1956 Oldsmobile 88 - THE FIRST BATMOBILE
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Sid and Alicia Belzberg can now be considered amongst some of the most important people in the world of star cars. If not for their decision to take an old wreck into their care, today we would not have what is now known to be the first Batmobile ever made.
Predating the Barris TV Batmobile, this car was built by a young man, in his garage, with a relatively new building material in 1963, fibreglass. Recognized by Detective Comics licensee in 1966, this car was officially designated a Batmobile.
Masterfully restored by Mario Borbon of Borbon Fabrications, it is hard to believe that such a complete wreck can come back to life the way it did.
Going up for auction www.ha.com/ in December, no one really knows just what kind of value this car holds because it rotted in a field for 50 years prior to its restoration in February of 2014. It could potentially be in the millions. Until we find out, here is a mini documentary about the car that no one knew about until now.
Check out toycarexchange.... to learn more about this car and collectible toy cars. You can find some of the most expensive hot wheels in existence. Also, see www.1963batmobi...
Directed by: Christopher Rutkowski
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Пікірлер: 597
I'm glad that someone who cared...found this car and had the means to get it restored right. Sweet.
@johnbockelie3899
3 жыл бұрын
In the 40's serial " Batman" 1943, Alfred just drove Bruce and Dick to an alley , where they would change clothes in the limo. Then Alfred would drive to a hiding place in the limo. There was no Batmobile involved. The 1949 serial " Batman and Robin" they just drove a plain old car.
@barryallenflash1
Жыл бұрын
Most of the time you see cars like this rotting in someone's back yard, but THIS....THIS is incredible!
In the early 60's when I was a child living on Martel Ct. in Keene, N.H I was a member of what was called the "Big Boys Club" Big Boy was a restaurant chain and we had one in Keene. On a warm spring day I was walking to this restaurant and I walked past a Garage that Forest Robinson's brother owned and sitting out front was this car I walked up to it while checking it out a man "Ronnie Robinson" came out and asked me how I liked it, I then remember asking him what it was called and he said "The Batmobile" he then asked me if I would like a ride in it and being a kid of about 8 I was thrilled and answered yes, we then took a ride up Main St in Keene around the common and back, That memory never left that kids mind. I know Forest and his family, one would have to search long and hard to find better people than them.
@tony5535
5 жыл бұрын
Sure you did. The internet believes you.
@lennym1273
5 жыл бұрын
An 8 year old taking a ride with an adult male? Risky very risky. lol j/k
@borbon26
4 жыл бұрын
What a great story, i restored the car but never met Forest but did meet two of his daughters when they came out here for the unveiling of the car back in 2014 the car is in a private museum now in New Orleans, its funny because that memory that you had from this car never left your mind and it lives on today. Just for the record people always have to criticize peoples work or writings or thoughts if your ever in Cali come by and visit. All the best to everyone.
@hadleymanmusic
4 жыл бұрын
@@lennym1273 in 2019
@boataxe4605
4 жыл бұрын
Lenny M Don’t worry, it’s the bat mobile, not the pope mobile.
I love the sound of that sweet Olds..........thank you Mario, you did an amazing job.
Great restoration. Glad the engine was retained. Rochester 4jets are a rare sight.
I never knew this car existed till now. Thank for making this video, and thank you to the owners for restoring this car to it's true glory! Preservation of history is so important to me personally, and for us all, you don't know where your going if you don't know where you've been.
@barryallenflash1
Жыл бұрын
You and millions of others! This is pretty cool to see this actually exists!
@rrock2025
Жыл бұрын
its*
I’ve such massive respect for these builders and restorers who are incredibly talented.The doors are amazing.
I love that the mechanic feels it is part his, that really means something.
@markholmgren3697
5 жыл бұрын
I also had a bat boat and some other batman items some neighborhood kids hearing my friends calling me batman and my shop the batcave they thought I was batman
@DaveTex2375
4 жыл бұрын
It's called pride in workmanship. Doing things to the highest standard. 👍
Yeah, yeah, it's a Batmobile. But more importantly, it's an Oldsmobile.
@jeffreybiscoe6
5 жыл бұрын
That is exactly what he should a said when the guy asked what it is ,its a customized olds .
@UberLummox
4 жыл бұрын
I dig the history but would rather have a real '56 Olds. It's proportions are off, and you sit ON it, rather than in it. Looks even more off w/a 6-foot human in it.
