Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/gotham-go-kart-man-builds-mini-batman-tumbler-in-backyard-offe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/gotham-go-kart-man-builds-mini-batman-tumbler-in-backyard-offe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/gotham-go-kart-man-builds-mini-batman-tumbler-in-backyard-offe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Batman Tumbler go kart - Click above for high-res image gallery

So, you jumped at the chance to pick up a full-size replica of the Batsuit as worn by the Caped Crusader during his cleanup of Gotham City in The Dark Knight. What's next? Might we suggest a fully functional replica of Batman's Tumbler... albeit somewhat downsized and powered by a 6.5-horsepower engine?

That's right, you can now purchase plans to build your very own Tumbler go kart on eBay or on T-Man's official site. Pictures of the finished product can be seen below, so there's no worry that it can't be built - assuming you've got the welding chops to make it happen. Full 31-page thread of the build available here, and a video of the (mostly) finished product in operation can be viewed after the jump. We can only hope a removable Batpod is up next.


Gallery: Batman Tumbler Go Kart


[Source: T-Man's Go Karts]

Continue reading Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO]

Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BatSmart from SEMA - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most unusual vehicles to grace last year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas is now up for auction on eBay Motors. Called the BatSmart, this little vehicle was unlike most of the high-octane pieces of rolling artwork at the event in that it used just three pistons and 70 horsepower to move along its twin passengers. What it loses in power, though, it makes up in style, right?

Designed by George Barris himself, creator of the original Batmobile from the mid '60s, the Batsmart features a faux turbine and rocket launchers to go along with its full custom body kit, which includes the requisite rear batfins and rodent-like pointy nose. Click here to see the auction page and be sure to check out our gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Mick!


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: Batsmart


Gallery: SEMA 2008: Barris BatSMART


[Source: eBay via All Cars All The Time]

eBay Find of the Day: The Batsmart originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmobilebatsmartebayebay auctionebay find of the dayEbayAuctionEbayFindOfTheDayebaymotorsgeorge barrisGeorgeBarrisTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Random Sightings: Original Batmobile spotted at SoCal car wash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/15/random-sightings-original-batmobile-spotted-at-socal-car-wash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/15/random-sightings-original-batmobile-spotted-at-socal-car-wash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/15/random-sightings-original-batmobile-spotted-at-socal-car-wash/#commentsFiled under: ,


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 (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Random Sightings: Original Batmobile spotted at SoCal car wash originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 Batmobile1966Batmobilebarris batmobileBarrisBatmobileBatmobileBatmobile DragsterBatmobileDragsterSun, 15 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1966 Batmobile Re-Creation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/barrett-jackson-2009-1966-batmobile-re-creation/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/barrett-jackson-2009-1966-batmobile-re-creation/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/17/barrett-jackson-2009-1966-batmobile-re-creation/#commentsFiled under:

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 1966 Batmobile Re-Creation

Perhaps the best-known vehicle ever to come out of the fertile mind of George Barris, otherwise known as the King of the Kustomizers, was the Batmobile, as seen on television screens around the country in the late '60s. This is not the original Batmobile, which was based on Lincoln concept car called the Futura, but it's as close as you're ever likely to see. Plus, it's been signed by nearly the entire cast of characters from the original Batman series, including the caped crusader himself, Adam West. The car was driven on stage carrying Yvonne Craig, the actress who played Batgirl on TV, and she promised to take the winning bidder to dinner. Everything works, including the rear-mounted parachutes, flashing lights, Bat Phone and Bat Scanner (well, maybe not those last two). Value? Priceless... or exactly $165,000.00, depending on who you ask. See the official Barrett-Jackson description after the break.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1966 Batmobile Re-Creation


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1966 Batmobile Re-Creation

Barrett-Jackson 2009: 1966 Batmobile Re-Creation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1966 Batmobile1966Batmobilebarrett jacksonbarrett-jacksonBarrett-Jackson 2009Barrett-jackson2009BarrettJacksonBatmobileBatmobile recreationBatmobileRecreationSat, 17 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: The Batsmart by Barris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-batsmart-by-barris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-batsmart-by-barris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/sema-2008-batsmart-by-barris/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Batsmart from SEMA
George Barris has officially gone batty. While he is one of the men generally acknowledged for creating the original Batmobile, he hasn't shown anything with those trademark wings since Joel Schumacher almost ruined the franchise. And then we passed this in the North Hall at SEMA today. Maybe it was Catwoman standing next to it, but the Batsmart instantly takes us back with those trademark high-mounted rear wings, a rear jet exhaust, roof-mounted flutes and vertical doors. We don't have many details, but we really don't need them. Just look at it - it's a smart fortwo wearing a Batmobile costume for Halloween!

