FOR SALE: 1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster

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FOR SALE: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8

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The Batmobile: Which Vehicles Inspired the Iconic Car?

Batman is one of the most iconic characters, not just in superhero media, but in pop culture in general. His comics are consistently some of the best-selling, and along with Superman and Wonder Woman, he makes up the, so-called, DC Comics “Trinity.”

Despite his status, Batman, for the over 40 years of the character’s existence, has never had any superpowers. He gets by on wit, skill, and of course, his gadgets. And, when it comes to gadgets and tech, there is no more iconic piece of bat tech than the Batmobile.

Automobiles in Fiction

Of all the vehicles that have featured in various pieces of media (films, comics, cartoons, etc.), there is no denying that the Batmobile is the most iconic. The slick design, the shining black paint, the bat ornamentation, have all made the vehicle a staple of Batman stories to this day.

However, the Batmobile is not the only car to feature prominently in fictional stories. Humanity’s love for cars can be seen in a ton of media. For example, online casinos prominently feature slot games that take inspiration from racing cars.

For the unaware, online casinos are websites that host hundreds (or more) different games, most commonly slots. Websites like casinos.com will show you where to find the best online slots, and also help you discover the greatness of themed slots, especially those themed after cars.

Cars can also be seen in video games, which serve as a sort of predecessor to online slots, along with, of course, the slot machine. Iconic video game cars include the Mario Kart, the City Connection car, and even the Batmobile itself has had some gaming debuts. But, our focus now is on the film adaptations of the vehicle, and the real-life cars that inspired it.

Batman (1943)

Many people mistakenly believe that the Adam West portrayal of Batman was the first to hit both the silver and the big screen. While iconic, and important in its own right, the 1966 iteration of the character was not the first. That honor goes to the 1943, 15-chapter, serial simply called “Batman.”

In this one, Lewis Wilson and Douglas Croft star as Batman and Robin, and combat the foreign operative, Doctor Daka, who is planning a nefarious scheme to help the Axis win WWII. As the first to adapt the Batman mythos, the serial had the task of adapting the Batmobile.

Their solution was quaint and elegant. They simply took a 1939 Cadillac convertible, which would serve as Bruce Wayne’s personal car when its top was down. However, when the top came on, the convertible became the Batmobile. While simple, it was a clever way to adapt the classic vehicle.

Batman (1966)

Though not the first, Adam West’s portrayal of Batman was certainly one of the most iconic. Goofy, comedic, and somewhat silly; true, but also full of heart and whimsy. What a lot of people remember from the show though, is the incredible Batmobile design, with a shining black exterior, and red rims.

The design of the 1966 Batmobile is so iconic, that it was even references in the 1999 animated series, Batman Beyond, which shows a new Batman in a cyberpunk future. The new Batman cowl is a shining black, with red decorations, reminiscent of the 1966 vehicle.

But, which car inspired it? The design was based not on a publically available car, but on the Lincoln Futura concept car, created by Bill Schmidt and John Najjar. The vehicle was first displayed during the 1955 auto show circuit, and turned quite a few heads.

Powered by a 368 cubic inch Lincoln engine, the Lincoln Futura was a massive success. Indeed, a lot of the most popular classic cars that followed, some of which are still sought after today, were largely based on the technology that served to power this very car. And if it is good enough for Batman, it is good enough for us.

The Batman (1989)

Batman’s first ever feature film came at the hands of director Tim Burton in 1989. Starring Michael Keaton, the film was a huge success, and also introduced one of the most iconic Batmobile designs to date; the so-called “Keaton-mobile.”

At nearly 20-feet long, the 1989 iteration of the Batmobile is one of the longest in the franchise. But, what is it based on? The inspiration comes from two different Chevrolet Impala chassis, and bears the Chevrolet V-8 engine.

The Impala was, for a long time, Chevrolet’s flagship vehicle, and one of the most popular passenger cars in the United States. In fact, in the 20^th century, it was among the top five best-selling vehicles. It is no wonder then, that Batman would drive in a design based on the Impala.

The design itself was incredible. At 20-feet long, it may seem strange or outright goofy. However, it works incredibly well on the big screen. A powerhouse of a vehicle, the 1989 Batmobile featured a front-mounted jet intake, giving it a futuristic, high-tech vibe.

Batman Begins (2005)

In 2005, Christopher Nolan’s first film in the “Dark Knight Trilogy,” re-invigorated pop cultures’ interest in Batman, and superheroes in general. It was a grittier, more realistic take on the caped crusader. Of course, it also had to feature a realistic car.

Designed by Nolan himself, as well as Nathan Crowley, who played a huge role in the car’s creation, the 2005 Batmobile takes massive inspiration from military vehicles. However, the car underlining the tank is one of the most noteworthy and popular cars of the 21^st century, the Lamborghini.

