Squarebird Batmobile

[Alexander]

I always knew that the original Batmobile for the 1966 series was a 1955 Lincoln Futura that was customized by George Barris and that several replicas were made on the full-size Ford chassis of the day, but until I came across this, I never realized that someone made an unauthorized replica of the Batmobile in 1967 using a 1958 Thunderbird as a base. It was subsequently seized by marshalls (for copyright infringement?) and given to George Barris.

More on the story can be found here:

http://www.1966batmobile.com/replica5.htm

http://www.1966batmobile.com/replica.htm

http://www.1966batmobile.com/atoscano.jpg

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[tarps3]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

I've always been a Batman "fan".
Okay, that's a little understated. I'm a freak.

My first word as a baby was "Batman". I watched the TV show each week and could sing the theme song before I could walk.

Okay, now that's pretty scary, but it goes a long way in explaining my love of Squarebirds.

The first Squarebird I ever saw was a black '60 convertible with a red interior. I had no idea what it was before I went up to it, but it darn sure looked like the Batmobile to my young eyes. At least it was the right color, had that awesome front end and some tail fins.
From that day on, I always associated the squarebirds with the Batmobile body style. I think I read somewhere that the squarebirds copied some of their body lines from the Futura (or vice-versa).

I guess if I can't have the Batmobile, then I'll just have to keep my '60 Bird.
As an interesting side note, my 2 nephews (age 5 and 7) aren't familiar with the "classic" batmobile, but when they saw my '60 Bird, that was the first thing out of their mouths!

awesome!
Casey
'60 "Batmobile" hardtop
'64 Galaxie convertible

[Guest]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

[font color="blue"]Alexander said:

I always knew that the original Batmobile for the 1966 series was a 1955 Lincoln Futura that was customized by George Barris and that several replicas were made on the full-size Ford chassis of the day, but until I came across this, I never realized that someone made an unauthorized replica of the Batmobile in 1967 using a 1958 Thunderbird as a base.[/font]

I realize this is an older post -- But for what it's worth ... Everything you ever wanted to know about the Batmobile and it's clones can be found here: http://www.javelinamx.com/Batmobile/

For your viewing pleasure ... The 1955, Lincoln Futura!

http://www.javelinamx.com/Batmobile/futura86.jpg

[58tdactyl]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

Hey !!! Dont laugh !!! I came out of a 7-11 one day as I took my 58 out for a spin and some guy yelled across the parking lot............."Hey ! Batman !! is that your Batmobile ???" ..............and my nephews refer to it in the same way. Bats have wings too hehehehe !

[Guest]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

[font color="blue"]58tdactyl said:

Hey !!! Dont laugh !!! I came out of a 7-11 one day as I took my 58 out for a spin and some guy yelled across the parking lot............."Hey ! Batman !! is that your Batmobile ???" ..............and my nephews refer to it in the same way. Bats have wings too hehehehe ! [/font]

I notice you refer to yours as a Pterodactyl! http://www.nfl-world.com/forums/images/smilies/hmmm.gif

[58tdactyl]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

Actually it was mother who said it looked like a Pteradactyl........so I use that name here. I decided long ago that my car would be named "Neptune" . The planet Neptune has a Blue-green look to it surrounded by the blackness of open space. The interior of my car is Gulfstream blue/white.......and will be black on the outside. Im going to be painting it within the next month myself after tons of sanding and blocking..........but Im almost there.

[tarps3]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

Neptune huh - I like that! It's a fitting name for such a cool car.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who named their car. Mine started out named "**** it" when I began working on it.

Now, I've mellowed, the car has agreed to cooperate with my efforts somewhat, and we have developed a sort of uneasy respect for one another.

So her name is now "Evelyn" ... I don't know exactly why but I like that name. I've never known an Evelyn and it seems to fit the era of the car. It's classy but not too snobby.

Okay, I've been sniffing too many garage fumes now -

later.
Casey
'60 TBird hardtop
'64 Galaxie convertible (named "Red" - as in a "hot" redhead)

[Guest]

RE: Squarebird Batmobile

[font color="blue"]58tdactyl said:

Actually it was mother who said it looked like a Pteradactyl ........ so I use that name here. I decided long ago that my car would be named "Neptune" . The planet Neptune has a Blue-green look to it surrounded by the blackness of open space. The interior of my car is Gulfstream blue/white.......and will be black on the outside. Im going to be painting it within the next month
myself after tons of sanding and blocking..........but Im almost there.[/font]

Neptune sounds very cool ... Especially after the explanation.

The wife calls mine Bertha -- Utilizing all the negative images the name Bertha tends to conjure.

When I first brought her home and talked about giving her a name, she suggested Cassandra -- (As in) The Prophetess of Dire Tidings (bad things to come).

She's such a pessimist. http://www.nfl-world.com/forums/images/smilies/sigh.gif