Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

KITT from Knight Rider is going to auction … David Hasselhoff must need money

Peter Braun
By

If you are a fan of the “classic” TV show Knight Rider, I have good news for you. And, no, someone isn’t offering a longer-lasting mullet gel or a free sample of anti-psychotic medication. No, it’s even better: the mightily modified Trans-Am KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) is for sale.

Sadly, this KITT is not the original prop car from the TV show, but it is arguably even more interesting. The car in question is a fan-built model that was gifted to Hasslehoff in his ’80s heyday. In fact, it’s still in his collection.

So why sell it now? The auction house doesn’t say, but we all know that mullet gel isn’t cheap.

The words ‘fan built’ may not inspire confidence. From the limited information we have, though, it looks like this is actually a pretty solid reproduction. The fans started with an ’86 Trans Am complete with 5.0-liter V8 and solidly terrible automatic transmission and started adding stuff.

Sadly, it doesn’t appear the fans managed to figure out KITT’s jet turbine powered turbo boost, so instead of 0 to 60 in 2.0 seconds and a 4.6 second standing quarter-mile, you will be stuck with a more pedestrian 7.8 and 15.9 seconds, respectively. But at least you will be able to outrun the odd evildoer in a minivan.

What this car loses in power, it makes up for in fun, geeky features. The interior is a picture perfect(ish) recreation … and you can even get KITT to talk to you. The car has over 4,000 recorded soundbites. What a thing to have on a date! Just think of how impressed he or she will be!

Though, the whole sentient Trans Am thing brings me to something that always bothered me about Knight Rider; if you can create a revolutionary artificial intelligence, why the hell would you put it to work fighting crime in the desert, let alone with a lunkhead?

Honestly, though, despite all my bad-mouthing, I kind of want this thing, especially because it looks to be available for a pretty reasonable price. Auction house Julien’s Live expects a final sale price of between $35,000 to $50,000 … plus the trivial costs of having it shipped to you from the museum in Ireland where it currently resides.

So if you are a diehard Knight Rider fan or just have more money than sense – though, come to think of it those things are kind of the same – please buy this thing and drop us a line. We’d like to go for a ride. Or at least have a chat with KITT.

Topics
Peter Braun
Peter Braun
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more