then

first batmobile:
sleek and stylish

The very first Batmobile was produced in 1965 for the live action television show Batman. George Barris, a renowned auto customizer, was hired to bring the iconic vehicle to life. Given only three weeks to complete the task, Barris decided that it would be easier to modify an existing car than create a new one from scratch. He settled on the Lincoln Futura, which was inspired by the mako shark and the manta ray.

Although Barris completed the car at a cost of $30,000, today this original Batmobile is estimated to be worth upwards of two million dollars.

PHOTO: cC Ford Motor Company

& now

batman tumbler:
sporty and tough

For his trilogy of Batman films, director Christopher Nolan worked with production designer Nathan Crowley to design the newest version of the Batmobile called “the Tumbler.” Before manufacturing a vehicle, Crowley and a crew of thirty spent two months carving a full-sized Styrofoam replica.

Crowley described the Tumbler as a cross between a Lamborghini and a tank. Six Tumblers were built for Batman Begins. For The Dark Knight, the design was altered to include a Batpod — a motorcycle that ejects from the front of the vehicle.

PHOTO: cc flikr — dan taylor

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Avatar: The Exhibition runs through Sept. 3 at the Experience Music Project in Seattle, Wash. The exhibit features costumes, models, props and sketches from the film.

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