public, both within the world of Knight Rider and among real-world fans seeing a replica, is a powerful combination of futuristic design, technological wonder, and sheer nostalgic awe.
Here is a breakdown of the public's typical reaction to seeing KITT:
The Immediate Visual Impact
The Scanner Light: The single, most arresting feature is the Anamorphic Equalizer—that iconic, sweeping red light across the nose. It instantly transforms a normal-looking black car (a Pontiac Trans Am) into a living machine. People are mesmerized by the hypnotic, rhythmic sweep, which looks like a futuristic eye searching the world.
Sleek, Mysterious Profile: The vehicle's all-black, sleek, and slightly modified body gives it an air of mystery and power. It doesn't look like a standard production car, but an exclusive, one-of-a-kind machine belonging to a shadowy organization (FLAG).
The Shock of Intelligent Interaction
The Talking Car: The biggest shock, both in the show and when fans encounter a working replica, is hearing KITT speak. The deep, sophisticated voice of KITT (voiced by William Daniels) coming directly from the car's speakers often elicits gasps, laughter, and an overwhelming feeling of wonder. It validates the childhood dream of a talking car.
The Digital Cockpit: When the doors open, the sight of the complex, illuminated dashboard—with its multiple screens, the pulsing voicebox display, and the array of multi-colored buttons—confirms that this is no ordinary vehicle. It looks like the cockpit of a spaceship, not a road car.
Impossible Maneuvers (in the show): On-screen, the public is often shown gaping in disbelief as KITT performs impossible feats: Turbo Boosting over traffic, driving on two wheels (Ski Mode), or performing a flawless reverse-180 turn instantly on command.
Nostalgia and Fan Reaction (Real World)
Today, seeing a KITT replica often generates a powerful wave of nostalgia, particularly for fans who grew up in the 1980s:
Childhood Dreams Realized: For many, KITT was a hero and a companion. Seeing the car in person, hearing its voice, and touching the elaborate dashboard fulfills a long-held childhood fantasy. Fans often rush to take photos or even try to strike the classic "Michael Knight thumbs-up" pose.
The Sound: Hearing the classic "swoosh" sound effect of the scanner is an immediate trigger that brings crowds to a halt, prompting delighted shouts of recognition.
The Celebrity Car: KITT is recognized as an iconic TV star, and seeing it is akin to meeting a celebrity, confirming its status as one of the most famous and beloved vehicles in television history.
The public reaction is typically one of pure, unadulterated awe and joyful recognition, proving that KITT is much more than just a car—he's a cultural icon.
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The unique combination of KITT's voice and his associated sound effects are as iconic as the car's visual design, immediately establishing his personality and advanced technology.
Here is a description of the sound effects and KITT's talking AI:
KITT's Talking AI: The Voice of Logic
KITT's voice is the core of his AI and personality, instantly recognizable and defining his character:
The Actor: The voice of KITT is performed by actor William Daniels (also known for playing Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World). Daniels requested to remain uncredited during the show's original run, preserving the illusion of KITT as a fully autonomous entity.
Tone and Delivery: KITT speaks with a clear, measured, highly articulate, and distinctly sophisticatedAmerican accent. His tone is generally calm, logical, and often dryly witty. This contrast between KITT's unflappable logic and Michael Knight's impulsive human nature forms the heart of their relationship.
Personality: The delivery is often slightly stilted, reminiscent of a computer synthesizing speech, but it is warm and evolves throughout the series. While he is a machine, KITT frequently expresses a concern for Michael's safety, displaying genuine loyalty and a subtle, endearing arrogance regarding his own capabilities.
Visual Cue: Every time KITT speaks, the Anamorphic Equalizer (the red light bar on the dash, often called the "voice box") pulses and modulates in sync with his dialogue, providing a crucial visual connection to his speech.
Signature Sound Effects
KITT's actions are punctuated by a series of distinct, memorable sound effects that elevate the sense of future technology and action.
Sound EffectAssociated FeatureDescriptionThe "Swoosh" SweepAnamorphic Equalizer(Front Scanner)A continuous, rhythmic whooshing or sweeping noise that accompanies the red light moving side-to-side on the front bumper. This sound is the most essential cue that KITT is active and "perceiving" the environment.The Turbo Boost WhooshTurbo BoostA powerful, almost jet-engine like burst of sound coupled with a rapid wind noise. This effect signals the sudden, explosive speed and high-flying stunts that KITT performs to clear obstacles.The Computer BleepsDashboard InteractionA variety of high-tech beeps, whirrs, and digital tones that are heard when Michael presses buttons on the complex dashboard, when KITT runs diagnostics, or when he interacts with other electronic systems.The Microprocessor HumIdle/Subtle ActivityA low, continuous electronic hum that often underlies KITT's presence, suggesting his powerful microprocessor is constantly running, monitoring, and thinking, even when stationary.
