The REAL 1966 Batmobile!!

[aburabusimbutu]

Well, let me start by saying that ever since I first saw that the 1966 Batmobile was touring at the Chicago Car Show back in my high school days have I dreamt of actually seeing it in person.
Strangely enough, for the past ten years or more I have been aware that it is on display at the Volo Car Museum which is not a long drive from my house.
A couple of weekends ago I finally made the trip with my son to go see it. I'm sure the more learned of you out there can tell me which of the TV Batmobiles this one is- it is not the flocked version! The museum is only a 45 minute drive from my house so what took me so long to finally make the pilgrimage I'll never know. I admit to getting a cheap thrill knowing now that any day of the week or year I can pop over and see it with relative ease (for a $10.00 entry fee except on Christmas, Easter, and Thansgiving).
In any case , at long last I have seen it- I have also flagrantly ignored the giant red sign attached to it and I have TOUCHED it! A boyhood dream come true- and for those who haven't had the pleasure let me tell you that the car is an exciting piece of automotive fantasy to see in person. There is a Batman cowl in the driver's seat (looks like a repro) and all of the controls are labeled. You can walk right up to it and smell it if you want to- which I didn't, I have some restraint.
Unfortunately I didn't bring my digital camera and all I have to show are some scanned copies of regular photos which came out really dark. Sorry about the poor quality. Next time I'll do bettter...





On disply also was one of Burt Ward's costumes (boy he was a small dude), the Shakespeare Bust from statley Wayne Manor, a Batcave computer console, and a video film loop of the Batmobile. That thing with the big eyes in the background was from the Jim Carrey Grinch movie.

The Batmobile is part of the museum's permanent "George Barris' Cars of the Stars" exhibit that also includes the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, Herbie the Love Bug, Robocop's squad car, The Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo, KITT from Knight Rider and lots, lots, more!
Beyond that there is a whole lights-and-sounds military museum, muscle cars (most for sale), vintage cars, etc. It is a great day out and we had a great time!

[Wild Willy]

Wow, pretty exciting stuff indeed Kev, I know when there was a bat car for sale 20 minutes north of me, i stopped by often to ponder it.
If your really interested to know where thius particular car stems from, i can post your pics on Eric's batmobile site and they will give a definitive answer to that one, it may even belong to one of the board members there.
Cool pics, and I'm glad your educating your boy on what real super hero car is supposeed to look like.
Thanks for sharing dood.

Will

[apeaholic]

Cool stuff Kevin!! I don't blame you one bit for stealing a feel when no one was looking. I would have felt it , sniffed it , and possibly sat in it. The other celebrity cars sound great too. I'd love to see some shots should you make a return visit. And that Robin costume is the greatest!

Thanks for sharing.

[Figuremaster Les]

[glow=red,2,300]WOW KEV!!!![/glow]
That is too awesome!
I am so into the show right now, and with Hot Wheels and all, and now, you go and see a REAL one!
Awesome experience fella!
That so rules.

Yeah, thanks so much for sharing that with us!
Makes my day! ;D

[martingb]

KEV!!! You are a lucky fella! I would love to be up close to a real deal 1966 Batmobile. I have seen movie Batmobiles a few times and a couple of very nice Barris replicas but this takes the cake! I don't blame you for snapping away and even taking a touch off it too. Amazing. Not only that but a Robin outfit too. Boy! Do you need to get to that place more regular. Any pics of Shakespeare?? Brilliant mate!

[Wild Willy]

Kev, as per our conversation in chat last night, i dug up some info regarding this particular car for you.
It is a replica and was produced by Don Curry who resides in Canada. Don C is famouse amonst Batmobile enthusiasts and is arguably a leader in making these cars as close to the real thing and as functional as possible.

Regarding this particular car, Don built it for a fan named Peter Borne,The very car Barris tried to sue Borne over and lost.

Incidentally, the Batmobile shown in the picture of me in the slab was also built by DonC.

If ever you wish to see the real # 1 Batmobile, the one Adam West actually sat in many many times while being filmed for the show, that car is at the Peterson Museum which I believe is in LA
Not sure if it is back from loan by Mattell yet but that's basically it's home as I understand it.

Will

[aburabusimbutu]

Well that's disappointing. I checked the Volo Museum website today and the text they have for the Batmobile is pretty misleading then, here is a screenprint...


It is signed on the hood by George Barris- any chance your info is wrong?
Wishful thinking...

[batlaw]

That is Super Cool man! I would LOVE to see that place (for the 'Mobile, as well as the others you mentioned).
I have had the chance to see versions of most all the Batmobiles one way or the other. Not counting the Tumbler or the B+R. though Ive sorta made up for it by seeing the 66 show police headquarters, the Forever Bat-boat, and batcycles, and I think Ive seen the Returns Ski-boat? and not counting a bunch of Misc. props here and there. I will likely be catching the tumbler before long too hopefully.
The 66' I saw was at a traveling car show years ago and no doubt that one was some kindve knock off. It was pretty disappointing and cheap up close (but still a bit of a thrill ;D none the less)

[Wild Willy]

Kev, I showed that poster add to the batmobile experts and here are 2 responses.
First response from member KGB:

Doesnt it seem that most every replica out thare is stated its an orignal?

Or one of the original 4 5 6 or whatever???

Delusions of Grandure....

And by renouned Batmobile replica expert Mark Racop:

Wil,

Almost every replica is misrepresented at some point--whether by an owner that is trying to puff himself up (such as museum owner), or a reporter that is trying to spice up a story.

As you study the cars, you will eventually to be able to discern which ones are replicas, and even who built them.

I talked with the owners from the Volo Museum, and I told them it was great to meet them. I asked if they were the ones that had a Don Currie Batmobile, and they responded--no we have one of the original cars. I said, you mean the one that George Barris signed with a gold paint pen on the hood scoop? The husband still tried to maintain it was original. The wife knew she got got. And smiled.

So there you are, still a great treat to see and the one you saw was likely cast from a cast from a cast of an original screen used car, .. ;D

Will

[radioscooter]

Just to clear this up (or muddy it) even further. At least as far as Kevin seems concerned about - there is really only ONE original car. Other than ONE occurence - the only car ever used on screen in the show was the #1 metal, futura-based car. (the #4 car was used once in one episode - The Contaminated Cowl)

-There are only 3 replicas that were made by Barris.

-They were made in late 1966 after the show was a big hit and immediately went on the touring circuit with Barris while the #1 stayed on the set.

-The 5th "original" batmobile was made by another builder and appropriated by Barris in 1967.

- There are (now) countless replicas due to Bob Butts, Don Currie, Clint Young and many other guys who offer complete builds and fiberglass casts body kits.

-Many of them have Barris' signature and crest, as you can get Barris to "authorize" your replica simply by paying a fee. Everyone says "The original car from the 1966 series..." and it's just semantics. Several have gone to auction with the buyer's thinking they were getting the actual original. There have been a couple lawsuits.

You can see where all the "original" replicas are located and read about the differences here:
www.1966batmobile.com/replica.htm

That all being said - I am always thrilled to see a replica batmobile. They always show lots of love and respect for the car and I'd love to have any one of them in my garage.

IDEA: Maybe we could start a new thread with shots of us visiting the batmobiles?