The replica of K.I.T.T.
"Absolutely beautiful car. I've seen cars all around the world, but that one beats them all".
David Hasselhoff
The vision
Unfortunately, none of the original Hero Cars from the series survived in their original state. So director Martin Busker came up with the idea of building a replica of the vehicle, sparing no expense or effort to get as close to the original as possible. Since K.I.T.T. looks different in almost every scene due to the large number of production vehicles, Martin and his team determined the most common variants from 6000 screenshots of the first two seasons and based their work on them.
However, Martin also met with the owners of the most famous replicas in the USA and, last but not least, with show vehicle legend George Barris, who worked on the K.I.T.T. vehicles on "Knight Rider".
In addition, the hobbyists have visited several junkyards in California to find each of the rare conversion parts of a classic Trans Am in order to be able to fully dispense with replicas.
The vision
Unfortunately, none of the original Hero Cars from the series survived in their original state. So director Martin Busker came up with the idea of building a replica of the vehicle, sparing no expense or effort to get as close to the original as possible. Since K.I.T.T. looks different in almost every scene due to the large number of production vehicles, Martin and his team determined the most common variants from 6000 screenshots of the first two seasons and based their work on them.
However, Martin also met with the owners of the most famous replicas in the USA and, last but not least, with show vehicle legend George Barris, who worked on the K.I.T.T. vehicles on "Knight Rider".
In addition, the hobbyists have visited several junkyards in California to find each of the rare conversion parts of a classic Trans Am in order to be able to fully dispense with replicas.
Command Centre & Cockpit
The interior
One of the most striking features of K.I.T.T. is the dashboard. During the filming of the series, it was made of GRP and so this is also reproduced down to the smallest detail. The mould itself is a cast of an original part used in the series. In addition to the flashing animations, the displays also show real vehicle functions. Most important, however, is K.I.T.T.'s voice modulation in the so-called voice box. Almost all of the buttons have real functions or trigger animations.
Even apart from the dashboard, we have gone into the important details such as the rare PMD seats, a full 1982 interior, door emblems, tape deck and even the correct carpet.
We have also made sure that there is nothing that does not belong in the car. So all the replica-typical things like a control box for the scanner are hidden and not visible. Admittedly, the belts are still there, unlike the original, but without them there would unfortunately be no approval.
Command Centre & Cockpit
The interior
One of the most striking features of K.I.T.T. is the dashboard. During the filming of the series it was made of GRP and so this is also reproduced down to the smallest detail.
The mould itself is a cast of an original part used in the series. In addition to the flashing animations, the displays also show real vehicle functions. Most important, however, is K.I.T.T.'s voice modulation in the so-called voice box. Almost all of the buttons have real functions or trigger animations.
Even apart from the dashboard, we have gone into the important details such as the rare PMD seats, a full 1982 interior, door emblems, tape deck and even the correct carpet.
We have also made sure that there is nothing that does not belong in the car. So all the replica-typical things like a control box for the scanner are hidden and not visible. Admittedly, the belts are still there, unlike the original, but without them there would unfortunately be no approval.
Front, Scanner etc.
The exterior
Although K.I.T.T. is 80% a normal black Trans Am from the outside, some details are perfectly reproduced due to the rare special equipment from 1982 and the many changes made by the car designer Michael Scheffe.
The scanner in the replica pointed front nose is fitted with 8 x 55 watt halogen bulbs, just like the original, so you can see them even in the Californian sun. The rare Cowl-Induction bonnet is original as well as the wings with vents, the Turbo Cast rims with aluminium hubcaps, the rare 82 special edition trim, the rear window without heater, the correct Trans Am tail lights behind a plexiglass blackout and much more.
As with the original, the paintwork does not have a clear coat, but a single-layer uni-coat, which minimises too much shine.
Effects such as a powerful CO2 jet behind the front grills, a laser or a fog outlet at the rear provide special eye-catchers. Of course, the car has a V8 engine for the characteristic sound and is supported by a turbine sound system.
