When Knight Rider premiered in 1982 the 
idea of a car that spoke to you and was controlled by computer was truly the purview of science fiction; not so much today. The show followed the crime fighting exploits of Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) who was recruited by a secret organization called the Foundation for Law and Government or F.L.A.G. The foundation supplied Michael with a highly advanced car called the Knight Industries Two-Thousand or K.I.T.T. and together they would take down the villain of the week.
Kids in the 1980’s wanted to grow up and become Michael Knight not because he defended the innocent, not because he was lucky with the ladies, not because he had great hair; no the majority of kids wanted to be Michael Knight because of the car. K.I.T.T. was and still is a nice looking ride. Now, you can own a K.I.T.T. of your own. Sadly, it isn’t a full-sized drivable one, but it is a beauty.
Playmobil, the purveyor of positively perfect play things has released the Knight Industries Two-Thousand for the child in all of us. Seriously, I have been a fan of Playmobil since I was a kid and they do produce some great toys; K.I.T.T. is no exception. K.I.T.T. is more than just a vehicle, it is a playset. The Playmobil Knight Rider K.I.T.T comes with three (3) figures:
· Michael Knight
· Devon Miles
· Bonnie Barstow
All of these figures have the typical Playmobil poseability of head, arms and legs/hips as one point.
Also included in the set are a variety of items to encourage play and stimulate the imagination. These parts include:
· Tool Box with assorted tools
· Desk with Desk Chair
· Computer Lab
· Desktop Computer
· Camera
· Telephones
· Clip board
We have addressed everything else, all that is left is the most important part, K.I.T.T. The car measures approximately 11 inches long, 3 inches tall and 4 inches wide. The doors on K.I.T.T. do not open but the roof is removable so you can place up to four (4) figures in the seats. K.I.T.T. also speaks several phrases and lights up when activated:
· I am the voice of Knight Industries 2000 Micro Processor K-I-T-T for easy reference, K.I.T.T. if you prefer.
· Right away Michael.
· What is it Michael?
· You seem to be repositioning my main power booster.
· Michael, what shall I do while you’re gone?
· Michael that was no accident.
· Yes, well, don’t you think you should pre-program me just in the event you don’t return?
· K.I.T.T. signing off.
The voice feature is activated by touching the air intake on the hood (bonnet for our friends across the pond). Once activated, K.I.T.T. will make his introduction line. The other sound bites come up each time you touch the intake. The voice used for the toy is William Daniels who was the voice of K.I.T.T. on television. Voice mode can be ended by holding your finger on the intake for 5 seconds or if you forget it automatically shuts down after approximately 1 minute. Along with the sounds there is the iconic red light that waves back and forth between the headlights (which do not light up). There is also a red light on the dashboard that is activated when the lights and sounds are in use. Every time I see that red light I can’t help but think of another of Glen Larson’s creations, Battlestar Galactica where the villainous Cylons had a red light that “bounced” from side to side just like K.I.T.T.
Other features on K.I.T.T. are rotating license plate and grappling hook. The car also rolls great on low pile carpeting, linoleum and hard wood floors. It will also roll on flat smooth surfaces outside such as a driveway or paved street.
Playmobil always impresses me with not just how well made and durable their products are but also how good looking they are. I think that the Knight Rider K.I.T.T. vehicle would look at home on the shelf of a child or a display of an adult collector. Available now from Playmobil the Knight Rider K.I.T.T. retails for $89.99 and is recommended for ages 5 and above. K.I.T.T. requires two (2) AAA batteries not included.
