Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Judge rules against builder of Batmobile replicas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/#commentsFiled under: ,

1966 Batmobile

A federal judge has ruled that Batmobile replicas built by Mark Towle, of Gotham Garage, do, in fact, infringe on copyrights and trademarks held by Warner Bros.

Towle's attorney, Larry Zerner, argued that US copyright law doesn't allow "useful articles" to be copyrighted. Zerner, in court documents, insisted that Warner Brothers' lawsuit claimed the entire Batmobile was protected including doors, seats and tires. The judge agreed, but ruled the law does allow copyrighting of unique design elements of useful articles.

"The implications of a ruling upholding this standard are easy to imagine," Zerner wrote. "Ford, Toyota, Ferrari and Honda would start publishing comic books so that they could protect what, up until now, was unprotectable."

US District Judge Ronald Lew disagreed and ruled that, "The Batmobile is a character and exists in both two- and three-dimensional forms. Its existence in three-dimensional form is the consequence of the Batmobile's portrayal in the 1989 live-motion film and 1966 television series.

"Defendant did not copy the design of a mere car; he copied the Batmobile character," Lew continued. "The fact that the unauthorized Batmoble replicas that Defendant manufactured - which are derivative works - may be 'useful articles' is irrelevant. A derivative work can still infringe the underlying copyrighted work even if the derivative work is not independently entitled to copyright protection."

Zerner did, however, duck part of the lawsuit that asserted he willfully infringed on Warner's rights. The judge wrote that Zerner did at least wait until the design patents on the cars expired, and therefore didn't think copyright law applied.

Meanwhile we look forward to the Ferrari comic books.

The entire 54-page court ruling can be read here in PDF form.

Judge rules against builder of Batmobile replicas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmobilegeorge barrisgotham garagemark towlewarner brosWed, 13 Feb 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/20456739/article-detail.xml 20456739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/01-original-1966-batmobile-barris-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/01-original-1966-batmobile-barris-opt.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: The Batmobile before the first Batmobile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batmobile-before-the-first-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batmobile-before-the-first-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batmobile-before-the-first-batmobile/#commentsFiled under: , ,

1964 Batmobile

If you're still upset that you missed out on bringing home the $4.62 million 1966 Barris Batmobile, the internet may just have your redemption. Technically, the car created for the TV show wasn't the Caped Crusader's first ride. In the early '60s, All Star Dairies commissioned this machine to promote the company's Batman and Robin milk. The owner originally built the car between 1961 and 1963 using an Oldsmobile chassis (complete with a 350 V8) and a custom fiberglass body, and the dairy company approached the owner to lease it for two years to promote its comic-themed products. That makes this creation the world's first Batmobile, preceding the famous Barris machine by two years.

With wild fins, doors that actually slide into the bodywork and plenty of memorabilia from its illustrious past, the car is plenty cool. Unfortunately, the intervening four decades haven't exactly been kind to the vehicle, and it will need a full-on restoration. Right now there are four days left on the auction with an unanswered opening bid of $19,800. Check out the eBay Motors auction for more information.

eBay Find of the Day: The Batmobile before the first Batmobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1964 batmobileauctionbatmanbatman and robin milkbatmobileebayebay motorsoldsmobileMon, 04 Feb 2013 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-batmobile-before-the-first-batmobile/20447561/article-detail.xml 20447561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/1964-batmobile_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/1964-batmobile.jpg <![CDATA[What you missed from Barrett-Jackson's biggest auction over the weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/what-you-missed-from-barrett-jacksons-biggest-auction-over-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/what-you-missed-from-barrett-jacksons-biggest-auction-over-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/what-you-missed-from-barrett-jacksons-biggest-auction-over-the/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at Barrett-Jackson

In case you happened to miss it, the 2013 edition the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, has come and gone. And, as usual, Autoblog was there in full force on the two biggest days of the event, Friday and Saturday.

Here are some of the most interesting statistics from the week-long event:
  • A total of 1,343 cars were sold
  • The $108,766,069 in gross sales is a 17% increase over 2012
  • 300,000 peak attendance
  • At $4.62 million, the 1966 Batmobile was the most expensive car sold
  • The first 2014 Corvette Stingray sent $1.1 million to charity
  • Each of the top 10 sales topped a million dollars
You can see the original Batmobile, the first 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and GM CEO Dan Akerson's personal 1958 Corvette, along with all the other cars that we covered from Barrett-Jackson over the weekend, below. Enjoy!

