Knight Rider Planned KITT as Datsun 280ZX Before GM Supplied 4 Pontiac Firebirds
Updated
Updated · tvline.com · Jun 1
Knight Rider Planned KITT as Datsun 280ZX Before GM Supplied 4 Pontiac Firebirds
3 articles · Updated · tvline.com · Jun 1
KITT was first conceived as a Datsun 280ZX before producer Harker Wade pushed to use GM’s new Pontiac Firebird for the 1982 series.
GM nearly passed because some Pontiac executives thought the talking-car concept sounded too silly, and there were doubts the new model would be ready for filming.
The deal ultimately went through, giving the show the first four black 1982 Firebirds just in time to start shooting season one.
Designer John Schinella then sketched KITT’s now-iconic look on a paper napkin after meeting Wade, helping turn initial corporate skepticism into one of 1980s TV’s defining cars.
If KITT was on display, who is the real 'ghost driver' using the iconic 'KNIGHT' license plate?
How did a stationary TV car replica in an Illinois museum get a speeding ticket in New York City?