The Lincoln Futura appeared to be more of a land spaceship than a car. It was a concept car that was carefully designed and handcrafted in Italy. Designed in the Atomic Age, its aesthetic was inspired by science fiction and dreams of futuristic tech. Ten years after its debut, it would become one of Batman’s iconic vintage rides.
This Batmobile, used in the Batman television series of 1966, was bought for a mere $1 and sold for $4.62 million in 2013. The fully driveable concept was quickly adapted to Bruce Wayne’s tech specifications. Hailing straight from the cosmos, its design is a far cry from modern adaptations such as the Tumbler.
Let’s find out more about the Lincoln Futura concept car and how it became Batman’s vintage daily driver.
Dawn Of Futura
The Lincoln Futura was conceptualized by designers Bill Schmidt and John Najjar of Ford in 1955. It was forged by hand in Turin, Italy for a price of $250,000; In today’s economy, that would be approximately $2.4 million. The pearlescent white exterior had an interesting design reminiscent of something the Jetsons would drive to a family outing.
The glimmering paint finish on the Futura is said to have been inspired by the tropical fish and sharks Schmidt observed while on vacation. Since the interior area was essentially isolated from the outside, there was actually a microphone inside the cabin to make external noises audible. The retro-futuristic jet fighter design was definitely fitting for the time, when science fiction and edgy concepts were all the rage.
The Transformation
Automotive customs designer George Barris bought the Futura for $1 after it was used in its first Hollywood movie. The Batman producer William Dozier proposed that Barris create a Batmobile for the show. All of the modifications needed for this transformation were specified before mechanics and metalworkers began its renovation.
The sharp fins on the side of the Futura were re-formed into menacing bat wings. Some additional modifications included a re-cut steering wheel as well as alterations to the wheel wells. It was painted with a striking black and orange color scheme and given Batman logo details.
The Batman TV series featuring Adam West aired between 1966 and 1968. It is said that West highly disapproved of the U-shaped steering wheel originally created, so it was replaced with an Edsel wheel. In the show, Batman used various gadgets fitted to the car such as a phone, radar and Bat computer.
Batman's ride was not just aggressive in the aesthetic sense; Weapons such as a steel chain cutter and an array of rocket launchers were located on the vehicle. And at a length of 19 feet, even the Batman himself may have struggled to park this mobile armory in the Batcave.
Multi-Million Dollar Legend
The Futura got its fair share of use over time, and the 500HP Lincoln engine would eventually need to be replaced by one out of a Ford Galaxie. Although it had wear and tear and parts removed from it after it was retired, its legendary one of a kind status would prompt the intrigue of many investors.
George Barris decided to sell the iconic car at a 2013 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite the numerous bids placed on the car, company executive Rick Champagne would win the auction, buying the Batmobile for an astounding $4.6 million.
Sources: Business Insider, Rod Authority, 1966 Batmobile