Jalopnik: Batmobile

Screw The Tumbler: We'll Take A Homemade 1940s VW Bug Batmobile

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Well before Adam West donned his sexy skin-tight Bat Suit and hopped into the Ford version of the Batmobile, DC's "Dark Knight" had a little-known, slightly less sleek sled. The original 1940s era Batmobile was apparently a mix of VW Beetle and Cord style — with the requisite wings and fins, of course. Bob Dullum may have built a bitchin' Tumbler, but someone thought that was way too new, so they built a replica of the original Batmobile, which we've dropped below the fold, with somewhat less impressive results.

Beetle... check
"Custom" paint... check
Hand-fabricated bat wing... er... check

Great success. [BamKapow

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Batman's Tumbler

Mark Arnold — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Most everyone has seen the new Batmobile, known as the Tumbler, in action on the big screen. But not everyone knows what makes it tick. Sure, there was that one guy who made his own Tumbler single-handedly, but the rest of us may not have studied up on the Dark Knight's ride so extensively. How Stuff Works has put together a dummy's guide for the completely clueless, but we'll break it down to the important bits for you.

The filmmakers wanted to avoid computer-generated imagery as much as possible. So, the original conceptualization was done by mashing together parts from various plastic model toy kits to create a roughly 1:12 scale concepts. The resulting Lamborghini-meets-Hummer design was the result of six of the creations made over four months. From there, a giant block of styrofoam was hand-carved into a full-scale model that was used to create wooden molds for the 56 body panels. Then it was time to make the real deal.

Weighing in at about 5.000 pounds, the 9'4"-wide vehicle may actually not be as heavy as you'd expect. That's because the Tumbler you see driving around is merely a tube-frame chassis with carbon fiber body panels. Why use race car tech on a mere movie prop? The team wanted to ensure the Tumbler could reach a top speed of over 100 MPH and launch from 0-60 in five seconds. Of course, the car also had to consistently endure jumps of up to 30 feet without being damaged, so it had to be strong as well as fast. We're guessing they couldn't find a dyno big enough for the four 37-inch rear tires, but rest assured, the Wayne Enterprises-tuned Chevy V8 was churning out plenty of grunt. All said and done, the cars "only" cost about $250,000 each to build, so the studio ordered four constructed. Two were "race" versions for the action shots, one had an actual jet engine bolted in the back, and the other was for the elaborate flower petal-like cockpit. We wonder if they'd consider building a fifth, you know, for us to fight crime and hoon about in. [HowStuffWorks]

Man Builds Batman Tumbler Replica Single-Handedly

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:00:00 EDT

In the pantheon of awesome fan art, Bob Dullam holds a place of high regard after his work on a full scale, working Tumbler replica from the movies Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Constructed in his two-car garage with little more than pictures and the extra features from the DVD, Bob has built for himself the single baddest piece of driveway candy ever to make the leap from the silver screen. This thing makes Deloreans with bent up trash cans on the hatch look like kids' stuff.

Responding to questions of plans to sell, Bob says:

No, not building this to sell. You wouldn't want to sell this if you had one, believe me. It's a once in a lifetime project.
I did this alone, no help. I have found with other things in the past that if you have help, the help often does not get it(parts) right, and you have to do it over 95% of the time, plus I like to work alone. All parts are scratch built, cept' tires, rims, brakes, engine, etc.. meaning all bodyparts, brackets, just about everything external on the car. Yes, I will do a batpod, and TDK suit for myself. I love building this stuff.

Yes, you read that correctly — next up is a Batpod. [SuperheroHype via Low Gearing]

Video: Batmobile Hits The Track At Silverstone

Ray Wert — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:38:16 EDT

We told you this past week the Batmobile would be taking some laps at Silverstone, with Panasonic Toyota Racing's Formula 1 car team spending some time this weekend running alongside at the track. Now we've got the video to prove that still shot wasn't some kind of hallucination. Don't expect a lot of screeching tires and hard and fast 'round the bend action. Do expect a lot of Panasonic Toyota Racing drivers Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli hamming it up with the Tumbler and the BatPod — which apparently, from what we hear, almost no one can successfully drive. Although Trulli looking like he's searching for the ignition. Still, setting aside the fact that it's fairly lame B-roll in the action department, we've got to say the current incarnation of the Batmobile's the coolest one conceived — even if we don't get to see it taking Silverstone like it deserves to be taken. Sure makes the KITT-like night vision on the 2009 BMW 7-Series look like a kiddie toy, don't it? [via Panasonic Toyota Racing]

Batmobile To Lap Silverstone Alongside Toyota F1 Car

Wes Siler — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EDT

Toyota and Warner Bros have joined forces to promote The Dark Knight, announcing that the Tumbler will make an exhibition lap of Silverstone alongside the TF108 Formula One car this Thursday.