What you missed from Barrett-Jackson's biggest auction over the weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvette2014 chevrolet corvette stingraybarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013batmobilecorvetteTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435677/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/what-you-missed-from-barrett-jacksons-biggest-auction-over-the/20435677/article-detail.xml 20435677 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/barrett-jackson-vette_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/barrett-jackson-vette.jpg <![CDATA[Original 1966 Batmobile sells for an amazing $4,620,000 at Barrett-Jackson [UPDATE: w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/original-1966-batmobile-sells-for-an-amazing-4-620-000-at-barre/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/original-1966-batmobile-sells-for-an-amazing-4-620-000-at-barre/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/original-1966-batmobile-sells-for-an-amazing-4-620-000-at-barre/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Original 1966 Batmobile

Well, that was exciting. We just watched the original Batmobile sell for a shocking $4,620,000, after all fees have been assessed. That makes this the most expensive vehicle sold (so far) here at the 2013 Barrett-Jackson car auction. Impressive.

The Batmobile was joined on stage by George Barris himself, who had previously been the car's only owner. You can read all about the Batmobile here (and by scrolling down below for its official auction description), but what you really want to do is check out our high-res image gallery of the car crossing the auction block above. It was, to put it mildly, a mad house.

*UPDATE: Video of the live auction can now be seen below. Trust us, you don't want to miss out on this one.

Continue reading Original 1966 Batmobile sells for an amazing $4,620,000 at Barrett-Jackson [UPDATE: w/video]

Original 1966 Batmobile sells for an amazing $4,620,000 at Barrett-Jackson [UPDATE: w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 batmobilebarrett jackson 2013 batmobilebarrett jackson batmobilebarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013barrettjackson2013batmobilebarrettjacksonbatmobilebatmobilebatmobile auctionbatmobile barrett jacksonbatmobileauctionbatmobilebarrettjacksongeorge barrisgeorge barris batmobileoriginal batmobileSat, 19 Jan 2013 22:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20433833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/19/original-1966-batmobile-sells-for-an-amazing-4-620-000-at-barre/20433833/article-detail.xml 20433833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1966-batmobile-bj_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1966-batmobile-bj.jpg <![CDATA[Batmobile lawsuit may have ramifications for customizing industry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/batmobile-lawsuit-may-have-ramifications-for-customizing-industr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/batmobile-lawsuit-may-have-ramifications-for-customizing-industr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/batmobile-lawsuit-may-have-ramifications-for-customizing-industr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1966 Batmobile

While George Barris is preparing to sell his original 1966 Batmobile at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, another custom builder is attempting to stave off a copyright lawsuit. Mark Towle has been building Batmobile replicas through his business, Gotham Garage, for years, and has sold off two versions of the famous '66 TV car and at least one recreation of Bruce Wayne's ride from the 1989 film. His efforts have earned him a two-year legal battle with Warner Brothers subsidiary DC Comics, with the publisher claiming its copyright protection extends to "the overall look and feel" of the Batmobile and that Towle has violated those copyrights.

Towle's attorney, meanwhile, argues that DC Comics is attempting to rewrite copyright law by applying the protections to automobiles, which "do not qualify as sculptural works and are thus not eligible for copyright protection." If a judge decides the design elements found on the Batmobile are useful, the case will likely go Towle's way, as functional elements cannot be protected under US copyright law. But DC Comics contends the Batmobile is intellectual property and that Towle has profited from the company's efforts.

The custom builder says that a victory for DC Comics could "completely upend existing copyright law," and open the door for manufacturers to copyright any number of useful elements found on their products. What's more, anyone building a tribute to famous cars from the television or movie industries could find themselves in legal hot water.