Maybe gas has risen to $11 a gallon in Gotham and this is the best Bruce Wayne can do. Who knows? We've actually heard that 40 lucky Bat fans will be able to get their hands on one of these in the near future. The standard package won't include the roof flutes or rear chutes and exhaust, but they will be available options. Keep your eye on smart42parts.com website for updates. Meanwhile, we don't think our modern day Caped Crusader has any plans to replace his Tumbler with this toddler.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Barris BatSMART

SEMA 2008: The Batsmart by Barris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobilebatSmartsemasema 2008Sema2008Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Michael Keaton's Batmobile #5 of 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-keatons-batmobile-5-of-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-keatons-batmobile-5-of-5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/ebay-find-of-the-day-michael-keatons-batmobile-5-of-5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Batmobile, circa 1989

Built atop a lowly Chevrolet Impala chassis (or two), we don't imagine that the next owner of the Batmobile in this auction will be pulling too many Batman-esque stunts. Still, to own one of the vehicles used by Michael Keaton and Kim Basinger in the 1989 Tim Burton-directed movie is pretty cool. A few salient facts: This sucker is 20-feet long and 8-feet wide, so you're going to need a Bat Cave-sized garage. It's powered by a (probably anemic) Chevy 350 V8, so it's fuel mileage theoretically approaches that of the fictional turbine engine depicted in the flick. Lastly, the new owner will need you to sign a Warner Brothers purchase agreement, which we hear is pretty limiting in what it allows you to do with the car. Still, how many people can actually say, "I think I'll take the Batmobile to work today?" Therefore, we deem this car epic. Thanks for the tip, BMW122487!

Gallery: eBay FOTD: 1989 Batmobile


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Michael Keaton's Batmobile #5 of 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 batman1989 batmobile1989Batman1989Batmobilebatmanbatmobilebatmobile michael keatonBatmobileMichaelKeatonMon, 25 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Gotham meets Cybertron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/13/gotham-meets-cybertron/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above image to enlarge

Comic book and sci-fi fans are resourceful bunch. While studios and publishers do their best to monetize their hottest properties, the care and feeding lavished upon them by hardcore fans takes things to entirely different levels. Exhaustive web resources, fan fiction, and fan art are just a few examples of how aficionados pay tribute to the characters, movies, and shows they love. As is often the case, these interests frequently cross over, and sometimes, blending two properties results in a creation that's just incredibly cool. That's what Jester and Jolin from Jester Pictures have done.

What you see above is an Autobot version of Batman's Tumbler, and it makes you kinda wish Optimus Prime & co. landed in Gotham City instead of California, allying themselves with the Bat instead of Sam Witwicky. Seriously, as if the Tumbler wasn't mean enough already, its fantasy Autobot form is eye-popping. Note the shape of its head, the bat-shield logo on its chest, and even the incorporation of the utility belt. The Autobot bat-signal in the sky is a nice touch, too. Thanks to "94 taurus Owner" for the tip!

[Source: Jester Pictures via DonMurphy.net via TFLAMB]

Gotham meets Cybertron originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobotbatmanbatmobilecybertrondark knightDarkKnightgothamgotham cityGothamCityjester picturesJesterPicturestrasnsformerstumblerSun, 13 Jul 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[ <i>The Dark Knight</i>'s shoulder-driven Batpod]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/i-the-dark-knight-i-s-shoulder-driven-batpod/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/i-the-dark-knight-i-s-shoulder-driven-batpod/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/i-the-dark-knight-i-s-shoulder-driven-batpod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Over the last 70 years, Batman has driven all sorts of vehicles, with a wide array of Batmobiles, planes, bikes and boats appearing in the various comic books, television series and movies. Arguably none have been as wickedly exciting, however, as the Tumbler which the superhero drove in the most recent Batman Begins. But with the sequel swooping into theaters this week, we're in store for a new piece of kit.