@robertthomas5906
4 жыл бұрын
With a Rocket 88 engine!
@michaelszczys8316
4 жыл бұрын
I believe the George Barris batmobile was Oldsmoboogie too. Wasn’t it made out of a 65 Olds full size?
@UberLummox
4 жыл бұрын
@@michaelszczys8316 THE origonal Batmobubble was made from a 1955 Lincoln Futura show car. Very light blue origonally, then Hollywood used it in "It started With a Kiss" around '59ish were it was painted red. Barris got it shortly after from FoMoCo for one dollar, where it sat faded red in his lot until '66. It sold a couple years ago for gobs of moola. During "Batman", Barris made about 2 others using the origonal for fiberglass molds. Those were built on '65/'66 Ford chassis & used 289 Ford engines. To me, the '55 Futura was as cool as what it later became.
To the people who paid for this to happen,, Thank you. this is the correct way to spend money if you have it, saving history like this is so important but happens so little. Again Thank You.
@jamesbizs
4 жыл бұрын
Fixt100 there is no incorrect way to spend money people have lol. It’s their money. Your opinion has nothing to do with it.
@fixt100
4 жыл бұрын
@@jamesbizs i will remember this when i wipe shit on my spare change and throw a bunch at someone like you....
@RoyalKnightVIII
3 жыл бұрын
Exactly, why get a cookie cutter supercar when you can spend the same amount on a Batmobile
When you are in Love with a vehicle you see it as a work of art. It was mentioned in this video “I just want to look at it” You can photograph the same vehicle in many settings and something can seem different in every photo though it’s the same vehicle. Nothing has changed since last week. Personally I realized this just lately with a motorcycle I bought a year ago. I must have 150 photos of it now in all different locations, lighting, and angles. Just can’t get enough of the visual alone.
@carsmusicandclothing7066
4 жыл бұрын
Agree
@dartlong4353
Жыл бұрын
DITTO
This vehicle is such a diamond in the rough. And that's all it needs to be.
@WitchKing-Of-Angmar
Жыл бұрын
Thank you santa clause for the kind regard
@loginregional
Жыл бұрын
@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar Ahem. "My Santa Style" = ANAGRAM("System Analyst")
@WitchKing-Of-Angmar
Жыл бұрын
@@loginregional aha, undercover you are. Very clever. Have a good day!
Wow....this is amazing. What an awesome car. It's perfect. It's exactly how I would have imagined a Batmobile from that era looking. Just so incredible.
Wow! I love the way it looks! To think that a 23 year old kid BUILT that car! AMAZING!
@papafrank7094
Жыл бұрын
Nowadays their heads are stuck in their tablets.
@mjh5437
Ай бұрын
In those days 23 year old men were real men,not "kids".
The first Batmobile was a 1939 Cadillac Series 61 in 1943 (yes, Alfred drove it most of the time), and then the 1949 Mercury "Lead Sled" in 1949 which the duo drove quite a bit and they'd put up the convertible top to change clothes. Personally, I prefer the 1939 film better as the action and acting is superb. The car chases in both are impressive, considering the bias-ply tires and unwieldiness of these heavy beasts.
One of a kind cars, like this are actually priceless. Finding one with the provenance associated with this car, restoring it, and then actually driving it is even more special.
Too much talking and not enough dealing with the car itself.
@ajkoots258
5 жыл бұрын
Alex I agree
@scootergreen3
5 жыл бұрын
Yes and they showed little of the outside.
@mgn5667
5 жыл бұрын
calm down cape crusader ..chuckle
@jntj3007
4 жыл бұрын
That's exactly what I was thinking.
@causwayspeedway
4 жыл бұрын
Tastefully done but that much history cannot fit into12.35 minutes!!
What a special story and amazeing car..The sound from the Olds engine just set it off perfect ..one could not pick a better engine..Thats what has me stoked on this whole project..That it started with the Olds block .I just like its sound an low end TORQUE is just to nice..what a build..
Watching it being driven reminds me how bad bias ply tires are about following cracks in the road.