Batmobile lawsuit may have ramifications for customizing industry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 batmobilebarrett-jacksonbatmobilebatmobile lawsuitcopyrightdc comicsgeorge barriswarner brothersSat, 05 Jan 2013 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/batmobile-lawsuit-may-have-ramifications-for-customizing-industr/20416903/article-detail.xml 20416903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/batmobile-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/batmobile-628.jpg <![CDATA[In Detail: Original 1966 Batmobile on display ahead of sale at Barrett-Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/in-detail-original-1966-batmobile-on-display-ahead-of-sale-at-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/in-detail-original-1966-batmobile-on-display-ahead-of-sale-at-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/09/in-detail-original-1966-batmobile-on-display-ahead-of-sale-at-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1966 Batmobile at Barris Kustoms

The original 1966 Batmobile is headed to auction in Scottsdale, AZ on January 19, and we hopped down to Barris Kustoms in North Hollywood before the car left for good. George Barris has owned this particular car since 1965 when he bought it from Ford for the princely sum of $1. While it started life as the expensive and Italian-built 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept, the car would go on to worldwide fame after a hasty makeover from Barris. Over just three days, the custom car builder sank his teeth into the hand-hammered sheetmetal to create Batman's first Batmobile.

Up close, the car can't help but look cartoonish thanks to its over-the-top '60s design, but that doesn't diminish the car's presence. This is the car Adam West spent two years piloting around Gotham and matching wits with the city's cast of deviants. Very cool. We'll keep you posted on how the car performs when it rolls across the stage at Barret-Jackson Scottsdale next month.

In Detail: Original 1966 Batmobile on display ahead of sale at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 batmobileadam westadam west batmobileauctionbarret-jacksonbarret-jackson scottsdalebarrisbarris kustomsbatmobilegeorge barrisgeorge barris batmobileSun, 09 Dec 2012 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20397866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/09/in-detail-original-1966-batmobile-on-display-ahead-of-sale-at-b/20397866/article-detail.xml 20397866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/original-1966-batmobile-barris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/original-1966-batmobile-barris.jpg <![CDATA[R/C Lego Batman Tumbler inspires instant envy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/r-c-lego-tumbler-from-batman-is-impressive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/r-c-lego-tumbler-from-batman-is-impressive/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/r-c-lego-tumbler-from-batman-is-impressive/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lego Tumbler

We've seen a handful of clever Lego interpretations of the Tumbler from Batman, but this one takes the cake. Not only is it remote controlled, but it also packs in all of the features we love from the movie-going machine. The builder specifically engineered the front suspension and steering mechanism to work like the real deal, and the super-soft suspension setup means there's all kinds of body roll around corners. Out back, this Lego Tumbler works in a live axle set up and a spinning thruster lit by an LED. Swoon.

We do have a few concerns about the design's longevity, though. The creator says that the suspension has so much flex that the RC Tumbler will actually start to break apart over time, dropping plates and components as it drives. Check it out in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading R/C Lego Batman Tumbler inspires instant envy

R/C Lego Batman Tumbler inspires instant envy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman tumblerbatmobilelegolego tumblervideoyoutubeThu, 06 Dec 2012 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20395815/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/06/r-c-lego-tumbler-from-batman-is-impressive/20395815/article-detail.xml 20395815 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lego-tumbler-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lego-tumbler-628.jpg <![CDATA[George Barris to sell original 1966 Batmobile at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/george-barris-to-sell-original-1966-batmobile-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/george-barris-to-sell-original-1966-batmobile-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/george-barris-to-sell-original-1966-batmobile-at-barrett-jackson/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

George Barris 1966 Batmobile

Holy celebrity auction, Batman! The one and only original Batmobile, constructed by celebrity customizer George Barris, is slated to go up for auction at the Barret-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ, on January 19, 2013.

While a great many replicas and copies of the Batmobile have been bought and sold, this particular machine has been owned by Barris since 1965, when he purchased the car on which it is based, the Lincoln Futura Concept from 1955, from Ford for the sum of one dollar. Money well spent, we'd say.

When Barris was approached to build the original Batmobile, he was reportedly given just 15 days and $15,000 to make it happen. With that kind of deadline, the Futura Concept, with its unique double-bubble roof and Ghia-styled bodywork, was an ideal starting point.