Front, Scanner etc.
The exterior
Although K.I.T.T. is 80% a normal black Trans Am from the outside, some details are perfectly reproduced due to the rare special equipment from 1982 and the many changes made by the car designer Michael Scheffe.
The scanner in the replica pointed front nose is fitted with 8 x 55 watt halogen bulbs, just like the original, so you can see them even in the Californian sun. The rare Cowl-Induction bonnet is original as well as the wings with vents, the Turbo Cast rims with aluminium hubcaps, the rare 82 special edition trim, the rear window without heater, the correct Trans Am tail lights behind a plexiglass blackout and much more.
As with the original, the paintwork does not have a clear coat, but a single-layer uni-coat, which minimises too much shine.
Effects such as a powerful CO2 jet behind the front grills, a laser or a fog outlet at the rear provide special eye-catchers. Of course, the car has a V8 engine for the characteristic sound and is supported by a turbine sound system.
Special highlight
The original license plate
We are more than proud to have a special equipment highlight, which, however, is only screwed onto the car on special occasions: an original license plate from the real K.I.T.T.
During a visit to Los Angeles, a contact of Martin's was so enthusiastic about his passion for the project that he gave him the showcase piece he had cherished for many years. This friend works in the same studio where many of the interior shots used to be shot, such as the Foundation offices or the interior of the SEMI truck. A former Car Wrangler of the production vehicles once gave it to him and he has continued to give it to Martin. This special piece of Knight Rider history adds the finishing touches to the car every now and then, for example when he is on the road with David Hasselhoff.
Special highlight
The original license plate
We are more than proud to have a special equipment highlight, which, however, is only screwed onto the car on special occasions: an original license plate from the real K.I.T.T.
During a visit to Los Angeles, a contact of Martin's was so enthusiastic about his passion for the project that he gave him the showcase piece he had cherished for many years. This friend works in the same studio where many of the interior shots used to be shot, such as the Foundation offices or the interior of the SEMI truck. A former Car Wrangler of the production vehicles once gave it to him and he has continued to give it to Martin.
This special piece of Knight Rider history puts the finishing touches on the car every now and then, for example when it is on the road with David Hasselhoff.
On the road with
The Hoff
Our K.I.T.T. accompanied David Hasselhoff on his "30 Years Looking for Freedom" tour 2018 as the official tour car through all cities in Germany and Austria and served as a photo op at press appointments.
Logistically, this was a big challenge and we covered more than 8000 km. It was also a stress test for the show technology, which was in continuous use for a month and ran for up to 8 hours at a time without a single failure.
Although it is always a great pleasure to see David Hasselhoff in our K.I.T.T., we were particularly touched by the shining eyes of the fans when they streamed into the hall in each city and came face to face with the dream car of their childhood for the first time. K.I.T.T. was also on display for visitors at every location.
On the road with
The Hoff
Our K.I.T.T. accompanied David Hasselhoff on his "30 Years Looking for Freedom" tour 2018 as the official tour car through all cities in Germany and Austria and served as a photo op at press appointments.
Logistically, this was a big challenge and we covered more than 8000 km. It was also a stress test for the show technology, which was in continuous use for a month and ran for up to 8 hours at a time without a single failure.
Although it is always a great pleasure to see David Hasselhoff in our K.I.T.T., we were particularly touched by the shining eyes of the fans when they streamed into the hall in each city and came face to face with the dream car of their childhood for the first time. K.I.T.T. was also on display for visitors at every location.
Not had enough yet?
Take a look at the photo gallery. If you have any questions or are interested in renting the car, please contact us.
Not had enough yet?
Take a look at the photo gallery. If you have any questions or are interested in renting the car, please contact us.
Photo Courtesy: Martin Busker, Bastian Kästner, POP-EYE/ Ben Kriemann, Imago, A. Havergox/ Future Image, Norddeutscher Rundfunk