Oldsmobile has always been my choice for the ultimate American automobile, they've always built a quality ride. The delta 88 has been my favorite for many years. My dad restored a 53 rocket, it's hard to beat an Oldsmobile. Smooth ride, safe fast and durable, also fun and easy access for tune ups. My wife and I had a 1998 delta 88 and I couldn't make it slide sideways on ice, it would slide about 2 inches and straighten itself back out. We drove through snow storms in 2 feet of snow and passed four wheel drive trucks stuck on the side of the road. Oldsmobile was the first American made front wheel drive car.
Great to see this has been restored.. The !last time I heard of this it was sitting in ruins collecting dust
Wow...that car is beautiful! It is truly a work of art.
Wow.. very cool..my dad used to redo old cars and also loved his cars! Wish he was still here to help wit my 55 canned ham camper!💞
Amazing car, amazing people, and amazing video. Beautifully done from the camera work to the choice of music.
You know, after reading through so many of these comments, I'm amazed at how many people complain about nothing. I published a magazine devoted to model builders for 10 years. For some people, I could never do anything right. For others, anything I did was right. I think the video is really good, both from a director's perspective and an actor's. The quality (type of shots, segues, etc.) is on par if not better than many documentaries out there made by professional companies. Just keep doing what you do and if it's stops being fun, then quit and move onto something else. I enjoyed the video - thanks for producing it. :)
@unionrdr
7 жыл бұрын
This reminds me. I used to love Car Model magazine. I've had pics of my cars in Scale Auto Racing News. Including, in the mid-90's, my column, " The soap Box Racer". This sort of feels like those milestones in my life. Wow...
@mrlionel1965
6 жыл бұрын
Don’t sweat what some of these people think. This is what it looked like in the early comics. Any Batman fan knows that! Looks very cool.
@snoopu2601
5 жыл бұрын
I didn't read any of the comments I'm a car truck transportation guy I can dig any bodies creation of what they put there heart into building. I'm in a wheelchair and I build some pretty cool rides with help of course but the minority of work was done by me.
beautiful film ..thanks for this
It's definitely a product of its time. A true glimpse into the world we once knew. Remarkable.
beautiful video. Thanks for sharing this car.
This is the first I have ever seen or heard of this car.... Forrest Robinson did a beautiful design and fabrication job..... This looks like a cross between a Harley Earl-Barris Brothers design and I think Earl and the Barris Bros. would approve. Beautiful lines and proportion. Outstanding.
Damn...that car is gorgeous!
Your work is so ... tastefully presented, that's my best choice of words. I wish you were making programs today.
I am glad such joy in restoring and owning is alive and well.
I love the vision of the buyer it takes a lot to see the finished product .
Holy editing, batman! This is amazing! How do you guys don't have more viewers?!
First time I have seen this car. Man is it a beauty! :D
Funny how they made it sound like were so in love with this car you would think they wouldn't sell for a several years at least. They sold it about a year later. This video was probably just to get more attention for the car before putting it on the auction block.
@theaficionauto
8 жыл бұрын
I did this video because it has an incredible story. Because it's the first Batmobile ever. And because jay Leno was looking to do this car too and I wanted to be first.
@PHOTOGRASPER
5 жыл бұрын
I've sold cars that I loved.
There could only be one BATMOBILE. R.I.P GEORGE BARRIS
😮 That Batmobile is amazing!
Amazing work on the camera angles and overall editing again!
Should put this on the Jay Leno's Garage show!
It was so neat to watch this! I remember when Sid told us Hot Wheels Redlines guys that he was doing this and then had Mario (another Redlines guy) do the restoration, I thought...."hey!...I know these people!
Holy restorations, Batman! Looks great!
With all the famous cars around today this car is special . One in a million
This is the first 1:1 scale Batmobile. It was made to be a Batmobile and was never meant to be anything else but that. This is the first Batmobile. Just be cause it's not the '66 doesn't mean it's not the first Batmobile.
@frederickwise5238
5 жыл бұрын
There were other "firsts" going back to the 40's movies. This isnt THE first. How about the 1951 Lincoln conv used in the 50's TV series?
@randyhutchinson9910
5 жыл бұрын
FerrariDMC doesn't mean you know what your talkin about either liberal Democrat
@auletjohnast03638
5 жыл бұрын
Barry McKokinner, No, but I seen the twat mobile.
@auletjohnast03638
5 жыл бұрын
Randy Hutchinson, The first batmobile was used in the late 1930's and 1940's batman movie serials.