Barris added such iconic bits and pieces as "a nose-mounted aluminum Cable Cutter Blade, Bat Ray Projector, Anti-Theft Device, Detect-a-scope, Batscope, Bat Eye Switch, Antenna Activator, Police Band Cut-In Switch, Automatic Tire Inflation Device, Remote Batcomputer, the Batphone, Emergency Bat Turn Lever, Anti-Fire Activator, Bat Smoke, Bat Photoscope, and many other Bat gadgets," such as twin parachutes at the rear used to execute 180-degree turns.

Knowing the theatrics Barrett-Jackson typically employs with such celebrity cars, something tells us the Batmobile's next owner will meet plenty of Batmen, Batwomen, and Batcustomizers come January. Check out the Batmobile in the gallery above, and feel free to browse the press release and watch a bonus Barris and Batmobile video below.

Continue reading George Barris to sell original 1966 Batmobile at Barrett-Jackson [w/video]

George Barris to sell original 1966 Batmobile at Barrett-Jackson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 batmobilebarrett-jacksonbarrett-jackson 2013batmanbatmobilegeorge barrisFri, 30 Nov 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/30/george-barris-to-sell-original-1966-batmobile-at-barrett-jackson/20391379/article-detail.xml 20391379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/batmobile-barris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/batmobile-barris.jpg <![CDATA[Official Batmobile documentary cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/official-batmobile-documentary-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/official-batmobile-documentary-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/16/official-batmobile-documentary-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Batmobile models throughout history

A new documentary is setting out to discern exactly where Batman gets his wonderful toys - more specifically, the Batmobile. The film will feature interviews with notable Batman movie directors including Chris Nolan, Joel Schumacher and Tim Burton, as well as actors like Christian Bale and even Adam West. From the looks of things, the documentary delves into every aspect of the Batmobile's evolution, from the early comics to the animated series and everything in between. With plenty of in-movie footage and words from stunt drivers and creators like George Barris, this looks to be the final word on epic transportation in Gotham City.

Visitors to this year's Comic-Con were treated to a special preview of the film, though the rest of us will have to wait until the holiday season to get a hold of either the digital download or a Blu-ray copy. In the meantime, you can check out a pretty nifty trailer for the Batmobile documentary below.

Continue reading Official Batmobile documentary cometh

Official Batmobile documentary cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam westbat mobilebatmobilebatmobile documentarybatmobile moviechris nolanchristian balegeorge barrisjoel schumachermovietim burtonvideoMon, 16 Jul 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/16/official-batmobile-documentary-cometh/20279194/article-detail.xml 20279194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/batmobiles-throughout-history_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/batmobiles-throughout-history.jpg <![CDATA[The real story behind the speeding Batman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/the-real-story-behind-the-speeding-batman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/the-real-story-behind-the-speeding-batman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/the-real-story-behind-the-speeding-batman/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Batman pulled over in Maryland

By now you've probably heard about "Batman" getting pulled over by the cops in his Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The story has been all over the Internet this week, thanks to the in-car video from the local Maryland police department that stopped the caped crusader. But now we've got the real scoop on this would-be Bruce Wayne, thanks to the Washington Post.

His name is Lenny B. Robinson, and being Batman is only a part-time gig for the wealthy philanthropist. Robinson visits sick children in hospitals around the Baltimore area, decked out in a $5,000 neoprene-and-leather Batman suit, according to the report. He hands out Batman toys, signs autographs and gives the kids some much-needed fun, while boosting the morale of the parents, as well.

The Lamborghini is just part of the fun, though Robinson told the Post that he's having a "real" Batmobile built. (Which of the various movie cars he's having replicated was not specified.) While this episode marked Robinson's first time in a national spotlight, it wasn't his first encounter with the police while in costume. Patch reported on a distress call made by "Batman" back in November 2011, when Robinson's Gallardo had a flat.

Scroll down to see video of the police stopping Batman.

