The latest issue of the Batman Automobilia collection has a model of the Kitty Car, Catwoman’s outrageous mode of transport, which made its début in the third season episode , ‘Funny Feline Felonies’.
This modified moggy motor was originally designed by
Chrysler designer Ben Delfia, and built by customizer Gene Winfield, of
Winfield’s Custom Shop, who also had a hand in building the Shuttlecraft from
Star Trek, The Piranha from The Man from UNCLE, and The Spinners from the film,
Blade Runner.
The build was originally commissioned in the early 1960’s by
a famous custom car show promoter named Joe Kizis who named the car, the
Autorama Special. However, at some point it became known as The Reactor after
Gene bought it back from Kizis.
Star Trek fans will know it as The Jupiter 8 from the
episode, ‘Bread and Circuses’.
The hand built Reactor has an aluminium body and is set on a
1956 Citroën DS chassis. The engine is from a turbo-charged Chevolet Corvair,
it’s front wheel drive, and has fully independent self-levelling
suspension.
Great post Scoop. Meow-vellous! Its a clumsy looking vehicle, Catwoman's, but Eaglemoss are comprehensive for sure. How many vehicles are they releasing? The Reactor car is fabulous and is soooo Hot Wheels its untrue. Why oh why osn't car design like that nowadays. I wonder if the designer knew Big Daddy Ed Roth, designer of the Silhouette?
ReplyDeleteThanks Woodsy. Not sure how many Eaglemoss Automobilia models are finally being released. They are up to 80 now and that was supposed to be it, but maybe they've got a couple more up their sleeves. I'd like to see the new jagged looking one from Batman v Superman before they wrap it up.
ReplyDeleteThe Silhouette, was certainly a great design too. If it's the one I'm thinking of, that was designed and built by Bill Cushenbury, who did know Batmobile customiser, George Barris, and would have probably met Gene Winfield at custom shows. Ed Roth did design the The Orbitron which does look a little like The Silhouette.
Parts from plastic kit of The Silhouette were used in Thunderbirds, in particular the bubble windscreen which can be seen on the Master Elevator Car in 'Trapped In The Sky'.
Another very well researched posting Scoop. A pleasure to read. Regards, Tony K
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony.
DeleteScoop, that was absolutely fascinating! A cool back story to a cool car!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ed.
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