In addition to the exhibition lap, the Toyota cars will adopt special Dark Knight paint schemes, while the Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock's overalls will be made to look like Batsuits (no word on nipples). The Bat-Pod will also be in attendance, but possible due to its extremely un-motorcycle-like handling characteristics, it won't be ridden.

PRESS RELEASE
Panasonic Toyota Racing joins forces with The Dark Knight at Silverstone

Thanks to a partnership between Panasonic Toyota Racing and Warner Bros. Pictures, Hollywood is coming to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix weekend to celebrate the release of the event movie of the summer: The Dark Knight.

The much-anticipated film, which releases in cinemas across the UK on 25 July, is the follow up to the 2005 action hit Batman Begins. The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who again portrays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

To mark the release of The Dark Knight, Panasonic Toyota Racing will adopt a new look at Silverstone this weekend. The Dark Knight artwork will feature on the TF108s and the overalls of Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, as well as the team's motor home.

But The Dark Knight theme does not stop there. On show at Silverstone will be the iconic Batmobile and Bat-Pod vehicles, while some very special media events will bring the excitement of The Dark Knight to life.

The Batmobile will even take to the Silverstone track on Thursday evening for a demonstration run alongside the TF108, followed by some unique photo opportunities with the Bat-Pod and Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock.

Batpod Photographed, Less Subtle Than Lamborghini

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT

In a move we're assuming the Joker will be unable to duplicate in "The Dark Knight", reader Erich caught the intimidating new Batpod up close and personal on the set of a photoshoot and snapped off a couple pics of his own. While the two-wheeled cohort of the Tumbler probably elicits pleas for mercy from its riders, and looks like some form of elaborate death trap, it also looks pretty badass, even without fancy lighting and movie magic. And yes, we'll be some of those dorks lined up on July 17th waiting for the midnight showing.

Tim Burton's Batmobile Makes You Feel Like Michael Keaton

Mark Arnold — Tue, 06 May 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Want to be just like Bruce Wayne's superhero alter-ego, but don't want to build your own Flatmobile? Well, you could just buy this. It's a real Batmobile from the Tim Burton-directed films starring Michael Keaton. And this ain't just a prop, it actually runs too, though we're not too sure how practical (or legal) it would be for daily use. Of course the price isn't very practical either, at a current asking price of $500,000. For that money, we'd rather have Bruce Wayne's Lambo. Vehicle description from the current seller after the jump:

Na na na na na na na na na na BATMAN. That is what your neighbors will say when you pull into the driveway. How many people do you know that have a Ferrari, a Mercedes, a Lamborghini, or a Corvette? My guess would be there is at least one of these in your neighborhood. Now how many Batmobiles are in your neighborhood. None, because there were a total of 5 of these cars made.
Here it is one of 5(yes 5 that is not a typo) cars that could have been in the "Batman" movie staring Micheal Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Five cars were built for the movie and this car is the number five car. Being that this car originally was owned by Warner Bros productions it is important to note that the buyer will have to sign a contract with them and some other legal items. If you would like to know more about this, contact me and I will give you all the details.

The car is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide. The chassis is custom built and the motor is a Chevrolet 350. There an o doors on the door. To get in you have to be able to enter through the top where the canopy opens, just like in the movie. There is no title to this car and will only be sold with a bill of sale.

Batman 5 has been sitting in the "Batcave" for almost five years now, and it is time for another Batman enthusiast to enjoy her as much as I have. Please contact me with any questions you have. Any questions except for what my reserve is.

[eBay]
Hat Tip to DoggieDaddy, Michael, and eflowt

Batman's Daily Driver Is A Lambo, Would You Expect Anything Else?

Travis Hudson — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:45:00 EDT

Bruce Wayne is a ka-jillion-aire so you wouldn't expect him to have anything less than a Lamborghini as a daily driver. We first told you about Batman's Lamborghini LP640 a while back, but here is a quick view of it, at least in the toy form from the 2008 Toy Fair. If this little toy is a bit of a tease don't fret, the real beauty will be at a gala on Thursday at the New York Auto Show and we'll be there.