Continue reading The real story behind the speeding Batman

The real story behind the speeding Batman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobilegallardogallardo spyderlamborghinivideoFri, 30 Mar 2012 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204827/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/the-real-story-behind-the-speeding-batman/20204827/article-detail.xml 20204827 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batman.jpg <![CDATA[Which Batmobile wins this drag race, 1966 or 1989?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/which-batmobile-wins-this-drag-race-1966-or-1989/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/which-batmobile-wins-this-drag-race-1966-or-1989/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/22/which-batmobile-wins-this-drag-race-1966-or-1989/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Batmobile Drag Race

If there's one thing nerds love more than obscure factoids, it's the thrill of a good argument. MSN has set out to settle one of comic bookdom's quintessential questions by attempting to discern whether the 1989 Batmobile is quicker than its 1966 predecessor. While we'd love nothing better to see the atomic-powered sire do battle with its jet-powered offspring, we'll just have to make due with a couple of replicas. In this case, the '89 gets its power from a carbureted Chevrolet small block with an aluminum intake manifold and not much else.

Meanwhile, the 1966 uses a C4 Chevrolet Corvette for its underpinnings, complete with a fuel-injected small block of its own. The '66 boasts an estimated 300-325 horsepower while the '89 serves up a more modest 285 ponies. Bets are made, flags are dropped an one vehicle stands above the other. We won't spoil it for you.

We will say there seems to be some on-screen trickery afoot, however. Watch closely, and it's clear the '89 holds onto left lane at the beginning of the race, only to swap places in the slow-motion replay. Something tells us this game was rigged from the start. Hit the jump to see the full episode for yourself, but be warned. Fair warning: the finale sequence may be Not Safe For Work for some of you. Maybe there's something else nerds love more than arguing and flexing their trivia muscle.

Continue reading Which Batmobile wins this drag race, 1966 or 1989?

Which Batmobile wins this drag race, 1966 or 1989? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 batmobile1989 batmobilebatmanbatmobilebatmobile drag racedrag raceThu, 22 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20198946/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/22/which-batmobile-wins-this-drag-race-1966-or-1989/20198946/article-detail.xml 20198946 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batmobile-drag-race-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batmobile-drag-race-628.jpg <![CDATA[PSA: Bruce Wayne's average Batmobile costs $214,700]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/psa-bruce-waynes-average-batmobile-costs-214-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/psa-bruce-waynes-average-batmobile-costs-214-700/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/psa-bruce-waynes-average-batmobile-costs-214-700/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Batmobile explosion

Where does he get those wonderful toys? We're speaking, in case you didn't catch the movie quote, of Batman. Specifically, his most famous car, otherwise known as the Batmobile. There have been well over a hundred Batmobiles since the first, a 1936 Cord, was used in 1941.

Seventy-one years later, Bruce Wayne's number-one ride has gotten considerably more expensive to procure. According to the sleuths at Centives, between 1940 and 1970, Batman spent a miserly (and inflation adjusted) $32,000 for the average Batmobile. After that date? A whopping $358,000. Holy Toledo, Batman!

While some Batmobiles are completely custom designed for the Caped Crusader, others are based on more pedestrian production cars... like the Lamborghini Reventón or Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. Indeed, over the years Batman has, among others, made use of various Chevrolet Corvette models, a Ford Mustang or two, a number of Jaguar XKE models and even a British TVR.

After it's all tallied up and recorded for posterity, Centives guesstimates that the average Batmobile set Batman back roughly $214,700. Remember, there's been over a hundred Batmobiles in comic book land. We guess it takes a multi-billionaire playboy like Bruce Wayne to afford the crime-fighting lifestyle of an alter-ego like Batman.

PSA: Bruce Wayne's average Batmobile costs $214,700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bat manbatmanbatmobilebatmobile costbatmobile historybruce waynecomic bookgothamgotham cityWed, 14 Mar 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192179/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/psa-bruce-waynes-average-batmobile-costs-214-700/20192179/article-detail.xml 20192179 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batmobile-explosion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/batmobile-explosion.jpg <![CDATA[Wiesmann MF5 Roadster channels Caped Crusader with Black Bat special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/wiesmann-mf5-roadster-channels-caped-crusader-with-black-bat-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/wiesmann-mf5-roadster-channels-caped-crusader-with-black-bat-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/wiesmann-mf5-roadster-channels-caped-crusader-with-black-bat-spe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wiesmann MF5 Black Bat

The term "Batmobile" is one that gets thrown around a lot in automotive circles. Pretty much anything black and sinister is described as the Dark Knight's new ride. But aside from the handful of custom vehicles made for the various TV shows and movie installments over the years - ranging from campy to badass - few have been truly worthy of the name. Enter the Wiesmann MF5 Black Bat.