@dukecraig2402
5 жыл бұрын
@@frederickwise5238 It was just a production car and not a "Batman style car" like in the comics, they address that around 4:15, this is the first car that was customized for Batman.
Thank you so much for sharing this to the world!
The lines on this car are beautiful!!
Amazing video, beautifully shot and edit!
It’s amazing, what touches our hearts as this has mine. Thank you for restoring her. She’s beautiful.
Beautiful car and a beautiful first, thank you for saving, restoring and sharing such a beautiful piece of history and art. However I would like to comment, Circa 1948 in one of the Batman Movies, a sedan converted to a sedan Batmobile at the touch of a button or turn of a lever, while being driven down the street, just like in the Comic books. I remember how mind blowing it was for a kid- me then- to see that.
Thank you ! What a beautiful car , you did an amazing job bringing back to life !
There is never ever anything better than the original............even though we will always remember the 60s Batmobile.
I really like this car, lovely design. Having read all the comments so far, all I can say is that it really looks to me like a young man decided to make his own Batmobile (before anyone else had) and then, as is often the case, by the time it is finished his life has changed and he has toned down the design a bit to make it more adult. There seems to be no disputing that the Ice Cream company used this car to promote their Batman range (with DC's approval) just as the TV company created a car (with DC's approval) so as far as I am concerned there can be no argument that this is the first Batmobile approved by DC therefore it is legitimately the first Batmobile and considering what might have had that accolade, I am really pleased that this incredible work of art has the title.
I am a big BATMAN fan as far as I remember and when I saw the Batmobile from the Comics, I thought it would be great if some built that car... Here it is. Thank you.
Magnificent restoration. I wish to learn the skill. Unfortunately, the government does not authorize education or financial aid for seniors over 60. (I'm 67)
GREAT JOB FINISHING IT
What amazes me was a female (beautiful woman) saw this wreck of car and saw the beauty in it what a woman!😎
Yout videos are enjoyable to watch, interesting, funny at times, make us cry sometimes, but they're refreshing, high-quality content that pops out of the crowd sort of speak. Thank you for this.
@theaficionauto
6 жыл бұрын
zxspectrum128 thank you so much. I have another great one releasing tomorrow :)
@theAFICIONAUTO I can not express how happy I am that this video was suggested for me, was really put together extremely well.
So far, I've been watching 4 of your video's. 3 of The Back To The Future cars and this one. It's amazing to me how well you let the car, and the people behind it, tell it's story. As a true car lover, it touches me. Awesome video's, Keep it up!
@theaficionauto
6 жыл бұрын
ElProempie thank you so much!!
I love the look of this, it's absolutely gorgeous. Especially love the front end looking like the face of a bat!!
I saw some old batman shows from the 40's, they just drove a big sedan.
@meatybeatybignbouncy
6 жыл бұрын
The Batman serial shows I have seen, they drove a convertible, and the top was up or down, depending on whether he was Batman or Bruce Wayne! LOL
@superbmediacontentcreator
6 жыл бұрын
It's amazing how you DIDN'T PAY ATTENTION just like when you were in shcool...
I never knew there was a Batmobile before the one by Barris. This is truly a magnificent work of art.
Great Video !! I had no idea about this car and just stumbled upon this !! Thank You for Sharing
VERY, VERY COOL STORY, GREAT VIDEO!
The first Batmobile was a chauffeur driven limousine in the 1943 multi-part movie theater serial "Batman".
It does look beautiful I agree it’s been improved it’s amazing a masterpiece
Great Job! Your photography is really top notch, great interview set ups. I love your focus pulling, and your overall look with lighting!
Beautiful Sleek Looking Car that is one of the most Amazing Looking of all Batman's Car's ✌️🧐🇬🇧
AWESOME!!! Video well done! I respect and love the passion and creativity of a REAL artist in whatever form. Mario Borbon, you nailed it! And thank you Sid and Alicia for having the foresight and seeing this project to its fullest potential! Bravo to this team and thank you for sharing this story!
Great video and an amazing story. I always find the story and life of an old car fascinating, if they all could talk, what great stories they would tell.
Simply a of art absolutely beautiful great job thanks
Great job, thank you guys for keeping the dream alive. As a car guy this is beyond cool. Thanks for posting👍👍 I'm restoring a 1990 ZR-1 right now, keeping the dream alive!! 🏁🏁
This is cool, I know the shop that did the restoration on this, my buddy did the meticulous bodywork on this, I've the pics of the process when he was doing it!
