The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird is an iconic vehicle that has gained great recognition among car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Built between 1982 and 1992, this model belonged to the third generation of the Firebird, often referred to as the Third Generation. This model was characterized by its aerodynamic shape and numerous technical innovations. Under the direction of design engineer Bill Porter, Pontiac focused on significant improvements in terms of performance and efficiency. The Trans Am offered various engine options, including the popular 5.0-liter V8 engine. Interestingly, 1982, the year this generation was introduced, was also a year full of significant events: Michael Jackson released the album "Thriller," the Falklands War began, and the first CD player hit the market. These examples aim to provide context about the age of the vehicle and the historical timeframe.
The Pontiac Trans Am Firebird featured technical features such as disc brakes on all four wheels and an independent front suspension. The sporty chassis and Targa top were particularly popular among fans. The Firebird had a stylish, aggressive front end with retractable headlights that popped up when needed. A particular highlight was the well-appointed interior, which included digital gauges in later models. The Firebird was a pioneer in aerodynamics at the time, which positively affected high speeds and fuel efficiency. Its design has proven to be timeless and remains a classic among sports cars.
The scale model of the Pontiac Trans Am Firebird shown here, in the scale of 1/18, was manufactured by Ertl and is made of Diecast material. However, this is a modified miniature and not the original product produced by Ertl. The model, owned by Modelly user "Lilisred," presents a special appeal to collectors due to its fine details and precise craftsmanship. From the bright front headlights to the cleanly modeled rims, the model oozes attention to detail. It's evident that the focus during production was on high quality and realistic portrayal.
This particular model car is based on one of the most famous film vehicles, K.I.T.T. from the series Knight Rider.In the 1980s series Knight Rider, the vehicle, K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand), is a modified Pontiac Trans Am Firebird equipped with a variety of futuristic tech features, including an artificial intelligence system. In the series, K.I.T.T. is driven by Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff. Michael Knight is a modern hero who, along with K.I.T.T., fights against crime. K.I.T.T. plays a central role in the series and is known for its trademarks like the red, moving scanning light in the front and the array of special functions and gadgets.This model car brings back memories of this iconic series and offers miniature collectors the chance to own a piece of television history.