With the opening of the new Batman film,
The Dark Knight Rises, I thought it might be fun to take a retro ride of former Batmobiles, the most iconic vehicles to emerge from the super-universe. Over the years, the cars have changed dramatically as have the actors who have played Batman. Here's a quick primer.
First up is the TV action series version of Bruce Wayne's clandestine wheels. Producers used a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car as the basis and chose this car because of its bat-esque looking curves. Although the ABC series lasted from 1966 to 1968, the car lived on. With orange and red-tinged trims,
the car is instantly recognizable at traveling auto shows and parties.
A more modern and sleek Batmobile came out of the bat cave for the 1989
Batman movie starring Michael Keaton
. This elongated muscle car was based on the Chevrolet Impala chassis. It also rode low to the ground. Bat lowrider? The car also had a retro Art Deco-look to match this darker, grittier interpretation of Gotham City where 1992's
Batman Returns was also set.
Hollywood rolled out a new Batmobile for 1995's
Batman Forever, which starred Val Kilmer as the dark knight and Chris O'Donnell as young Robin. This roadster, which also had Chevy roots with a 350 high-performance engine, looks like a giant version of a kid's remote control car.
And yet another Batmobile briefly emerged in 1997's
Batman and Robin starring George Clooney and again, Chris O'Donnell. Like it's predecessor, this was a roadster with a Chevy heart. Where is that Chevy Batmobile dealer?
The latest Batmobile pulled into theaters in 2005's Batman Begins, the first of a trilogy starring Christian Bale. This is the most dramatically altered Bat car known as the the tumbler.
The bulky versions used in these films look more like modified tanks, Hummers on steroids or futuristic military concept vehicles with a detachable bat-pod motorycle. The estimated mpg can't be too Bat-friendly. Where's the Bat Prius?
Actually, the very first Batmobile is just a red convertible without any special features. And that was shown in the very first Batman comic. It’s amazing how different the Batmobile has become from a simple convertible in the past. Anyway, have you already watched the latest Batman film?
ReplyDeleteStelle Courney
Thanks Stelle for posting! Yes, I watched the new Batman movie. Not many vehicles in it.
DeleteI already did! And seeing that movie made me appreciates the “Batmobile” even more. With its sophisticated and sleek design, this car is nearly incomparable. And the great thing about this car is that it’s so easy to create great experiences with it. Did you dream of driving this car, Johnny? How about you Stelle? Hehe.
ReplyDeleteTimmy Radloff
Thank Timmy for reading. I was more of a fan of cartoon version of the BatMobile.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stele. The Batmobile has evolved with its advanced competency by means of its unbelievable tech capacity. And, @Timmy, with all the amazing features that it has, I think many people would love to drive this car! Well, in fact, I dream of having one. Haha!
ReplyDeletedelsie maidens
Thanks Delsie for chiming in. The new Bat vehicle reminds me of a suped up sleek Hummer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Johnny! I’m a huge fan of the Batman franchise, and that includes all the vehicles used in the movies. All of them are quite fascinating and surreal, in a good way. I cannot imagine any Batman movie without the Batmobile. And what’s good about these vehicles is they evolve and look different in each movie. The 2005’s Batmobile is definitely the winner in my book!
ReplyDeleteErwin Calverley
Very Nice Your are Blog. Thanks for sharing., Whenever i see this Batmobile its like seeing real batman Movie picture's, Where i can find all types of cars and convertibles in this batmobile.
ReplyDeleteMiami Chevy Dealer