Together, the logical voice and the futuristic soundscape create the feeling that KITT is a true partner—a highly intelligent entity whose every action is backed by phenomenal technology.
Corporate & Promotions
Engage Turbo Boost: Bring KITT to Your Event!
Prepare for an event that will utterly defy expectations and leave your guests stunned!
Forget ordinary entertainment;
It’s time to unleash K.I.T.T.—the Knight Industries Two Thousand—at your next corporate gathering, product launch, or special celebration. The team at www.KnightRider.uk is bringing the ultimate piece of 80s pop culture history straight to you.
This isn't just a car; it's a living legend.
Imagine the moment: your guests stop dead in their tracks as a sleek black TV Star rolls into view, its famous, pulsing red scanner light sweeping the crowd.
Then, the silence is broken by that iconic, sophisticated voice: “I am the voice of the Knight Industries Two Thousand—K.I.T.T. for short.”
This meticulously crafted, head-turning replica features an authentic, high-tech interior packed with video screens, flashing buttons, and an interactive voice interface to fully transport your attendees back to the dawn of AI.
Choose Your Mission Profile:
Static Display:
Create the ultimate photo opportunity! KITT stands as the centerpiece of your event, daring every guest to channel their inner Michael Knight and snap a picture with a true TV star.
Chauffeured Elegance:
Make a grand, unforgettable entrance. Enjoy a chauffeur-driven experience with KITT, ensuring you arrive in ultimate 80s style and luxury.
Whether you're a lifelong fan, a lover of high-tech marvels, or planning a night of pure nostalgia, hiring KITT is about renting a dream and creating an experience with a 100% guaranteed success rate for maximum impact.
Ready to make your event legendary?
Press ready to press the 'Turbo Boost' button and Contact the team today to book the most iconic car in television history!
KITT Knight Rider Hire
Film & TV
LIGHTS CAMERA Action ! Hiring KITT for Your TV, Film, and Media Production
Bring the ultimate piece of 1980s retro-futurism to your screen! Hiring an authentic KITT replica is the perfect way to inject instant nostalgia, high-tech intrigue, and undeniable star power into your television series, feature film, music video, or commercial project.
K.I.T.T
When you hire the Knight Industries Two Thousand for media work, you are securing more than just a car—you are acquiring an instantly recognizable, globally beloved character:
Instant Iconography: KITT's signature look, led by the sweeping, red Anamorphic Equalizer and the sleek, black Pontiac Trans Am body, eliminates the need for exposition. Audiences immediately connect with the vehicle, providing a powerful visual shorthand for the 1980s, technology, and classic action.
A Fully Interactive Set Piece: Unlike many prop vehicles, KITT’s value is internal. The hire includes a fully functioning, screen-accurate futuristic dashboard and cockpit, complete with:
Pulsing Voice Box: The red, modulating LED graphic is a visual communication cue.
Illuminated Controls: Multiple screens and arrays of backlit buttons that can be filmed in detail for close-up shots.
Authentic Sound: The ability to play KITT’s iconic voice lines and signature sound effects (like the "swoosh" scanner noise) on demand, enhancing the on-set immersion.
Production Benefits
We understand the unique demands of film and TV production, offering specific features and services to ensure a seamless shoot:
Screen Accuracy :
Meticulously crafted using period-correct parts and moulds from the original series, ensuring the car is authentic for both long shots and extreme close-ups.
Logistics and Reliability:
Delivery to your location (studio, set, or remote filming spot), experienced driver/handler who is familiar with the vehicle’s specific operation, lighting controls, and safety requirements.
Versatile Filming:
KITT is available for both static displays (ideal for close-ups, interior shots, and dialogue) and driving shots (with a specialist driver providing flexibility for your script.
Hiring KITT means bringing a genuine technological marvel and cultural phenomenon to your project, guaranteeing a reaction from your audience that is nothing short of turbo-boosted excitement.
Calling all crime fighters, dreamers, 1980’s fans, and of course Knight Rider fans and lovers of all things awesome!
Buckle up, because the future of transportation and justice has arrived with K.I.T.T Hire, the revolutionary new service offering rentals of the legendary Knight Industries Two Thousand (K.I.T.T for short)!
Remember the sleek lines, the turbo boost, and the voice that could outwit any villain? K.I.T.T Hire brings that iconic experience to you.
No longer confined to the television screen, KITT can now be your partner on the go.
Need to arrive at your event in ultimate 80’s style ? KITT's advanced artificial intelligence and unparalleled performance will get you to your event in ultimate 80’s style
But KITT Hire isn't just about an amazing experience.
This technological marvel offers unparalleled luxury, comfort, and a fully interactive voice interface. Imagine arriving at your destination in style, with KITT's iconic red scanner light leading the way.