Called the Batpod, we've been bringing you details of the new motorcycle as they've become available. The Batpod is driven by a pair of motors hidden within the giant 20-inch wheels and steered by the shoulder, allowing the Caped Crusader to operate an arsenal of machine guns and grappling hooks. We'll have to hold on just a little bit longer to see it in action on the big screen, but in the meantime you can check out the images from the Batmobile's and Batpod's demonstration at Silverstone with the Toyota F1 crew in the high-resolution image bat-gallery by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: Batman's Tumbler at Silverstone

[Source: gizmag]

The Dark Knight's shoulder-driven Batpod originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bat cycleBatCyclebatmanbatman beginsBatmanBeginsbatmobilebatpodthe dark knightTheDarkKnightThu, 10 Jul 2008 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stig climbs aboard Batman's Tumbler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/the-stig-climbs-aboard-batmans-tumbler-good-things-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/the-stig-climbs-aboard-batmans-tumbler-good-things-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/the-stig-climbs-aboard-batmans-tumbler-good-things-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under:

UPDATE: This picture was actually shot when Batman Begins was released -- in 2005. So don't expect to see the Stig doing his thing in the Tumbler anytime soon. Check out the rest of the pics at Flickr; we're off to drown our disappointment in a pint.


We don't have any details on when this happened or if when Top Gear will air the man in white piloting Batman's meanest machine. But with the Tumbler making its recent appearance at the British GP with Toyota, was there any doubt that something like this was going to go down? We're taking bets about what kind of time the Tumbler is going to set around the TG test track. Check out the current Power Lap times and make your own predictions in the comments below.

Gallery: Batman's Tumbler at Silverstone

The Stig climbs aboard Batman's Tumbler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatmobilestigstig batmanstig batmobilestig tumblerStigBatmanStigBatmobileStigTumblertop gearTopGeartumblerTue, 08 Jul 2008 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA['66 Barris Batmobile hits the bricks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/66-barris-batmobile-hits-the-bricks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/66-barris-batmobile-hits-the-bricks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/26/66-barris-batmobile-hits-the-bricks/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for photo gallery

Lino M is one of our favorite custom Lego builders. We've shared some of his work with you in the past, and if you frequent his flickr photo stream, you'll find that he's usually up to something new. One of his recent creations is this rather spectacular, unbelievably detailed (dig the Bat Phone in the cockpit) '66 Batmobile he made for a builder challenge. He even created scale-sized Batman and Robin figures that fit inside. Lego would do well to license this design and sell it, as we'd be at Toys 'R Us with money in hand. Lino was kind enough to give us permission to republish the photos you see here, and you can view even higher-res versions in his flickr stream. While you're there, check out the ridiculously awesome new '60 Impala Wagon he just built, too. Now, excuse us while we head to our parents' to liberate our old Legos from the attic.

Gallery: '66 Batmobile in Lego, custom build by Lino M.


[Source: Lino M. via Flickr]

'66 Barris Batmobile hits the bricks originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 May 2008 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>66 batmobile66Batmobilebarris batmobileBarrisBatmobilebatmobilecustom buildcustom legoCustomBuildCustomLegolegolino mLinoMMon, 26 May 2008 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Batmobile from Tim Burton's first bat film]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-batmobile-from-tim-burtons-first-bat-film/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-batmobile-from-tim-burtons-first-bat-film/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ebay-find-of-the-day-batmobile-from-tim-burtons-first-bat-film/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above for gallery of the Batmobile

The Michael Keaton/Jack Nicholson Batman is and probably always will be my all-time favorite movie, and the ostentatious Batmobile was one of my most cherished Hot Wheels. Owning the flat-black exotic has always been a less than realistic goal, but thanks to eBay, someone will have that chance. If you like the Batmobile as much as I do, and unlike me have at least $500,000, you can actually purchase the Dark Knight's superhero-mobile on eBay.

The Batmobile on auction is number five of five, and with only 54 miles on the odometer, it is one rare bird indeed. It has no doors, and the only way to get behind the wheel is to jump in through the roof. The 20-foot long Batmobile hides a 5.7L Chevy small-block under-hood that hasn't been driven in five years, and judging from the pics on eBay, it's an automatic, too. It does make sense for Batman to fore-go manual shifts, since he needed to use his free hand to fire 50-caliber machine guns. Somehow we have the feeling that heavy artillery isn't included in the auction, but at least you can look like your car can blow things up. Nobody has bid on the item yet, and at 500-large we're guessing this auction has a chance of reappearing soon at a lower starting price. Thanks for the tip, Steve!

