The Batmobile
The iconic Batmobile, used in the 1966–1968 television show and film, started out life as a one-off Lincoln Futura concept car from 1955, created by Ford Motor Company lead stylists Bill Schmidt, Doug Poole Sr., and John Najjar and their design team at the Lincoln Styling Department. The Futura prototype was built entirely by hand by the Ghia Body Works in Italy. It made its debut in pearlescent Frost-Blue at the 1955 Chicago Motor Show.
George Barris, builder of many famous Hollywood custom cars, purchased the Futura from Ford. After using it in a film during the late 50's, he later adapted it to become the iconic Batmobile for the crime-fighting duo in just three weeks at a reported cost of $30,000. After the car appeared in primer with a white-stripe in a 1965 network presentation reel, the car was painted gloss black with fluorescent red stripes. Barris retained ownership of the car, leasing it to 20th Century Fox and Greenway Productions for use in the series.
This example was later built as a promotional car that toured the US at the time of the original television show. RM Sotheby's will be offering it at their upcoming Auburn Spring auction held between the 11-12th May. Its estimated value is between $180,000 - $230,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos ©2018 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's.