A Nostalgic Ride with Modern Convenience
Our Knight Rider K.I.T.T. is more than just a replica; it's a meticulously maintained and head-turning tribute to the original.
The sleek black exterior, complete with the signature red lighting and scanner, will have you turning heads wherever you go.
But the fun doesn't stop there. Step inside and be transported back in time with the amazing High Tech electronic packed interior inspired by the show's beloved K.I.T.T.
Choose Your Knight Rider Experience
Sandstone Productions offers a variety of Knight Rider K.I.T.T. hire packages to suit your needs.
Cruise in Style: For a chauffeur driven experience you won't forget. Enjoy a scenic route, relive your childhood dreams, or make a grand entrance at your next event.
Chauffeured Elegance: Relax and soak in the experience with our chauffeured service. Perfect for weddings, corporate events, our professional drivers will ensure you arrive in true K.I.T.T. fashion.
Static Display: Make your event truly unforgettable with a static display of K.I.T.T. This is a fantastic option for photo opportunities, movie premieres, or themed gatherings.
Available to Hire March 2026
I am the voice of the knight industry’s Two Thousand - K.I.T.T for short.
My databanks recall that this mission has a guaranteed success rate of 100% -
This is the KITT experience you need to book for your next special event !
This experience is unlike any other featuring upto 15 miles chauffeur driven miles
Our K.I.T.T features all the lights, features and sounds from the film
Be transported back to the 80’s in this unique TV Star Car
(Pursuit mode and Turbo boost modes can only be used if authorized by Knight Industries)
Knight Rider K.I.T.T Hire is available for :
Special occasions, Events, Marketing, Promotion, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversary’s,
More Than Just a Car
We understand that K.I.T.T. wasn't just a car; it was a partner, a technological marvel, and a pop culture icon. That's why we're committed to providing an exceptional experience that goes beyond the vehicle itself.
Making Memories, One K.I.T.T. Ride at a Time
At Sandstone Productions, we're passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, don’t just take our word for it read our 42 Google 5 star reviews !
Our Knight Rider K.I.T.T. hire service is the perfect way to celebrate a cherished piece of television history, relive your childhood memories, or make a grand entrance that will leave a lasting impression.
Contact us today to book your Knight Rider K.I.T.T. experience!
Time Travel back to September 26th 1982 when Knight Rider was first Broadcast on NBC which started a 4 seasons run. David Hasselhoff stared alongside his crime fighting machine a Black 1982 Trans Am Call K.I.T.T
Complete Guide to THE WORLD OF the Knight Rider - K.I.T T
David Hasselhoff Playing Michael Knight a protagonist who drove KITT (a Pontiac Trans Am)
that featured AI and could speak.
KITT was loved by audiences tuning in and quickly became one of the most famous TV cars of the 1980s.
What Kind of Car Was KITT?
Many questions where asked if K.I.T.T’s abilities and crazy top speed was it a real car ? Well Yes and No, The 3rd Generation Trans Am had just been released by GM and did feature a Black and Gold Trans Am with a Tan Interior. Changes to KITT were the front Bumper featuring the Iconic scanning light, Wheels, and rear tail light defuser.
Show Speed over 200mph - Actual Speed (with the 5.7L Engine ) was 146 mph
It was a two-door coupe, featuring rear-wheel drive, a large front hood. Although in the show KITT's engine had a turbojet with customized afterburners which could be set to autopilot with a eight-speed microprocessor transmission turbo drive.
What Was the Car's Name in "Knight Rider"?
K.I.T.T stood for Knight Industries Two Thousand.
How Did the Pontiac Trans Am Become the KITT?
Well Pontiac's promotion manager did not think much to the script so did not want the car to be associated with them. Other members of the Pontiac division though it would help boost the appeal of the 3rd Trans Am and sales jumped to 52,960 units in 1983 (over 10,000 more from just 1 year before)
Initial Setbacks in Producing KITT
The vehicles weren't included in the company's budgets for promotional programming. The Trans Ams couldn't be delivered through the Pontiac dealer network either, meaning it wasn't certain how the cars would get to the “Knight Rider” set.
Finally, Dahlquist got a call from an unidentified speaker. This caller told him to be at the Pacific Motor Transport lot by 4 p.m. — this was a transportation company owned by General Motors (GM). The cryptic caller said there will be 3 black Pontiac Trans Am’s would waiting for him with the keys left in them. The cars were at the specified location, and so these became the 1st K.I.T.T’s
KITTS Design
They needed a futuristic look, So Michael Scheffe was asked to help (you may recognise the name, (the designer of The DeLorean Time Machine !)
Besides making exterior changes that fit the ‘Cylon’ look, modified interior to feature an array of LED readouts, push buttons, video screens and to house all this equipment a custom design dashboard.
The show was a massive success more than anyone could have imagined.
