Driving a car through the air—that was possible long before Tesla
Do you remember the TV series “Knight Rider”? It was filmed in the 1980s and was popular with young and old alike here in Germany at the time. The show centered on K.I.T.T., the Knight Industries Two Thousand. It was a nearly indestructible and intelligent coupe (in one episode, the car transformed into a convertible) based on the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Thanks to sensors and computer technology, the car could talk and drive autonomously.
With its “Turbo Boost,” the car could even fly over rivers and obstacles—long before Tesla. The “Foundation for Law and Government” used the car and Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) to hunt down criminals and make the U.S. safer.
Anyone interested can bid on one of the original K.I.T.T. from the TV series at the Broad Arrow auction on Saturday, November 7, 2026 , in Zurich at the Dolder Grand ( estimated value CHF 250,000 to 500,000). This is one of the 17 cars used during filming. Only a few have survived.
The vehicle on offer accompanied the show's lead actor, David Hasselhoff, to television appearances, concerts, exhibitions, and promotional events throughout Europe. In addition, the extensively modified black 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am made an appearance on Swiss television on November 26, 1990, on Beni Thurnheer's show.
Over 30 years ago, this movie car—with its rather adventurous history—found its way into the hands of a Swiss musician and producer. Now it's probably time to part ways with this conventionally V8-powered, drivable car, which isn't street-legal in Switzerland due to its extensive aftermarket modifications. You can't fly with this K.I.T.T., though—for that, you'll still have to save up for a Tesla.
