Lincoln Futura Concept Car and Designer William M. Schmidt at the Chicago Auto Show, 1955

Summary

The Lincoln Futura, designed by William M. Schmidt, was a sensation at auto shows in 1955. The concept car boasted push-button transmission controls, a 300-horsepower V-8 engine, and a double-dome canopy roof. Hollywood customizer George Barris bought the Futura in 1959 and, a few years later, turned it into the Batmobile for the 1966-1968 Batman television series.

The Lincoln Futura, designed by William M. Schmidt, was a sensation at auto shows in 1955. The concept car boasted push-button transmission controls, a 300-horsepower V-8 engine, and a double-dome canopy roof. Hollywood customizer George Barris bought the Futura in 1959 and, a few years later, turned it into the Batmobile for the 1966-1968 Batman television series.

Artifact

Photographic print

Date Made

07 January 1955

Subject Date

07 January 1955

Collection Title

William M. Schmidt Papers 

 On Exhibit

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

84.1.1672.P.833.106214.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Gelatin silver process

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in

Width: 7.5 in

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