The Lamborghini LP640 isn't the only amazing vehicle in the upcoming Batman flick. The Joker is representing a big old truck, while Batman has a bike and his classic Tumbler. [MTV via WR]

Are These The Most Memorable TV Cars?

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST

We occasionally see lists of the best television cars pop up on the Internet, and we always find ourselves at a loss to understand why people feel the need to limit themselves to just ten. A good list should probably come in closer to 30, so it's not just predictable choices like K.I.T.T. and the Batmobile. The list below isn't a bad attempt, though we're sad to see the Ferrari Daytona from Miami Vice didn't make the cut. Anything else missing?

Top Ten Most Memorable TV Cars

10. The Beverly Hillbillies' Truck
9. Starsky's 1975 Ford Gran Torino
8. The Original Batmobile
7.1983 GMC G-Series A Team Van
6. Thomas Magnum's Ferrari 308 GTS From Magnum P.I.
5. The Flintstones' Flintmobile
4. The Vista Cruiser from That 70's Show
3. The Car From My Mother The Car
2. The Original K.I.T.T.
1. The General Lee

[Internet Broadcasting via WKMG]

Congrats on Buying a Batmobile, Just Don't Ever Drive it

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST

The fellows over at Hemmings News know a thing or two about auctions, and managed to locate some fairly hilarious fine print in a recent one. The original Batmobile from Batman Forever was sold last week at the Al Wiseman Collection auction (BTW, we promise you Speed Racer won't be as bad as that stinker). It sold for less than half the reserve price and they were a little curious why.

It turns out that the 1995 Batmobile, which cost $2.8 million to build, can't be driven anywhere in public. It's basically just a sort of hideous looking doormat. It could be a safety thing, could be a licensing thing or it could just be an attempt by WB to make up for the horrible film they unleashed on the universe. [Hemmings News]

What's Your State's Official Car?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EDT

You've no doubt read about the great State of Kentucky playing around with the idea of naming the Corvette its official sports car. Which got us thinking about what the Golden State's official ride might be. After ~~37 seconds~~ much internal deliberation we decided that the Tumbler from Batman Begins is the only rational choice. How could Californians not embrace a Hollywood car designed to look like a Lamborghini crossbred with a Hummer that's powered by a 500 HP 5.7-liter Chevy small block? To make it absolutely viable, we'd affix a "My Other Car Is A Prius" sticker to the back, uh, bumper. Imagine cruising down to the taco truck in that. Perfect! Even if you don't live in the States, you can play along from home. Instead of a State, just tell us your ~~Provence~~ Province or country of origin. Good luck.

Special Effects Man Killed In Crash While Following Batmobile

Ray Wert — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.A couple of days ago a special effects technician working on the new Batman movie, Batman: The Dark Knight was killed when the camera truck he was in crashed into a tree while on a stunt test run following the Batmobile. We're assuming by "Batmobile" they mean the "Tumbler" based upon the quote from a spokesman calling the vehicle being followed a "4x4." Warner Brothers says the accident happened off-set and there was no filming taking place. I bet Monday was one of those days where Christian Bale wished he really was a superhero who could save a man's life by wrapping him up with a batarang and snag him before he hit the tree — or maybe he just wishes the guy driving hadn't hit the tree. [via BBC]

Build Yourself A Tumbler PC, Pretend You're Batman

Ray Wert — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT

We think the ~~Batmobile~~ Tumbler is pretty sweet as far as superhero movie cars go. True, it's no Transformers Camaro concept or Dukes of Hazzard '69 Charger — but we'd totally take one for our own garage (note to self: inclusion in Jalopnik Fantasy Garage perhaps?). Now, there's a young man with a lot of free time on his hands who's got one for his desk. It's a former Wal-Mart-bought R/C Tumbler with the innards scooped out and replaced with an AMD Sempron chip and...well we're now already out of our league. We'll let our gadget-obsessed brothers take over from here. Needless to say, the only thing cooler would be if this R/C car still drove. [via Gizmodo]

Is The Joker Car From The New Batman Movie...A Truck?

Ray Wert — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EDT

Our gadget-obsessed brothers snagged some pics of a vehicle a tipster snapped shots of at a filming location for the new Batman movie. The boys at the Giz believe it's the vehicle for Joker from the new movie. We're not so sure and although it's certainly bigger than the new ride for Batman kind of feel like it could be one of the "secondary" vehicles. We're still hoping for a purple 1950's Plymouth ourselves.

