Hollywood Pontiac – Firebird Trans Am on Film
During the late 1970′s and early 1980′s you couldn’t click past any of (the 10) channels on your television without seeing a Pontiac Trans Am fly by. From Burt Reynolds to Michael Knight, the revved-up Firebird became a star of screens both large and small. Pontiacpedia takes a look at two of the most famous Trans Ams – their 1977 and 1982 models, and a lesser known Pontiac vehicle which made an attempt to resurrect a fallen Knight.
Knight Rider
You know the show, the theme song, and the car! From 1982 to 1986 NBC viewers tuned in to see star David Hasselhoff fight drug runners and mob bosses in his Artificial Intelligence controlled Trans Am. KITT – Knight Industries Two Thousand – was a computer / armored tactical fighting machine on wheels. Aside from Hollywood magic, the ’82 Firebird Trans Am had upgraded handling, suspension and horsepower. Specifically, KITT was a Third Generation Trans Am with almost 300 horsepower! The Third Gen Firebirds were so popular their model run lasted from 1982 to 1992.
Knight Rider 2000
In 1991 Knight Rider producers attempted the first of many come backs for KITT. This time, the Knight Industries Four Thousand was a concept model – a 1989 Banshee. Ok, so it’s not a Firebird or Trans Am – but it’s still a kick ass looking vehicle. The car was actually a “Banshee IV” A 230 hp fuel-injected V8 engine powered rear wheel drive. A heads-up display projection monitor showed off the dash gauges along with video display. The rear spoiler was even adjustable for different speeds; these designs were meant to be worked into both future Pontiac Firebird and Pontiac Trans Am cars.
Smokey and the Bandit
In 1977 Smokey and the Bandit the big screen with Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason and a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am (one that enjoys jumping over creeks in the backwoods of Georgia or Alabama). This particular Firebird contained a 6.6 Liter 400 engine with about 200-plus hp under the hood. The film itself became an instant classic thanks to both its comedic interaction and amazing car chases. The Bandit’s Trans Am made a second appearance in Smokey and the Bandit II.
East bound Snowman…
LIKE PONTIAC TRANS AM 1977
knight rider 2000 was a 1991 dodge stealh se converted by a company to look like the banshee4 the front and rear if ya look up knight 4000 ya will see the pics of how it was converted so no it was not the concept car nore was it a v8 it was a standard 3.0 lotre v6 stealth front drive hopes this helps