The Italian manufacturing magnate has been around since the 1910s, and has, through the years, become one of the most popular and beloved car companies in the world. In the 2000s, Lamborghinis were some of the most popular cars, and served as status symbols for many.

The design, combining a tank and a popularly-available car resulted in a bulky, armored, high-speed vehicle. While many might not think of the Batmobile instantly upon seeing it, it has quickly become a beloved addition to the Batman franchise.

FOR SALE: 1962 Jaguar XKE Coupe LHD

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Nothing screams movie nostalgia like the cars the characters drive, especially if the movie is filled with action like the 007 franchise.

In many circumstances, these cars serve as the film’s visual emblem. They also become extensions of the characters themselves – they are more than simple props; they play an essential role in character development. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate the awesomeness of these cars.

In the James Bond franchise, cars are not only for transportation; they are minor characters, status symbols, and tools employed for adrenaline-pumping action. Most cars used by James Bond have become almost as iconic as 007 himself. The James Bond franchise takes the impact of cars in movies to a whole new level.

In this article, we will explore some of the famous cars used by James Bond and why they received so much attention from the general public.

The Aston Martin DB5

The Aston Martin DB5 is regarded as the most popular James Bond car of all time and made its first appearance in the 1964 Goldfinger. This car is a perfect blend of elegance and gentleness. It is a timeless symbol of sophistication that suited the British secret service to the letter.

The DB5 is equipped with machine guns behind the front indicators, three-way revolving numberplates, a bulletproof shield like a huge chunk of lead at the back, a smokescreen maker, tyre-damaging spikes, and ejectable seats. This car is regarded as the ultimate spy vehicle. In Casino Royale, Bond wins a DB5 in a poker game with Dimitrios. You can also get a chance at a potential win by checking out games at casino.com.

The Aston Martin DB5 is also the fastest DB5 in existence and anyone who had Corgi toys will most likely remember the gadgets the car possesses in the movie. The car was launched three months to the release of the Goldfinger movie but has gone on to become one of the most iconic cars in the 007 franchise and movie history as a whole.

The Lotus Espirit S1

This is another car that heralded a great era in the James Bond franchise. This car made its first appearance in the 1977 The Spy Who Loved Me. This sleek and elegant vehicle was a submersible sports car that perfectly captured the fantastical elements of the late Sir Roger Moore.

James Bond’s 1977 Lotus was simply unique in that instead of letting water in as many cars do at the time, it was a fully operational submarine with anti-aircraft missiles. The actual car Lotus Espirit S1 is owned by Elon Musk.

Transforming into a submarine while being chased by villains was a surprising feature that caught the global 007 audience by surprise. The Espirit S1 redefined what a “Bond Car” could be.

The BMW 750 IL

Imagine driving a race car while playing a game using your console. The BMW 750 IL made its appearance in the 1997 Tomorrow Never Dies movie. This car was introduced during the Pierce Brosnan era and it ushered in sequels that are advanced in technological gadgets.

From electrified door handles shocking thieves to bulletproof windows that were undamaged after being hit by a sledgehammer, the BMW 750 IL was showcased to have incredible features with the latest gadgets

In a thrilling car chase, James Bond was able to drive the BMW 750 remotely using his phone, and audience was wowed by the highly entertaining scene and the movie gained more attraction.

Other BMWs like the Z8 have also been used in the James Bond Franchise but none comes close to the BMW 750 IL for its significance in making the movie a global success.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage

After almost two decades of the James Bond franchise not featuring an Aston Martin car, the V8 was the car that reignited the pairing of Bond and Aston Martin. Building on the huge acceptance and attraction gathered by the DB5, the V8 Vantage offered a more rugged and aggressive feel that captured attention at first glance.

In the 1987 The Living Daylights Movie, starring Timothy Dalton, the V8 Vantage had gadgets that included missiles, lasers, a futuristic heads-up display, and rockets. The V8 was hailed as Britain’s first supercar, powered by a Ferrari Daytona-beating 0-60mph at the time– it was the ideal James Bond car.

The Ford Mustang Mach

In an era heavily laden with British cars, the Ford Mustang was a brief departure from the norms at the time. The American muscle car offered an exciting chase through the streets of Las Vegas.

The Ford Mustang was involved in some amazing stunts, even though the car is not loaded with gadgets like Bond cars of the past, it had amazing features that made it escape police and villains capture.

The Ford Mustang featured in Diamonds Are Forever movie and surprisingly, the only cars that were damaged in the movie were all Ford cars. This is because Ford offered to provide as many cars as needed as long as James Bond drives a Mustang in the movie– smart business right?

Conclusion

The James Bond franchise has brought several cars to the spotlight and these are just a few of them. The cinematic adventure of 007 has witnessed some of the best cars of all time and continues to do so. Each car signifies the evolving tech advancement and style showcased in the franchise. This has gone to solidify the bond between Bond and his cars has the most anticipated fixture in fil history.