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 20th 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 21st 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.
