You're a bit of a Knight Rider fan, right?
I have been a car enthusiast since childhood and always dreamed of having the same car from the TV show. Back in the day, KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) was the most technically advanced car in the world and capable of just about anything. It looked very cool too in that gleaming mirror black paintjob, not to mention that red scanner.
After years of dreaming, months of research and a lot of hard work, I am the proud owner of a very low mileage, well-maintained 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, which I found in the US.
How did you bring it over here?
I had it shipped over from the US with the help of my uncle, who lives in Houston. He handled all the paperwork and got all the necessary documents to get it imported and I am very grateful to him for helping me fulfil my dream.
It's in great condition for a 28-year-old car. How much work have you done to it?
I replaced all the gaskets, changed the oil and fuel filters. I added a new drive belt, got four new tyres and finally topped up all the fluids, and it's been running like a champ since.
What happened to the original alloys which came with the 1982 model year cars?
I guess the previous owner must have changed them, because the wheels currently on the car are from the 1984 Recaro edition Trans Am. I am looking for those original Turbo cast 15in black alloys.
Any plans to modify it? Add ‘Super Pursuit Mode' perhaps?
I want to keep it original but maybe in the future I'll make it into a KITT replica. Watch this space! For now, I am happy with the small block 305, 5.0-litre V8 and three-speed automatic transmission.
It also has the WS6 suspension package which was a popular option for the Trans Am.
You must have lots of stories about it?
Once, a gentleman politely enquired if the car talked, like KITT used to. I told him that I wished it would!
He was checking it out from top to bottom and could not stop staring at it.
Is this your daily ride?
No, I only drive it on weekends. But whenever I take it out for a spin, it gets a lot of attention. People half expect to see Michael Knight behind the wheel!
Where do you like to drive it most?
On the open highway or along beach roads.
So, this is your dream car?
Definitely. It is just right for me.
Bio
- Name: Syed Jehanzeb Abbas
- Job: Service order management officer
- From: Pakistan
- Car: 1982 Pontiac Trans Am
- In the UAE: 28 years
