Joyride's 1:18 Scale Die-cast KITT
by Mr. Stinkhead

Boy oh boy do I love Knight Rider. I wasn't sure if the classic gem of the 80s would live up to my infatuation from when I was six when it came out on DVD a few years ago, but what some call quaint, nay, cheesiness of the highest order, I call charm. The car is amazing. What is almost more amazing was the hot mechanic, Bonnie, would know exactly what specially crafted instrument to install just mere hours before KITT would require the specific benefits of said gizmo, without fail. The foresight on that woman was almost more phenomenal than her high beams. I mean, she's a mechanic, so your expectations are low, but, boy oh boy is she a beauty.

So now I've been hoping to get my grubby mitts on a KITT replica for my collection. I thought I'd have to shell out a pretty penny for the 20 year old toys on eBay, but how did I miss this? Joyride Studios (makers of the Halo 2 action figures) has recently produced a fantastic 1:18 scale die cast KITT. Not only does it have everything you'd come to expect in a die cast car of this scale, but Joyride upped the ante with a real working scanner swooshing in the hood. Now that I've seen what's possible, any scale model KITT that doesn't have this feature is like not having tires.

When you first look at the box, there's a little finger hole, and plenty of windows, so you can see this option in action. Not only is there a "try me" button that makes KITT swish for a minute, but once you free him from the box there's an on/off switch to make him swish like a frat boy with a buttery nipple drink.

The body of the car is great. There is tinted plastic for the rear window and the tires are rubber. The clear plastic panels on top pop off very easily. In fact, it's a little bit too easy. I do wish they'd snap into place just a little more secure... however that is my only nit pick in the entire design, and I do understand it's hard to have die cast metal and soft plastic interact perfectly. But that's a minor complaint. The interior is pretty detailed. I'm thoroughly impressed.

There are a few more surprises. First off there's a grappling hook and a working winch right under the front of the car. Gently pull on the hook to extend the rope, let go, and it snaps into place. And here is the part you need for re-enacting the Jump In My Car video... there is a working ejector seat! I'm not kidding. There is a small switch on the floor next to the passenger seat. Push it and the seat pops up quickly ejecting any scary looking German chicks that you picked up from the side of the road. What were you thinking?

That's the special features, the standard features you should come to expect on a car of this scale are opening doors, hood, trunk and a steering wheel that moves the front tires. Check, check and check. [Ed note: and check]

Other than the roof nit-pick, I have absolutely no complaints about this model. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys Knight Rider. How did I miss this? How long has it been out? Man I gotta open my eyes.

Joyride Studios has a ton more 1:18 scale die cast cars from your favorite movies. Check out their site to see more. And check out the rest of our die cast collection.

Article and photographs are ©2005 MillionairePlayboy.com.