First Batmobile used in movies (at least to look like a Batmobile) was in the late 30s. Basically a 2 door black sedan with a single bat wing fin off the center of the trunk.
Fantastique video and car. What an amazing find!
I had a book when I was a kid, I still might have it somewhere, I think it was called "A Comic Book Encyclopedia of Batman" and there were many Batmobiles that would predate this one, including ones with fins and wings. I suppose they were only comic book drawings but they did exist on paper anyway. The one that comes to mind was like a 1930's Sloper with a large central tail fin with scallop shaped rear, like a batwing.
It should be called "The first (Non TV or film) Batmobile".
@haigenlennier7298
5 жыл бұрын
If it has no certification or documents acknowledging its association with the comics or their creator it is just another home built car.
@VinWeathermon
4 жыл бұрын
@@haigenlennier7298 Not exactly right; the car was licensed for use in advertising the dairy (as it says in the video.)
Does anyone get the feeling this video is just to get the price up for selling it..She's a big Bat Man fan right $$$ :D
Terrific story, great video.
I did not know that story of the first bat mobile 🦇 and I thank you for that.
Amazing! Only seen pics but to see the actual thing restored and modernized and incredible. The Batmobile as iconic as anything else in entertainment and literature lore!!!
Thanks for sharing this it’s amazing.
This video was uploaded 8 years ago. This was the 2nd batmobile they featured. And the last one.
Awesome car! Great story!
Now THIS is a Batmobile because anyone who knows the history of Batman and the cars he used will instantly recognize this car as something from comic book lore. Even though the Barris Batmobile is iconic, I would take this any day over that revised Futura design...if I had the dough, that is. I'm getting REALLY tired of the Frank Miller-esque "tanks" in the movies and comic books these days. Batman used CARS. Excellent restoration job by Mario.
"What kind of car is that?" "It's the Batmobile" "Is it your car?" "No, it belongs to Batman" That's the only acceptable response to a question like that.
Bravo!!! Standing ovation👏
it belongs in a museum!
@mgn5667
5 жыл бұрын
mauseleum
@borbon26
4 жыл бұрын
Its in a private museum now in New Orleans.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing with the world!
Fight crime with style and taste!
That's a real beauty of a car I didn't know it was a Batmobile in 1943 I'm glad that you have it but I never seen one before I remember the original series of Batman with Adam West and Burt Ward did they ride this car
@DanSmith-cb5vj
Жыл бұрын
No, they had the Barris Lincoln.
Christopher--- There was a Batman serial show in the 40's, similar to Flash Gordon, etc. He had a souped up car, but not wacked body work done. After doing the math, pretty sure that was the 1st Batmobile.
Gorgeous car and beautiful story. 🖤
I love this car as much as the '66 Batmobile.. Great Video and car period..
Would have pretty cool to have a picture of Adam West sitting in the drivers seat
@DanSmith-cb5vj
Жыл бұрын
Wow, I don't know why, but just reading your comment. I felt an air of blasphemy, lol!
Fantastic video! You have a great channel!
The first Batmobile was a chauffer-driven Cadillac limo that appeared in a late 1930s multi-part movie serial (theaters in those days had extras to go with the main attraction). Batman changed into his costume in the back seat while they were speeding down the road to respond to their call for help. And, you should know, in the build-up to World War Two, all of the super heroes, whether movies, serials, daily paper comic strips, comic books; were all anti-Nazi & Japanese spy/secret agents in every story.
Wow my Son is gonna love this he is 26 thanks for sharing this really neat !
Thanks for sharing.. I thought I was a Batman fan. But this was new to me...
I grew up in rural America in the 60's and 70's. I Never understood superheros... mostly because their embarrassing wardrobe totally creeped me out. Take some panty-hose, paint them, then wear your underwear over the top, with a matching blanket as a cape...then Look in a mirror. How can this be cool? However, this car, like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, is Frigging Gorgeous! Ask before you wear your Mum's pantyhose, but please let us build more cars like this! (Huge Smile)
I am the former owner of a 1956 Olds and they were great cars. You could tell there was little left of the original car when they made that one. If the car was a totaled car when they started, then good for them. If they tore apart a car that was in excellant condition to make that one, shame on them. JB