Batpod And Batmobile From New Batman Movie Caught On Film

Ray Wert — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EDT

In case you haven't heard the next Batman movie will include a motorcycle that's been nicknamed the "Batpod" — yes, we know it's a lame name. But whatevs, thanks to tipster Ninan, we've got the snazzy little cycle on film moving for the first time (not including Meredith Viera straddling the Batpod on the air), along with the Batmobile in the foreground. No, there's not a single sighting of Christian Bale anywhere to be seen. We're OK with that. [via 29MotoGuide]

Batmobile #6 Sells For 119K

Murilee Martin — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 19:23:41 EST

The sixth of an "unspecified number" of Batmobiles built for the original TV show just went for the equivalent of $233,000 at an auction in London today. The winning bid came from a private museum in that no-questions-asked tax haven, the Cayman Islands. What's interesting about Batmobile #6 is that it's a steel-bodied car, unlike the fiberglass copies of Barris' original commissioned by the show's producers. Doesn't seem like such a bad deal, compared to the price tag of the Pope's ex-Golf. – Murilee Martin

Batmobile Fetches 119,000 Pounds After Bidding War [Bloomberg]

Related:
Batmobile Rammed, Bale Banned, Eh? [internal]

Breaking! Anna Nicole Smith News Tangentially Involving Cars!

Ray Wert — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 14:05:30 EST

According to the celeb-watchers at TMZ, John "Texas" O'Quinn, the lawyer for Virgie Arthur, Anna Nicole Smith's mother, collapsed in court just under an hour ago. TMZ says,

"It was unclear what the status of his health was, but a witness provided a Luna bar for relief, as the judge clamored for orange juice."

So what the heck does this have to do with cars? Glad you asked — you see, in addition to being a ~~star leg-humping lawyer~~ fancy-pants attorney in Texas (yes, that's why his nickname is what it is), O'Quinn's also a colorful cinema and celeb car collector, counting among his collection the Batmobile from "Batman Forever" and Pope John Paul II's Ford Escort. According to Wikipedia, that's only part of it:

"O'Quinn also maintains an extensive collection of collector cars with a total value of over $100 million. In October 2005, he bought Pope John Paul II's 1975 Ford Escort GL ( 690,000). In September 2006, he bought a 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo covered with 33 celebrity autographs ($500,000), the Batmobile used in the filming of Batman Forever ($335,000), a 1941 Packard limousine used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt ($290,000) and a 1938 Cadillac Town Car used by Pope Pius XII ($250,000)."

Ok, so it ain't much — but we're always looking to remind you of how cars affect our every day lives — even the silly ones. – Ray Wert

Virgie's "Texas" Lawyer Collapses in Court [TMZ]
John O'Quinn [Wikipedia]

Houston Lawyer Not Broke Yet, Buys More Cars

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EDT

John O'Quinn, who made a bundle in a tobacco lawsuit, was the subject of one of our sadly-neglected Schadenfriday! posts a while back after losing over a mil to an ex-con employee. But that apparently can't stop O'Quinn, who dropped $500,000 on a charity Gallardo autographed by Regis Philbin and Paula Abdul, among others. He also added to his papal vehicle collection, picking up a 1938 Cadillac Town Car used by Pope Pius XII to sit next to John Paul II's old Escort, as well as the Batman Forevermobile. We suppose that when you spend in a weekend what you lost to a criminal, you're not doing too badly.

Houston lawyer pays $500,000 for autographed Lamborghini [Houston Chronicle]

Brits Vote Bond's Esprit Greatest Movie Car

Davey G. Johnson — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 12:35:35 EDT

While we don't know about first place, we definitely count James Bond's submersible Lotus Esprit as one of the finer movie cars ever committed to celluloid. A recent poll by UK DVD rental firm Lovefilm put the white Lotus at the top of the list, followed by Doc Brown's DeLorean, David Starsky's Ford Torino, Herbie, the Batmobile, Frank Bullitt's Mustang GT 390, The Bluesmobile, Greased Lightning, the Ghostbusters' ambulance and the Thelma & Louise T-bird.

What? No Lane Meyer Camaro? No Japanese Howard Cosell Ford Falcon? No Corvette Summer 'Vette? (Okay, that was truly a hideous car.) And furthermore, no '77 Trans Am? No Dodge TransCon Medevac ambulance? We suppose the British just aren't sophisticated enough to understand the subtleties of Burt Reynolds' oeuvre.

Bond's Lotus Esprit voted top movie car [The Register, UK]

Related:
The Internet Movie Car Database; Halleluiah [Internal]