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| Atomic Batteries to power... |
For over 40 years, the George Barris Batmobile, created especially for the Batman television series in 1966, has been an iconic vehicle among comic book, television and custom car afficionados. It has been duplicated in a variety of sizes, from the palm of your hand to lifesize.
Currently there are at least four companies that build turnkeys and kits. Prices vary based on the details of what you get. For those enthusiasts on a budget, a basic kit is available for around $7,000 from www.gothamcruisers.com, who offers the kit in a series of packages so the car can be built in four separate stages.
According to Eric Seltzer, who operates the Web site www.1966batmobile.com, there are 20-plus turnkeys throughout the United States, and over 50 kits in various stages of completion. Many of the owners make their cars available for automotive shows, comic book conventions and local speedways as a means of earning back some of their substantial investment.
In the Atlanta area, miles from Gotham City, one such replica prowls the night – and sometimes the day – as a warning to evildoers everywhere. The owner, like crime fighters everywhere, prefers to remain anonymous, says, “Since I was a little boy I have always said I would own the Batmobile one day. When I found the opportunity as an adult I went for it!”
Like the Dark Knight himself, costs of the replica remain shrouded in mystery. However, the owner did indicate it came together through no small sacrifice. “I sold a 1964 1/2 convertible Mustang, a 1966 Chevy stepside pickup truck, two Civil War Pistols and a World War II German uniform.” These proceeds were combined with savings, providing the right financing which fit the initial time and budget just as hoped.
Dubbed the Batlanta Crime Cruiser, the project took about a year under the expert hand of Mark Towles. On his Web site, www.gothamgarage.net, Towles says, “Our molds were pulled directly from one of the four original Barris built Batmobiles from the 1966 TV show Batman. Starring cast members have agreed that Mark Towles 1966 Batmobile replicas are by far the most accurate to the original they have ever experienced.”
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| Adam West in the 2008 Dragon*Con parade in Atlanta |
The site also quotes former Batman star Adam West: "This is the best Batmobile replica I have ever seen, and believe me... I have seen them all!" Towles’ Batmobiles have been featured on The Today Show and in numerous magazines including Crusin Style and Car & Driver.
Based on Towles’ recommendation, a 1980 Chevrolet Corvette was stripped down to only the frame and engine. “The ‘vette was Towle's idea,” says the owner of the Batlanta Crime Cruiser. “He said it would perform better and be more dependable.” Having been driven cross-country, Towles obviously knows his stuff.
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| The Batlanta Crime Cruiser in an early stage of construction |
Once the frame was stretched to 19 feet, the engine and drivetrain were reconditioned. The fiberglass body was then mounted to the frame, and doors, hood, and trunk were cut and made functional. All interior components had to be fabricated by hand, as well as the Bat-accessories.
At this point the body had finishing work done and was prepped for painting in its distinctive red and black color scheme. The interior components were finished and put in place and the wheels and tires mounted. Final touches were done and a thorough test drive was performed.
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| Primed, but not quite ready for action |
Not only is the car mechanically sound, many of the accessories are functional. According to the owner, “The flame works... the lights all work... the remote Bat-computer and detectascope work... the Bat-phone works... The chain cutter works. (The car also features) modern seatbelts and radio, plus a digital display screen that are not found on the original. Everything else is exactly as it was in the show.”
Since its debut, the Batlanta Crime Cruiser has been seen at various events ranging from parades to assorted theaters during opening weekend of The Dark Knight. Beginning in 2006, the car has been featured in the annual parade at Dragon-Con, held each year in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend. The science fiction/fantasy convention has evolved into a multi-media event, attracting over 30,000 attendees in 2007.
And if you’re lucky, you may just see it on its way to/from such an appearance.
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| Chicks dig the car |
“This car is no trailer queen,” says the owner. “I drive it to every event. It has been driven from Atlanta to Los Angeles.” His most memorable reaction was while purchasing gas, when a man offered him his Harley and his wife in trade for the car. “Needless to say, I politely declined.”
The owner gets requests all the time, juggling his Bat-schedule around a very full private schedule. “There is no ‘going rate.’ If someone wants to contact me, we can work something out.”
To learn more about booking an appearance, visit www.batlantacrimecruiser.com
• Sources:
www.1966batmobile.com
www.thebatcave8k.com
Praise and adulation? Scorn and ridicule? E-mail me at philip@comicboobkbin.com