Gallery: Batmobile


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: Batmobile from Tim Burton's first bat film originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatmobileeBayTue, 06 May 2008 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New York '08 Preview: Bruce Wayne's Lamborghini Batman car debuting at gala]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/new-york-08-preview-bruce-waynes-lamborghini-batman-car-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/new-york-08-preview-bruce-waynes-lamborghini-batman-car-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/new-york-08-preview-bruce-waynes-lamborghini-batman-car-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view video

We all remember the Lamborghini Murcielago's cameo in Batman Begins, right? Well apparently producers think that Lamborghinis make good supporting actors, because a Lamborghini has once again been cast in the upcoming sequel called The Dark Knight. Though Batman himself will still pilot the Tumbler through the streets of Gotham while fighting the Joker, his public persona, Bruce Wayne, will be seen rolling in a Raging Bull that can reportedly do some major damage, as well. Winding Road found this video from MTV.com that reveals what the car looks like as a toy, but we'll be seeing the real thing in person this Thursday when it debuts at the East Side House Settlement Gala Preview for the 2008 New York Auto Show, which happens to be sponsored by Lamborghini. Though tickets for the gala start at $150 for just cocktails and $1,000 for dinner (it's all for charity, folks), we'll do our best to crash the party and get live pics of Bruce Wayne's other car.

Also of note is that Lamborghini will be auctioning off the very first 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 to be sold in the U.S. at the gala. We'll try to keep our hands down during that part of the evening's festivities.

[Source: MTV.com via Winding Road]

Continue reading New York '08 Preview: Bruce Wayne's Lamborghini Batman car debuting at gala

New York '08 Preview: Bruce Wayne's Lamborghini Batman car debuting at gala originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman beginsbatman lamborghinibatman the dark knightBatmanBeginsBatmanLamborghiniBatmanTheDarkKnightbatmobilebruce wayne lamborghiniBruceWayneLamborghinithe dark knightthe dark knight movi...TheDarkKnightTheDarkKnightMovi...Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Winner of Batman Forever Batmobile auction can't drive car in public]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/winner-of-batman-forever-batmobile-auction-cant-drive-car-in-pu/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/winner-of-batman-forever-batmobile-auction-cant-drive-car-in-pu/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/07/winner-of-batman-forever-batmobile-auction-cant-drive-car-in-pu/#commentsFiled under:



Our friends over at Hemmings who follow the auction scene like crack-addled chipmunks came across the mobile bane of the Batman franchise. The Batman Forever iteration of the Batmobile is one of the worst ever devised. Universally panned along with the film in which it appeared, it was forced to do sit-com work after it was retired, appearing on The Drew Carey Show (some say the Batmobile's appearance on the show was when it officially jumped the shark). The car was recently up for auction with no reserve and sold for $297,000, less than half its estimated worth. Aside from being an abomination and afront to Bruce Wayne groupies everywhere, the car sold so low because it came with many conditions set by Warner Bros. and DC Comics, including one barring the owner from driving the car in view of the public! This car's a runner too, with a small-block Chevy V8 that can whisk it away from laughing crowds at super hero speeds. But its new owner will apparently never get the chance to be laughed at in public, because doing so would mean driving the car in public, and that would violate the contract he (or she) signed. On second thought, perhaps Warner Bros. and DC Comics was doing this guy a favor.

Check out the Batmobile's appearance on The Drew Carey Show after the jump.

[Source: Hemmings]

Continue reading Winner of Batman Forever Batmobile auction can't drive car in public

Winner of Batman Forever Batmobile auction can't drive car in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman foreverBatmanForeverbatmobilebatmobile auctionBatmobileAuctiondc comicsDcComicswarner bros.WarnerBros.Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Camera man following Batmobile dies in crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/camera-man-following-batmobile-dies-in-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/camera-man-following-batmobile-dies-in-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/25/camera-man-following-batmobile-dies-in-crash/#commentsFiled under:



Tragedy struck off the set of the new Batman film, The Dark Knight, on Monday when a camera van collided with a tree killing one of the occupants. The crash took place during what's being described as a "filming production exercise" where the Batmobile was being followed by an SUV while on a test track in Longcross.

While it's unclear as to why the vehicle lost control, an investigation is currently underway by the Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Warner Bros., the production company behind the new Batman flick, released a statement regarding the crash, which you can read excerpts of by following the "Read" link below.

