Attention DC Fans and collectors: the iconic Batmobile (1966 TV Series), the one driven by Adam West in the classic Batman (TV series), is back in the spotlight. A new pre-order for this iconic vehicle is launching October 24th at select retailers. Whether you’re a nostalgic devotee of the 1960s series or a modern collector of Batman memorabilia, this is a moment you won’t want to miss.
Pre-order links will be available Friday.
A Brief History of the 1966 Batmobile
Origin & build
- The Lincoln Futura concept car was made in 1955 by Ford and Ghia, featuring radical ‘manta-ray’ styling, twin-bubble canopy, among other futuristic design cues.
- In October 1965 (just weeks before filming began) the studio needed a Batmobile for the upcoming TV series. Dean Jeffries initially started a 1959 Cadillac build, but the time constraints forced a pivot.
- George Barris purchased the Futura from Ford for US$1 (and “other valuable consideration”), then had Bill Cushenberry handle metal work. They completed the transformation in about three weeks with a $30,000 budget.
- Painted gloss black with red trim, with distinctive bat-wing fins added, the car was ready for filming. It weighed 5,500 lbs after modifications.
On-screen life
- The car debuted in the 1966 TV series featuring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin.
- Not just a show-car: It had functional features for filming (though many were props) like the rear “bat-thruster”, parachutes for the “Bat-turn”, large rear fins, a huge bat-trunk of gadget storage.
- It appeared in the 1966 theatrical film Batman: The Movie, further solidifying its status.
Legacy & later life
- Over time, multiple replicas were used for shows, appearances, car-shows etc.
- The original car was auctioned in 2013 ($4.2 million) showing its investment-grade collector value.
- The design influenced all subsequent Batmobiles in some way: rear twin-fins, turbine-style exhaust, bubble windshields, gadget trunks etc.
Will you be pre-ordering this iconic Batmobile from McFarlane Toys Friday? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
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