Starting with the top-of-the-line V10-powered MF5 retro roadster, customizers SchwabenFolia and Dahler have produced the closest thing to a genuine Batmobile this side of the Tumbler... particularly when photographed against the backdrop of a rather Wayne Manor-esque gothic mansion. They've wrapped it in matte black, blacked out the chrome and given it a set of noir BBS 20-inch alloys with polished rims.

There's even a little Batman logo on the back, but the party piece is the ECU reflash and new exhaust that have brought output up from the 507 horsepower featured in the old BMW M5 and M6 to a nice, round 600. Six-piston Brembo calipers keep the power in check, but with that much bat-juice under hood, we wouldn't expect to see this beast sitting still for long - so you'd better check it out in the high-res image gallery if you want to catch a glimpse.

Wiesmann MF5 Roadster channels Caped Crusader with Black Bat special originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobileblack batdahlermf5mf5 roadsterschwabenfoliaweismannwiesmannwiesmann mf5wiesmann mf5 black batTue, 15 Nov 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105232/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/wiesmann-mf5-roadster-channels-caped-crusader-with-black-bat-spe/20105232/article-detail.xml 20105232 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/web03-wiesmann-blackbat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/web03-wiesmann-blackbat.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Own the world's only turbine-powered Batmobile for $660K [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-own-the-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-own-the-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-own-the-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Putsch Racing Batmobile

There are many Batmobile replicas in the world, but only one of them is powered by a legitimate turbine engine. Casey Putsch is the proud owner and creator of that particular beast - a Keaton-era Batmobile powered by the same Boeing turboshaft engine found in the likes of a Navy drone helicopter. Now Putsch is putting his creation up for sale, and if you're the ultimate Batman aficionado, you'll need this machine in your collection. You'll also need to be fabulously wealthy, as the vehicle carries a buy-it-now price of $620,000.

Typically, this is where we rattle off the number of lust-worthy exotics you could own for the same stack of cash, but we can't quite bring ourselves to line this machine up against the rest of the motoring world. Maybe it's nostalgia or the fact that the Putsch's machine pegs the awesome meter in a way few other hand-built vehicles do. Besides, what figure would you put on a one-of-a-kind, U.S. Navy-powered crime-fighting apparatus? Hit the jump to check out a video of the Batmobile in action and head over to eBay Motors to take a look at the auction.

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Own the world's only turbine-powered Batmobile for $660K [w/video]

eBay Find of the Day: Own the world's only turbine-powered Batmobile for $660K [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmobilecasey putschebay motorsputsch racingturbine batmobileturbine engineturbine-powered batmobilevideoTue, 30 Aug 2011 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20029288/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-own-the-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmo/20029288/article-detail.xml 20029288 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/03-batmobile-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/03-batmobile-630.jpg <![CDATA[Batmobile Tumbler caravan snagged rolling through Pittsburgh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/batmobile-tumbler-caravan-snagged-rolling-through-pittsburgh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/batmobile-tumbler-caravan-snagged-rolling-through-pittsburgh/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/01/batmobile-tumbler-caravan-snagged-rolling-through-pittsburgh/#commentsFiled under: ,

tumblers spotted in pittsburgh on the set of the dark knight rises

If you're like us, you must be thinking that the next Batman film The Dark Night Rises can't get here soon enough. Problem is, production work hasn't even finished yet. The crew was recently spotted in Pittsburgh filming scenes for the upcoming flick, and few lucky folks managed to capture footage of a trio of Tumbler urban assault vehicles rolling through town.

YouTube users DoctaM3 filmed the Tumblers rumbling through the city, while Subaruwrxfan managed to get up close with a Tumbler parked on the street. The camo paint scheme is quite a change from the ominous black Batmobile Tumbler we're used to seeing. Still, the sound these hulking beasts make as the roll past is quite inviting. Click past the jump for both clips.

