My Black Pontiac

Pontiac Firebirds in the following years established themselves as one of the most popular muscle cars to come out of America, and came on the scene in 1967, and were at the forefront of the market until production.

I used to keep my favourite Pontiac in my famous asbestos riddled garage until I had Australia asbestos testing guys tear it down last year, then I sadly decided to get clear of my black beauty as I really couldn't store it.

The Pontiac Divison of General Motors bought out three variants of the Pontiac Firebird in 1982: the standard base model a which was aligned with fellow General Motors release, the Camaro Sports Coupe, the more luxurious Special Edition, and most famously the high-performance Trans Am.

The Trans Am is memorable for its role in the successful television series Knight Rider. Its role is that of a crime fighting machine named KITT, which in tandem with emerging star David Hasselhoff stars in some dramatic storylines where direct action might provide the only feasible solution.

The Trans Am is given some special features and abilities, including advanced technology, a nearly indestructible body, voice (that of William Daniels), and artificial intelligence that allows it to control itself.

With its television success came a new and widespread fanbase. A cocktail of technology crime fighting and style meant it appealed to a wide range of viewers.

Even before the show, the 1982 Trans Am was a success, with an unexpectedly high 53,000 sales that year meaning that it accounted for 45% of all the Firebirds produced, with young males being again being won over by the cars stylish looks, as well as power. It also provided a cheaper alternative to market rivals such as the Chevrolet Corvette.

The 1982 Trans Am had the choice of two different 305 -CID V8 engines. An optional fuel injection Corvette engine could be fitted, giving 165bhp, making it the most powerful of the three 1982 Firebirds. While the standard engine gave 145bhp

Tests on the 1982 Trans Ams acceleration yielded differing results. At best, it was estimated that it could go from 0 to 60mph in 9.2 seconds, at worst in 10.8 seconds. It was quicker than early 80s cars while apparently modest compared to muscle cars of a decade earlier

The popularity of the 1982 Trans Am is still high in Knight Rider thanks to its part. In prime condition, they are usually nowadays worth around $6, 500, relatively cheap for a classic. Car insurance companies in many cases will not insure classic cars for their value, so it's important when shopping for car insurance quotes, to get an agreed value.