Jay’s jokes can get in the car’s way, even though it is an amazing car.
K.I.T.T. is the most iconic and well-known car in the world. From the iconic 1980’s TV show Knight Rider. Jay Leno is one of the most iconic and well-known car guys in the entire world. This isn’t a copy, but one of the original cars that was used on the series.
It’s actually one of five remaining. The current owner Joe Huth literally saved it from a junkyard. Although the backstory of this rare car is fascinating, Leno was more interested in making fun of his friend and the owner because they are both huge fans. Really? Yeah, really.
Let’s get to the bottom of the story. It’s well worth learning. This Pontiac was one of 20 that were used in the series. It lived the hard life as a stunt car. It was a basic Firebird, without any t-tops or futuristic styling. The 305-cubic-inch V8 was added to the vehicle, along with a turbo 350 three-speed automatic transmission and significant chassis bracing. The trick braking system could lock the fronts to achieve better burnouts or the rears to provide excellent opposite-lock turns.
The car received a complete K.I.T.T. after the show was over. The car was converted and displayed at Universal Studios for the greater part of a decade. After that chapter was over, the car was put out to pasture in an abandoned junkyard. Enter Huth. He restored the car to its glory at Universal Studios, while keeping the original modifications to the stunt car intact. You know what car enthusiasts and die-hard fans do?
Leno allows them to tell their story, but it comes with a price. Jay’s condescending attitude toward Knight Rider makes the first half of the video difficult to watch. After Jay’s third (yes, threerd) joke about how TV show fandom makes it difficult to impress girls, we almost gave up. Although the guests laughed it off, we couldn’t help but feel there was some tension. The duo deserved a lot more respect, frankly.
Jay is a little too geeky for average car guys who have saved and loved one of the most iconic Hollywood cars.