1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am KITT Replica

Highlights 

• Knight Rider KITT replica

• Interesting and exciting TV car project

• Many modifications already complete

• Recent full respray

• Recently overhauled interior with bespoke AI system including auto start from wrist watch

• Fully UK registered with a valid MOT

• Personalised D11HOF registration

Overview

If you've ever dreamed of having your own KITT then look no further! As far as famous TV show vehicles go, there have been some truly legendary models, from B.A. Baracus' GMC Vandura van in the A-Team to the 1969 Dodge Charger jumping rivers in The Dukes of Hazzard. We really were spoiled for choice back in the '80s. But there's one particular car that perhaps takes the top spot, a car that is so ingrained in the collective consciousness so as to be indelible, and that's the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am immortalised in Knight Rider at the hands of David Hasselhoff, and even now images of that intro sequence with the car melting across the El Mirage dry lake in the Mojave Desert still send shivers of nostalgia down the spine.

Not only is the third-generation Pontiac Firebird trans Am a cool car in its own right but the 1982 model used for filming gained further kudos points by being transformed into KITT, an advanced artificial intelligence on wheels capable of independent thought and action, complete with fragile ego and a dry wit that made it an instant hit with audiences the world over. With a fully modified interior and the now iconic “Anamorphic Equalizer” front-mounted scanner bar the car became an instant classic and continues to be an important pop culture figure even today with many replica cars still being produced by fans, to varying degrees of accuracy.

And this car is one such project. Nudging the upper echelons of authenticity this late model 1992 Pontiac Firebird has been significantly modified to replicate the original KITT and the attention to detail is clear to see, from the correct bowling ball style wheels to a fully customised and recently rebuilt interior (with any missing parts 3D printed), complete with accurate seats and a fully integrated bespoke AI system – including auto start from a wrist watch just like in the TV show.

Indeed, the AI installation is described by the seller as follows:

"What truly sets this car apart, and places it head and shoulders above any other KITT replica in the world, is its extraordinary fully-integrated AI system.

Developed by a team of leading AI specialists, and built using many thousands of pounds’ worth of dedicated hardware alongside an enormous investment in development time, this system functions as an authentic KITT “brain.” Crucially, it operates entirely offline, meaning no internet connection is required.

Unlike novelty voice assistants or simple soundboards, this is not a Siri or Alexa with a KITT accent. This is something entirely different.

The system has been trained using every line from the iconic television series and combined with an extensive knowledge base stored directly on its internal drives. The result is a system that thinks, responds and interacts with you, delivering witty, intelligent and character-accurate responses exactly as KITT would.

You can ask it questions, hold conversations, or simply enjoy the interaction as it accompanies you on your journey. The responses are humorous, intelligent and often uncannily authentic to the character, giving the impression that the car itself really is alive.

Quite simply, it is extraordinary.

With this car, a journey is never just a journey. Long drives become conversations, entertainment and an experience that is genuinely unique in the automotive world.

And yes, from time to time it may even offer to take control and drive you home… although that particular feature is perhaps best left to the imagination.

The time, expertise and expense invested in this project are considerable. Approximately £65,000 has been spent developing the vehicle and its AI system to its current stage."

For collectors, enthusiasts and fans of the legendary series, this represents a rare opportunity to own something truly special, not simply a replica, but a machine that captures the spirit, personality and intelligence of KITT itself.

While it is a dead ringer, buyers should note that it will require some further work to get realise its full potential. The seller estimates that with only a relatively modest additional investment, perhaps a few thousand pounds, the next owner could complete the final finishing touches and create what would almost certainly be the most advanced and spectacular Knight Rider replica in existence.

How did we get to this point? Reportedly using parts from a reputable specialist and with a recent £13,000 respray under its belt the vendor believes it to be the closest thing to the real KITT anywhere in the world and it's obvious a lot of work has already gone into transforming the car into the vision you see before you. It even comes with a David Hasselhoff inspired reg plate.

Whilst not in pristine condition, the car certainly looks the part and it does run and drive with a valid MOT so this is an excellent opportunity to take on an incredibly interesting rolling project that could be one of the best KITT replicas to ever enter pursuit mode once all of the requisite work has been carried out.

History and documentation

• 1992 model year

• 14 former keepers

• First registered 30 Dec 1992

• In current ownership since 15 Aug 2020

• Standard key plus wrist watch with auto start functionality

• Reported recent respray and AI system install

• Category C insurance loss 03 Dec 2006 – vehicle damaged but repairable (insurer decided not to repair)

• Has since been repaired and currently has a valid MOT until 20 Mar 2026

Interior

• Modified to replicate the authentic KITT interior

• Recently overhauled with any missing parts 3D printed as reported by the vendor

• Colour-correct velour upholstery looks to be in decent shape overall but some wear and marks are present

• Rare KITT seats look to be in good condition

• Dashboard and centre console customised to replicate the movie car interior

• KITT steering “wheel”

• Some exposed wiring

• The beige painted trim is flaking in paces

• After market stereo head unit

• DVD player in rear passenger foot well

• Rear seats fold flat

• Targa top glass panels look to fit well and are removable

• Some surface rust to the centre section 

• No sign of any water ingress

• The engine bay is dusty and there is some oxidisation to the valve cover and some rust evident on the alternator 

Exterior

• Seemingly accurate representation of KITT

• Exterior presents well overall

• Recent full respray

• Jet black paint looks to be in good condition but there are some small bumps in places to note

• Usual wear and tear and corrosion commensurate with age as reported by the vendor

• Rear wing plus iconic KITT front red light bar present

• Some exposed wiring below the rear light clusters but it's not visible when the KITT rear cover is installed (not currently attached)

• Bowling ball style wheels look to be in decent shape

• Tyres are a mix of brands with Conforma CF510s on the front and Runway Enduro-70s on the rear

• The offside pop up headlight appears to be non-functional

• No apparent issues with any of the glasswork

• Panel gaps look good

• Underneath appears clean and tidy

Mechanical

• 3.1-litre multi-port fuel injection V6 engine

• Engine needs attention as it had overheating issues
• Alternator reportedly not well-functioning due to rust

• Three-speed automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Left-hand drive

Summary

In the vendor's own words this is an “incredible car” and you can't deny it certainly commands attention and looks to hit a lot of the important KITT touch points, from the sleek silhouette to the fully realised interior. As a project car there is still some work to do, including exterior, interior and mechanical bits and pieces but this has the potential to be a bona fide show stopper that's guaranteed to cause a scene wherever it goes. As far as fully functional replicas are concerned, with a little extra TLC this KITT facsimile could be right up there. Turbo Boost anyone? 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Cobham, Surrey