Thanks for the tip, Sparky.

[Source: BBC News]

Camera man following Batmobile dies in crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman crashBatmanCrashbatmobilebatmobile crashbatmobile fatalityBatmobileCrashBatmobileFatalitycrashsurreytest trackTestTrackthe dark knightTheDarkKnightTue, 25 Sep 2007 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Great Gotham! It's the Milwaukee Batmobile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-milwaukee-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-milwaukee-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-milwaukee-batmobile/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for gallery

Today's eBay finds have been vehicles that prove the adage, "just because you can doesn't mean you should." First there was the Muskrat, a rolling Star Trek transporter accident involving a Mustang and a Ranger, and now we have the Milwaukee Batmobile. So named, we assume, because that's where this erstwhile 1970 Oldsmobile 98 resides. The "Batmobile" here is allegedly modeled after the design shown on a 1960s coloring book cover. In reality, it looks more like something the Dark Knight would perhaps drive if he were starring in Gordon Parks Jr's 1972 classic, Super Fly, instead of fighting crime. Added bonus: it's autographed by George Barris (his only connection to the vehicle, in case you were wondering). Really, it must be seen to be believed, so click on the gallery below. The current bid's at over $11,000, and the reserve hasn't been met. Fanboys, you still have a chance!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: The Milwaukee Batmobile

Great Gotham! It's the Milwaukee Batmobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 oldsmobile 981970Oldsmobile98batmobilemilwaukee batmobileMilwaukeeBatmobileoldsmobileTue, 10 Jul 2007 20:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joker's in trouble: Batman's Batpod bike revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/the-jokers-in-trouble-batmans-batpod-bike-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/the-jokers-in-trouble-batmans-batpod-bike-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/the-jokers-in-trouble-batmans-batpod-bike-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Most fans of the Dark Knight appreciated the overall tone of the latest film to feature Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman. The emphasis on Wayne's transformation into the Caped Crusader gave Batman Begins a psychological edge and complexity that... oh, who am I kidding? It was the Tumbler that we all loved. Typically outrageous without being overly cartoonish, it was a reconfigurable warship on wheels. With a follow-up film on its way, it was inevitable that rumors about the newest Batmobile would eventually surface.

BB 2 will take the series further back to its roots by featuring one of Batman's greatest archenemies, The Joker (here's his pretty pathetic set of wheels). It will also, apparently, bring back another iconic Bat vehicle: the Batcycle. Actually it is called the Batpod and, thanks to Gizmodo, we have a couple of pics of this new Batride to share. Our first reaction was that it looks like half of the Tumbler, minus the bodywork with the same chunky tires and mutating layout. The Batpod also features huge cannons up front and no immediately identifiable engine. Speculation suggests wheel-mounted electric motors. It's definitely intimidating, although we're not sure how those wheels will affect its driveability. Some have also noted its resemblance to the Tomahawk, minus the Viper V10. Where that Chrysler show bike is pure muscle, this thing looks more military.

We'll get to see more of the Batpod when The Dark Knight rolls into theaters next summer. Or as soon as more pics surface.

One more pic after the jump.

[Source: Gizmodo]

Continue reading The Joker's in trouble: Batman's Batpod bike revealed

The Joker's in trouble: Batman's Batpod bike revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bat BikeBatBikeBatcycleBatmanBatman BeginsBatmanBeginsBatmobileBatpodDark KnightDarkKnightTue, 19 Jun 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[KAPOW! Caped Crusader Camaro packs a visual punch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/kapow-caped-crusader-camaro-packs-a-visual-punch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/kapow-caped-crusader-camaro-packs-a-visual-punch/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/13/kapow-caped-crusader-camaro-packs-a-visual-punch/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and any automotive passion is usually OK in our books, but this is pushing things a bit, even for us. Someone took a perfectly nice Camaro SS and added a bunch of Batman adoration to create this Batmaro, a.k.a. the Caped Crusader Camaro, complete with an appropriately winged body kit, Batman symbol spinner wheels, and the airbrushed visage of Gotham's freedom fighter adorning its hood scoop.

Seems a shame the unknown owner didn't start with a Ram-Air Trans-Am, which always looked to us like it emerged from the Bat Cave instead of a General Motors assembly plant. For some reason, the words Dark Knight Rider come to mind. Click the gallery below so you can point and laugh along with the DC area Sportbikers.

