Feb 15 2007

Famous Cars Through History: The 1960’s Batmobile

Posted by J. Angelo as Cars

Ask me for a famous car and on the top of my mind is the Batmobile. Yes, there have been a lot of incarnations of the dark knight’s car, but the Batmobile of the 1960’s series starring Adam West is considered to be the Batmobile.

1966batmobile (Custom).jpg

The standard features of the batmobile include a heavily-armored chassis, heavy armor plating that can deflect munitions and even artillery, and a high performance engine. Rocket boosters are also included for added speed and acceleration. And the batmobile likewise has special devices for increased maneuverability, such as grappling hooks for turning tight corners and a retracting turntable underneath for making quick 180-degree turns while stationary.

The Batmobile also has mounted weapons for disabling other vehicles and taking out obstacles. The car also carries a computer linked to the Batcave’s computer, for communications and navigation.

When Hollywood auto designer George Barris was brought in to design and fabricate a car for use on the Batman television series, he decided to modify a car that would be characteristic of bats. He therefore based the 1960’s Batmobile on a Ford concept car, the Lincoln Futura, which was conceptualized and built in 1955. The Futura had manta ray-like wings at the sides, and with a little modification (to look like bat wings) this seemed perfect for a car for use by Batman.

The original Batmobile used in the TV series is currently owned by George Barris’ company, and is currently on exhibit at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.

Three fiberglass copies exist, and these had been used for various purposes, including exhibition and even drag racing. These three are in private collections. One is being set up for auction this 27th February by Coys Auctions. Coys expects that the replica will fetch more than £75,000.

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