PONIES WITH PROVENANCE: “Knight Rider” KITT cars lead a herd of Mustangs to Reno Tahoe
June 29, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
The famous “KITT” – a 2008 Ford Mustang GT – from the 2008 made-for-TV movie “Knight Rider” is one of the stars crossing the block at the 3rd Annual Hot August Nights Auction presented by Barrett-Jackson, Aug. 6-8, 2015, in Reno Tahoe.
A good part of the Ford Mustang’s rich heritage stems from the fact that virtually every generation of the famous pony car has spawned a series of unique collectibles. Performance cars, regional models, limited editions, Hollywood-inspired specials … you name it, the Mustang has done it. The new generation is no exception.
The Day Family Classic Cars Museum in California has kept a sharp eye out for some of the most intriguing of the late-model specialty Mustangs and has amassed an impressive stable. The 3rd Annual Hot August Nights Auction presented by Barrett-Jackson, Aug. 6-8, 2015, in Reno Tahoe will feature five of these desirable collectibles, each representing a different facet of Mustang popularity.
One indicator of how thoroughly the Mustang has established itself in popular culture is the number of movies and television shows that have featured Mustangs. One such appearance occurred in 2008, when NBC revived the “Knight Rider” series with a made-for-TV movie. This time, KITT was recast as a Mustang, and the 2008 Mustang GT “KITT” used in that movie will be crossing the block in Reno Tahoe. To give the GT the dramatic flair necessary for its big role, the car was fitted with a Shelby GT500KR fiberglass hood with KITT’s signature red light across the scoop opening, along with a GT500KR rear spoiler and 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. The interior has many custom touches that play up the science-fiction aspects of the show.
“Attack Mode KITT” is a “wilder” version of the famous car, with features that include a custom front grille and rear deck spoiler.
Under the hood, the 4.6-liter engine was boosted by a Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, for a 400hp rating. The car has a star-quality growl thanks to a high-flow Ford Racing X-pipe and Ford Racing mufflers. Corners are tamed by a Ford Racing handling package, and stopping is enhanced by 6-piston Brembo brakes. Used sparingly in its televised role, the car has racked up just over 500 actual miles.
In the “Knight Rider” movie, KITT could transform from a stock-appearance Mustang into a variety of different configurations. One of those was the “Attack Mode KITT,” another member of the Day Family collection. This car also started life as a 2008 Mustang GT, but was given a much wilder appearance.
The 2008 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Edition Coupe is Number 8 of 100.
The Attack Mode version was decked out with a custom front grille, custom side scoops, side skirts and rocker panels, and a sky-scraping rear deck spoiler. On the functional side, the Attack Mode KITT was fitted with a Ford Racing suspension package, Ford Racing mufflers and special brake equipment to help execute 360-degree turns.
Another of the Mustangs in this collection with an entertainment industry connection is the 2008 Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Edition Coupe up for auction. A great example of the collaboration between Ford Motor Company, Shelby Automobiles and Barrett-Jackson Auctions, this car is Number 8 of 100 cars built. The distinctive black and red Barrett-Jackson Editions were sold through Arizona Ford dealers and include several unique details not found on other Shelbys. It is powered by a 319hp 4.6-liter V-8 and 5-speed manual transmission.
The interior of the Shelby GT Barrett-Jackson Edition features signatures from the stars of “American Idol.”
The car was once auctioned to benefit a charitable organization, and thus the interior features autographs from “American Idol” stars Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi. This striking Shelby GT has accumulated just over 300 actual miles.
One of the most famous Mustangs of all time is the Boss 302 driven by Parnelli Jones to the SCCA Trans-Am championship in 1970. In 2007, Steve Saleen teamed with Jones to produce a run of Saleen/Parnelli Jones Edition Mustangs inspired by that iconic race car. The 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Edition Mustang offered in Reno Tahoe is Number 113 of 500 produced, and has recorded slightly more than 1,000 miles in its lifetime. It is signed by both Saleen and Jones.
This 2007 Saleen/Parnelli Jones Edition Mustang was inspired by the famous Boss 302 driven by Jones to the SCCA Trans-Am championship in 1970.
As an homage to that championship racer, the PJ Edition hits on all cylinders. The Mustang GT’s stock 4.6-liter, SOHC, 3-valve V-8 was bored and stroked to a genuine 302ci. Like the Boss 302 of that earlier era, the Saleen 302 was strengthened for performance with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, forged pistons, ported cylinder heads, stronger valve springs, performance exhaust and an aluminum flywheel. It was rated at 400 horsepower, 100 more than a stock GT. The suspension was likewise upgraded with Watts-link rear suspension and heavier-duty shocks, springs and sway bars. The stock front rotors were replaced with 14-inch slotted and vented front discs.
With Grabber Orange paint, shaker hood scoop, retro-styled wheels and 302 side stripes, the PJ Edition looks every bit the part of a 1970s-era Trans-Am racer. But it delivers the performance, handling and comfort we’ve come to appreciate in the best late-model muscle cars.
This striking 2011 Ford Mustand DUB Edition was a collaboration between Ford, DUB magazine and ROUSH Industries.
The Day Family Classic Cars Museum has a talent for assembling high-profile, low-mileage cars, and the fifth Mustang of this group continues in that vein. This 2011 Ford Mustang DUB Edition was a joint effort by Ford, DUB magazine and ROUSH Industries. It’s a striking package. Black with black stripes, the DUB Edition incorporates a ROUSH front fascia and splitter, quarter window louvers and ROUSH lowering springs. Detailing includes DUB emblems and headrest logos, a hood scoop, 20-inch TIS wheels and Pirelli tires. The DUB Edition is powered by a 3.7-liter, DOHC V-6 rated at 305hp, connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. This Mustang, which has clocked just over 400 miles, has been displayed at several shows, including a WWE wrestling event in Detroit.
For generations of future car collectors, these 21st-century specialty Mustangs will be the cars they fondly remember from their youth. Fortunately for enthusiasts of all stripes, the new generation offers all the thrills, style and exclusivity of the classic originals.
By Steve Statham for Barrett-Jackson