Who was Voice was used for KITT
William Daniels was the man for the job (C3PO in Star Wars) who influenced how the car was characterized.
While the show's producers wanted the automobile's voice to be more robotic, Daniels eventually convinced them to let him make the vehicle more human-like, with a brighter and more amusing voice.
Amazingly Daniels and Hasselhoff didn't meet each other until a Christmas party after the series was already a hit. Since Daniels only gave KITT's VoiceOver working from a script, so he was never in the same room as Hasselhoff throughout filming.
Daniels also chose not to have his name appear in the show's opening and closing credits during its time on air.
He did not want to be credited ( so it kept the audience members thinking this car did have a mind of its own. Despite Daniels' desire to stay relatively anonymous, he quickly became recognized by fans as the Knight Rider car voice.
K.I.T.T’s Features :
KITT was ready for almost any situation using his voice synthesizer to communicate with others, his microprocessor being the car's brain, making it self-aware and able to think for itself.
Some other primary KITT features included:
Molecular-bonded shell: Provided the toughest armor, protection from explosive devices and firearms. The car would only sustain damage from rockets and heavy artillery. However, the shell would still be intact after blasts. The bonded shell even covered the tires, allowing the car to drive over explosives and shield others from blasts. It also protected Knight and the car from electricity and fire.
Turbo boost:
Accelerate to impressive speeds, the system ran on undercarriage rocket motors that could fire backward or forward. Besides giving the car a speed boost, the turbo function also made it possible for the vehicle to jump 40ft and able to push or pull heavy objects.
Pyroclastic lamination:
KITT could withstand very high temperatures with a thermal-resistant coating able to survive temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
Electronic jamming system:
Using a microwave ignition sensor, an electronic field disrupter and an electromagnetic field generator. Allowing KITT to control other electronic machines, disabling vehicles trying to escape. It also allowed KITT to break into electronic locks, turn off surveillance cameras and cheat at slot machines.
Silent mode:
Stealthy silence In this mode, the engine vibrations would be kept to a minimum, allowing the car to sneak up on enemies and stay hidden.
Flame throwers, tear gas and flares:
Flamethrower positioned under the bumpers, along with chemical weapons launching them for offensive or defensive purposes. Additionally, its magnesium flares could misdirect incoming heat-seeking missiles.
Passive laser restraint system:
When placed in harm's way, sudden stops and impacts we dealt with KITT's onboard safety features protected them from the shock.
Chemical analyzer:
Built in chemical analyzer which could scan fingerprints, break down the chemical properties of various substances and evaluate ballistic information from bullets. This analyzer also had exterior sensors to examine chemical properties outside the car.
Surveillance mode:
Monitor and trace telephone communications and radio signals, tracking people and also able to hack into computer systems and upload or download information. KITT could figure out the structural schematics of buildings and keep Knight aware of any dangers when sneaking around an area.
Manual override:
Allowing Michael full control of the car on his own (As before it was made into KITT by Knight Industries, it was Michaels stock Trans Am)
Grappling hook:
The hook attachment was often placed behind the taillights and underneath the front bumper. This setup gave the car even more opportunities for awesome stunts.
Seat ejection system:
When Michael needed a fast exit or to reach rooftops, the KITT was able to help. The car featured two front seats that could propel Knight out of the vehicle high into the air.
What Is KITT Worth?
Knight Industries K.I.T.T Pontiac Trans Am Projected in the show was estimated to be worth 12 Million Dollars (39 million dollars today) With all of its features and high-tech additions, it's no wonder this vehicle was worth so much money.
Where Are All the KITT Cars?
Over the show's four seasons, the showrunners purchased and customized around 20 cars for various uses. These cars either served as stunt or hero vehicles. Due to an agreement with GM, around half the vehicles used as the KITT were destroyed once the show ended. Other KITTs were too banged up to drive after being used for the show's stunts and were junked.
From a collector's standpoint, it's hard to imagine any of these vehicles being brought to a scrap yard post-filming — but this was often the case. Some of the damages were extremely costly or could take weeks to complete between scenes. It was easier for the production crew to bring a new KITT Pontiac Trans Am model in for filming to keep the show's schedule moving. Actor David Hasselhoff would find himself behind the wheel of numerous KITT vehicles throughout the show's timeline.
Who Owns the Original KITT Car?
Of all the cars used for the show only 5 remain
The original hero car is stored away
Fans can occasionally find the original cars at Sci-Fi and Comic-Con conventions. There have also been appearances of KITT models at Universal Studios as well as the NBC theme park over the past few decades. More recently, a private owner of one of the original five KITT cars let it be featured for an episode of “Jay Leno's Garage.”
One of the five original TV cars came to the public eye in 2020, as the vehicle was up for sale in an auction. A private collector scooped it up, paying $192,000 to add the futuristic Trans Am model to their garage.
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