From DC Comics came crime fighters  Batman and his sidekick  Robin to protect the good citizens of Gotham City  ably assisted by his butler Alfred and Commissioner Gordon.  In 1965, ABC Television took the dynamic duo from the comic pages to the black and white small screen. Major Hollywood feature films followed; one suspects there will be more offerings on screen and in print.  This car was produced for the 1960 tv series. Excitingly, it was driven into it's 'Cayman Bat Cave' using V8 power without the afterbuner alight.  Scoundrels - The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin , Two Face, nor Posion Ivy have signed our guest book, as yet. Our Bat Beam is ready!

The 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe was the first real "production" Ferrari, assembled at the new Pinin Farina facilty in Grugliasco as the design and coach building firm changed its name, officially, to Pininfarina. Tracing its mechanical evolution from the earlier Bogno and Elena models, the 250 GT Coupe is distinguished by its crisp and elegant lines, styling it shared with its cabriolet and California Spyder siblings. Its heart is the legendary Ferrari V12 engine designed by Gioaccino Colombo.

The 250 GT delivered 240 HP at 7000 rpm, revs that in the late fifties many strictly racing engines did not reach. The 250 GT's very effective and well proven Chasis, based on a twin tube frame with coil springs, independant front suspension and a live rear axlewith leaf springs, continued without significant change. Do I spot a resemblance to the Ford Thunderbird on the other side of this museum? Personally I love the performance, handling and sound of this car.

The naming of the Ford Thunderbird was a difficult process, since over 5000 entries were entertained. A $250.00 prize was offered to anyone who could come up with a name. The name 'Thunderbird' was submitted by Alden Gibberson, the stylist. The name became official on February 15, 1954. Gibberson never claimed his prize, though he did settle for a new suit and an extra pair of trousers from Saks Fifth Avenue. At the Detroit auto show held on February 20th of 1954, the Thunderbird was shown to the public. The first production vehicle came off the line on September 9th of that year. Delivery of the vehicles began on the 22nd of October with over 4000 orders taken on the first day of sale. The fibreglass removable top was standard. Offered as optional equipment was the fabric convertible top. Under the hood was a 292 cubic inch Y-Block V8 that produced just under 200 horsepower. This was the only engine available when the Thunderbird was first introduced.