Random Sightings: Original Batmobile spotted at SoCal car wash
Original Batmobile - Click above for high-res gallery
It's no secret that Southern California is home to one of the best car cultures in the world. You can find a cruise or car show pretty much any day of the year, and it's always amazing to see the vehicles that show up. It's even incredible to see the kinds of cars that are simply out and about performing normal, everyday tasks. In addition to the usual Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, you can sometimes catch some truly unique cars out in the wild.
Take, for instance, this original Batmobile that was out getting a wash and wax at the Car Spa in Newport Beach this weekend. It's the fourth of four original Batmobiles built by George Barris back in 1966 and is known as the "dragster" version because of its 427ci Holman and Moody V8 underhood and dual parachutes attached to the rear. The car was built to serve as an exhibition model and actually raced at several drag strips around the country back in the 1960's. It also comes with a working saw blade that drops down at the front and can actually shoot flames out the back. We tip our hats to the fine gentleman that actually drives this thing on the street. High-res photos in the gallery below.
Gallery: 1966 Batmobile Dragster
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Edmond Dantes 8:12PM (3/15/2009)
Wow.
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lim 8:17PM (3/15/2009)
spluuuuuuuuuuurt; its true most in LA spend their disposable income on nice cars
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Ben Badenoch 8:21PM (3/15/2009)
I have always wanted to vintage race one of these. I can think of nothing funnier than a grid full of Lotus, Jaguars, Sunbeams, Morgans, MGs, Porsches, Minis, and one Batmobile.
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The Flash 6:39PM (3/16/2009)
to Ben Badenoch:
You are right on!!
Just rolling the Batmobile to that starting grid has to be the coolest sight to ever.
You will immediately be granted superhero status among spectators and drop the jaws of any pilot on that grid, who by then shall be turning green with envy... regardless of what car it is they are driving!!!
simracer 8:22PM (3/15/2009)
I'm impressed to see it out and about. But that's practically a rolling museum piece and really should be in the hands of a professional detailer who can look to really preserve it.
At least from the prices, it doesn't look to be your bargain basement drive through detailing shop...but still. Hope to God that's a new microfiber cloth he's drying it with.
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Johnny 8:31PM (3/15/2009)
Don't be gross.
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jsjs 8:38PM (3/15/2009)
This Batmobile is still better looking and cooler than any of the Batmobiles from the films.
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Lee 8:41PM (3/15/2009)
That's a whole lot of badassery right there.
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JayP 8:43PM (3/15/2009)
A local talk radio guy has 2 Batmobile replicas. I see it every so often on the highway. It's nuts.
He has a Mach 5, Starsky Torino and a General Lee too.
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Blackstar 8:43PM (3/15/2009)
No, you Bat-Jizzed in your Bat-Pants you Bat-Perv.
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john 8:46PM (3/15/2009)
Yes, this is probably better looking and more interesting that the so called "super cars" of today. Living in the So-Cal area I have been lucky enough to see this car a couple of times. It's pretty wild even the ferrari and lambo guys take a double-take.
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Alan 8:51PM (3/15/2009)
Auto Spas is a carwash franchise with numerous locations in Southern California This particular one is located in one of the riches area in SoCal. Next door is a European car dealership where Ferraris, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, ...etc are sold. Lots of high end cars get their wash from this place strictly due to its location. No matter what, having one of the original Batmobile out and about is still a rare site.
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MajorGeek 8:52PM (3/15/2009)
I would never allow strangers to wash and wax my cars. Ever. Should not need explanation.
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mcampasini 9:42PM (3/15/2009)
i agree i think thats part of having a nice car is to keep it clean.i had 2000 vette for about 4 years and no one did anything to it but me it was part of the experience of having it.
Gib 9:18PM (3/15/2009)
Think of the swirl marks!
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YouFaceTheTick 10:02PM (3/15/2009)
If it's a good place, no swirl marks. In so cal it's almost illegal to wash your car in your driveway so if you've spent some time you can find the handwash places that do not leave marks. And they're worth. Not much is worse than washing a car.
superman211 9:27PM (3/15/2009)
LMAO! Umm to do lost; Drop off the bat mobile to be detailed.
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Randy 10:15PM (3/15/2009)
That was simply disgusting!
Coming from me which makes stupid comments on purpose to amuse my constantly compounding thought process for sheer escape, that's a pretty big statement!
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dukeisduke 10:30PM (3/15/2009)
I'll bet those cross-drilled rotors aren't original. I wonder if it even originally had discs. It also has an old (early '60s) Ford steering wheel.
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jc 11:38PM (3/15/2009)
Google image "Lincoln futura" and You'll see how much Ford /Lincoln DNA the Batmobile has