Continue reading Batmobile Tumbler caravan snagged rolling through Pittsburgh

Batmobile Tumbler caravan snagged rolling through Pittsburgh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman filmingbatman tumblerbatmobiledark knight risespittsburghtumbertumblertumbler videovideoMon, 01 Aug 2011 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20006201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/01/batmobile-tumbler-caravan-snagged-rolling-through-pittsburgh/20006201/article-detail.xml 20006201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/batman-the-dark-night-rises-tumblrs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/batman-the-dark-night-rises-tumblrs.jpg <![CDATA[Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/gordon-murrays-batmobile-crashes-during-show-rehearsal-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/gordon-murrays-batmobile-crashes-during-show-rehearsal-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/gordon-murrays-batmobile-crashes-during-show-rehearsal-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

batman live batmobile

Gordon Murray can design a Batmobile, but he can't teach the Dark Knight how to drive it. Murray's latest automobile was created for the new Batman Live show, a stage production that tells the story of how Batman and Robin came to team up. Murray's take on Bruce Wayne's iconic ride plays a major role... during an early live rehearsal, that role included crashing into a Bank of Gotham set piece.

There were no reports of any injuries, and a stand-by Batmobile was ready to fill in. Batman Live will make its way stateside later this year. In the meantime, at least one Batmobile is currently undergoing repairs in the Bat Cave.

Click past the break to see some video of Murray's Batmobile being unveiled.

Continue reading Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video]

Gordon Murray's Batmobile crashes during show rehearsal [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman livebatmobilebatmobile crashgordon murraygordon murray batmobileFri, 22 Jul 2011 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19997315/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/22/gordon-murrays-batmobile-crashes-during-show-rehearsal-w-video/19997315/article-detail.xml 19997315 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/batmobilem3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/batmobilem3.jpg <![CDATA[Man creates world's only turbine-powered Batmobile [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/13/man-creates-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmobile-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/13/man-creates-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmobile-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/13/man-creates-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmobile-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

casey putsch turbine-powered batmobile
Turbine-powered Batmobile - Click above for image gallery

Having a real-life Batmobile in your driveway sounds like a fun idea. Upon closer inspection, however, it's not going to be that exciting. Most often, Batmobile replicas are powered by something like a junkyard-salvaged General Motors 350, featuring an interior reminiscent of a hastily cobbled together 24 Hours of LeMons racer. A man by the name of Casey Putsch decided he wanted a Batmobile to call his own, but he wasn't ready to settle for second-rate.

This particular Putsch is the same man behind Putsch Racing, an outfit that restores, designs and appraises all manner of items automotive. When we said that Casey Putsch wasn't going to settle for a low-rent Batmobile, we meant it. Instead, Putsch has assembled what he says is the only turbine-powered Batmobile in the world.

Under the long hood of Putsch's Batmobile sits a Boeing turboshaft engine plucked from a naval drone helicopter. The power output is rated at 385 horses, which is good for a vehicle that weighs around 2,800 pounds.

Besides the engine upgrade, this Batmobile has an interior that would make Bruce Wayne nod approvingly. That's all you can hope for really, since it's impossible to make Mr. Wayne jealous. Putsch strapped an Apple iPad into the center stack of his super(hero)car, which then acts as his avionics system and also supplies GPS information.

We have footage of Casey Putsch driving his creation available for you after the jump, which is worth it for the sound alone. We also have a handful of photos in the gallery below. Be sure to check out Todd Cooperider's website for more information on this mad machine.

Continue reading Man creates world's only turbine-powered Batmobile [w/video]

Man creates world's only turbine-powered Batmobile [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobilecasey putschputsch racingtodd cooperiderturbineturbine carturbine-powered batmobilevideoWed, 13 Jul 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19989424/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/13/man-creates-worlds-only-turbine-powered-batmobile-w-video/19989424/article-detail.xml 19989424 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/turbine-powered-batmobile-03-1310504521_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/turbine-powered-batmobile-03-1310504521.jpg <![CDATA[Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/gordon-murrays-batmobile-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/gordon-murrays-batmobile-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/gordon-murrays-batmobile-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gordon Murray Batmobile
Gordon Murray's Batmobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the annals of Batmobile history, we're not sure where to peg this latest version. The good: It's dark, it's carbon fiber and it spits flames from a carbon-ceramic afterburner. The bad: It's just really freaking dull. But because it's been designed by Gordon Murray of McLaren F1 fame (not to mention the strange-but-somehow-cool T.27 city car), we want to love it. But can't.