[Source: DCSportbikes.net]

Gallery: Caped Crusader Camaro

KAPOW! Caped Crusader Camaro packs a visual punch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmanBatmobileCaped CrusaderCapedCrusaderChevy Camaro SSChevyCamaroSsDark KnightDarkKnightWed, 13 Jun 2007 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Is movie car czar George Barris taking credit for star cars he didn't build?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/is-movie-car-czar-george-barris-taking-credit-for-star-cars-he-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/is-movie-car-czar-george-barris-taking-credit-for-star-cars-he-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/is-movie-car-czar-george-barris-taking-credit-for-star-cars-he-d/#commentsFiled under:

Last month, a celebration was held for George Barris, the octogenarian car customizer who created the original Batmobile. At his shop in North Hollywood, in addition to the Batmobile, was a DeLorean from Back to the Future, a General Lee, K.I.T.T., and a Monkeemobile from "The Monkees" sitcom. Problem is, he didn't create those last three cars. Universal Studios, who did the Back to the Future films, and the creators of the other cars want the world to know that.

Barris says he has never claimed credit for those other cars. He did, however, have something to do with various versions of some of those cars. Show cars come in four flavors: hero cars are for photographs, stunt cars are for chases and crashes, promotional cars only do the publicity circuit and replica cars are built by private owners. Barris didn't have anything to do with creating or building the Back to the Future DeLorean, but he did create a replica car and he did "clean up" a stunt car for Universal. He is also credited for "modifications" to the General Lee. And he built the Ecto-1 promotional car for Ghostbusters. Universal says that displaying cars like that in front of his shop and on his web site is tantamount to mispresentation. Whether displaying means taking credit for is up to interpretation, but when asked, Barris stated plainly, "I didn't work on the show and I've never said I did."

Thanks for the tip, Jim!

[Source: LA Times]

Is movie car czar George Barris taking credit for star cars he didn't build? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrisbatmobilegeorgehollywoodstudiosuniversalMon, 07 May 2007 09:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/27/geneva-motor-show-tramontana-supercar-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some would say that the Tramontana supercar looks like a mating experiment between the Plymouth Prowler and the Batmobile. We'll call the looks "unique". Either way, this one-seater will be fast and it will be light. We dig the open wheel look, and the wood accents on the exterior are way sweeter than the Griswald's station wagon, but more than anything else, it's the power that gets our attention. A 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine is sweet in just about any application, but mated to a vehicle with room for one seat and carbon-fiber to reduce weight and you've got a freaking rocket on wheels. You even get to choose your output by switching between 542 and 710 hp.

Love the looks or hate them, the new supercar from Tramontana should be very interesting for whomever is looking out from behind the driver's wheel. The press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Tramontanagroup.com via Winding Road]

Gallery: Tramontana

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh

Geneva Motor Show: Tramontana supercar cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BatmobileProwlerTramontanaTwin TurboTwinTurboV12Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawyer pays $350K for Batman Forever Batmobile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/lawyer-pays-350k-for-batman-forever-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/lawyer-pays-350k-for-batman-forever-batmobile/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/lawyer-pays-350k-for-batman-forever-batmobile/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

1995 Batmobile from Batman Forever

John O'Quinn is a lawyer. A rich one. He made his money in a tobacco lawsuit settlement, and disposable income is no longer a problem for him. He demonstrated this at this past weekend's Kruse International auction in Indiana, where a $1.3 Million shopping spree left his bank accounts a little lighter and his garage a little more crowded. His new toys included not only the 1995 Batman Forever Batmobile ($350,000), but also the following:
Last year, O'Quinn ponied up $690,000 for Pope John Paul II's old '75 Ford Escort. One thing's certain: the man has a very eclectic car collection, and he's not shy about opening his wallet to add to it.

As for his weekend purchases, the Gallardo money went to a children's charity, so good for him. The Caddy and the Packard are both gorgeous. Added bonus: the Caddy can now take up residence in the burgeoning Papal Wing of O'Quinn's garage.

This brings us to the '95 Batmobile from the horrible Batman Forever film. This car is not one of the Dark Knight's more memorable screen machines (Neon lighting on a Batmobile? Ugh). There are much better choices out there, and if the Tumbler ever becomes available, we strongly advise the counselor to go for it!

[Source: Houston Chronicle]

Lawyer pays $350K for Batman Forever Batmobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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