The 1950s marked a golden era of automotive design, and one car that captured the spirit of that transformative period was the Lincoln Futura. Initially conceived as a cutting-edge concept car that would showcase Lincoln’s vision for the future, the Futura eventually became the Batmobile—one of the most iconic vehicles in cinematic history. This fascinating journey from innovative concept to pop culture phenomenon is one for the ages. Join us as we explore the Lincoln Futura’s incredible legacy and how it forever altered the automotive landscape.
The Birth of a Futuristic Concept Car
In the mid-1950s, American car manufacturers were embracing the idea of one-off concept cars to demonstrate the future of automotive design. The Lincoln Futura emerged as one of the most ambitious projects of this period, driven by a creative spark from Bill Schmidt and John Najjar, two talented designers at Lincoln-Mercury. The duo’s vision was inspired by an unlikely source: a shark. Schmidt, after a close encounter with the majestic predator while diving, imagined a car that captured the creature’s aggressive lines and sleek form. What resulted was a bold, stunning design that would go on to represent an era of automotive innovation.
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Watch the video to see the 1955 Lincoln Futura being tested at Ford Motor Co., before it became the iconic Batmobile.
Design and Engineering: A Revolutionary Car Ahead of Its Time
The Futura was more than just a car—it was a statement. Built on a prototype chassis provided by Ford, the Lincoln Futura featured a 368-cubic inch Y-block V8 engine, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. This formidable drivetrain was housed within a body that was nothing short of groundbreaking. Designed by Schmidt and Najjar, the car boasted sweeping curves, aggressive tailfins, and a long, pointed nose that was designed to evoke speed and power.
The Futura’s most striking feature was its dual bubble canopy, which set it apart from anything else on the road. This roof design was a futuristic touch that allowed for the driver and passenger to have an unobstructed view of the surroundings. The vehicle was coachbuilt by the renowned Italian firm Carrozzeria Ghia, whose craftsmen meticulously shaped the aluminum body, incorporating innovative techniques to achieve the car’s graceful lines.
The Futura was finished with a striking pearl white paint, made even more luxurious by grinding real fish scales into the paint, giving it a unique shimmer. At a staggering cost of $250,000 in 1955 dollars (equivalent to nearly $2.8 million today), the Futura was as much an art piece as it was a machine.
The Lincoln Futura Debut: Starring at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show
When the Futura was unveiled at the 1955 Chicago Auto Show, it was met with immediate acclaim. Audiences were captivated by its futuristic design and high-tech features, which set the stage for Lincoln’s bold future. The concept car was lauded for its aerodynamic shape, innovative design elements, and its ability to push the boundaries of what a car could be. Automotive magazines across the world covered the Futura extensively, and soon, it became a symbol of luxury and technological advancement.
Although the Futura was a one-off creation, its influence extended beyond the auto show. The car’s design elements, such as the tailfins and the sleek lines, made their way into subsequent production models, particularly the Lincoln Premiere and the Lincoln Capri. The Futura had not only captured the attention of the public but had also left its mark on the future of automotive design.
From Concept Car to Film: The Futura on the Big Screen
After its successful debut, the Futura’s journey took a turn toward Hollywood. In 1959, the car was sold to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) for use in the film It Started With a Kiss, where it made its cinematic debut. Repainted in a bright red, the Futura became a central element of the film’s plot, playing the role of a prize won by the movie’s protagonists. This brief but notable appearance marked the beginning of the car’s Hollywood fame.
Following the film, the Futura appeared in a series of commercials before being put into storage once again. But its time in the spotlight was far from over.
The Futura Becomes the Batmobile: George Barris’s Transformation
The Lincoln Futura’s most famous transformation came when it was purchased by legendary custom car builder George Barris in 1965. Barris had already earned a reputation for his creative, out-of-the-box modifications, and when he saw the Futura, he saw the potential to create something iconic. The car’s original shark-inspired design had made an impact, but Barris wanted to turn it into something that would capture the imagination of an entirely new generation.
With a tight deadline of just three weeks, Barris and his team worked tirelessly to transform the Futura into the Batmobile for the Batman TV series. The car was stripped of its original features and given a glossy black paint job with red accents, making it a fitting vehicle for the Dark Knight. The result was a striking car that combined the futuristic design of the Futura with new elements like a bat-inspired nose and extensive modifications to make it the perfect crime-fighting machine.
When the TV series debuted in 1966, the Batmobile quickly became one of the most recognizable vehicles in pop culture. The Futura-based Batmobile was iconic, and it solidified the car’s place in history. Barris’s custom work turned the already legendary concept car into an even bigger phenomenon.
Iconic Legacy: The Futura’s Continued Influence and Fame
Even after the TV series ended, the Batmobile remained a cultural touchstone. Barris kept the original Futura Batmobile in his collection for years, turning down numerous offers from wealthy collectors eager to own the iconic car. It wasn’t until 2013 that Barris decided to auction off the Batmobile at a Barrett-Jackson event, where it sold for an astounding $4.62 million—setting a record at the time.
The Futura, now a symbol of two iconic vehicles—first as a groundbreaking concept car and later as the Batmobile—continues to capture the hearts of automotive and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Its legacy is one of innovation, creativity, and the power of design to transcend time and place. Though the car’s most famous form, the Batmobile, is undoubtedly the one that captured the public’s imagination, the Futura remains a pivotal part of automotive history.
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Check out the video to learn more about the 1955 Lincoln Futura, the car that later inspired the iconic Batmobile.
Conclusion: A Timeless Symbol of Automotive Innovation
The Lincoln Futura’s journey from a stunning concept car to the Batmobile is a story that embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity. It began as a bold experiment, a vision of the future crafted by talented designers, and became an iconic part of American pop culture thanks to the vision of George Barris. The Futura’s fascinating story continues to resonate with car enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike, ensuring its place as one of the most unique and memorable vehicles in automotive history.