Unlike the jet-engined powered Batmobiles of yore, Murray's design is an odd attempt at the Dark Knight going green, with a hydrogen fuel cell and a brace of lithium-ion batteries. The carbon fiber body supposedly "breathes" and the "virtual wheels" are ringed in LEDs. How either of those features help the caped crusader fight crime is beyond us, but then again, so is the idea of the Batman Live World Arena Tour it's been built for.

You can check out Murray's original sketch in the gallery below and watch a duo of videos after the jump. We're going to weep quietly as yet another childhood dream vehicles succumbs to the PC overlords.

Continue reading Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video]

Gordon Murray's Batmobile unveiled [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman livebatmobilegordon murraygordon murray batmobileFri, 17 Jun 2011 18:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19969907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/17/gordon-murrays-batmobile-unveiled/19969907/article-detail.xml 19969907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/batmobilem3-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/batmobilem3-630op.jpg <![CDATA[The Batmobile's 70-year history in pictures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/the-batmobiles-70-year-history-in-pictures/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/the-batmobiles-70-year-history-in-pictures/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/06/the-batmobiles-70-year-history-in-pictures/#commentsFiled under: ,

History of the Batmobile
The history of the Batmobile - Click above to see full image

In the world of superheroes, Batman is a bit of an anomaly. While the rest of the comic world's crime fighters are imbued with special powers derived from radiation, mutation or celestial birth, Batman's je ne sais quoi is sourced up from nothing more than being filthy rich and a little bit crazy. Maybe that's why we like him. Of course, his penchant for amazing automobiles, motorcycles, boats and jets never exactly hurt our feelings either. We fancied ourselves at least quasi-familiar with the Caped Crusader's history of transportation, but according to researchers at CarInsurance.org and the designers at BatmobileHistory.com, our knowledge was more than a little lacking.

For example, did you know Bruce Wayne's secret identity spent some time behind the wheel of a gussied up Ford GT90 Concept? Neither did we. How about an Opel Speedster, Dodge Viper, several Chevrolet Corvettes, and a Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR? Yep, we had not a clue. Call us crazy, but we still have a soft spot for the Batmobile dreamed up for the Tim Burton Batman by Anton Furst. Check out all of his cars in the gallery.

[Source: CarInsurance.Org]

The Batmobile's 70-year history in pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobilebruce waynecomic bookcomic bookscomicsdc comicshistory of the batmobileThu, 06 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19789730/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/06/the-batmobiles-70-year-history-in-pictures/19789730/article-detail.xml 19789730 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/batmobile-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/batmobile-630.jpg <![CDATA[British defense contractor designs Batmobile for military]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/british-defense-contractor-designs-batmobile-for-military/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/british-defense-contractor-designs-batmobile-for-military/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/29/british-defense-contractor-designs-batmobile-for-military/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BAE Systems Raider

It seems that Hollywood may be on to something after all. According to Hisham Awad, Future Protected Vehicles project leader for British defense contractor BAE Systems, the Raider unmanned skirmisher was inspired by the Batmobile, or, more specifically, the Tumbler from the two most recent Batman flicks starring Christian Bale.
"Well, why not? In all seriousness, we decided that we didn't have a monopoly on inspiration, and if we saw something in a film that we thought might be a good idea, why not take a look at it and see if there's something practical we can develop?"
That's a sound argument. "It turns like a motorbike and it has the same wheel configuration," says Awad, though we also note a somewhat more conspicuous machine gun up top. Apparently, such a Hollywood/military connection isn't all that rare - today's troop carriers are said to be modeled after James Cameron's armored vehicles from Aliens.

So, what's next? Awad reportedly mentioned the Light Cycles from Tron, but we're leaning more in the direction of The Green Hornet's Black Beauty. Anybody got Kato on speed dial?

[Source: The Engineer via CrunchGear]

British defense contractor designs Batmobile for military originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bae raiderbae systemsbatman tumblerbatmobilebatmobile tumblerraidertumblerWed, 29 Dec 2010 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19779535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/29/british-defense-contractor-designs-batmobile-for-military/19779535/article-detail.xml 19779535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bae-raider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bae-raider.jpg -1 2