The 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction is coming! The calendar for January 21-29, 2023 is taking shape with a variety of vehicles, automobilia and anything a classic car enthusiast might want to add to their collection. As I perused the list, I came across a trio of movie and TV show replica vehicles that, as an automotive writer and former Blockbuster cashier, immediately caught my eye. I keep my eyes peeled for these types of cars as they have been the basis for many of my articles over the years and the Scottsdale auction has some great examples available.
Replica 1989 Batmobile (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Although we recently told you about a legitimate Batmobile available in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1993) for $1.5 million, it has limited mobility due to its EV powertrain, speed and ways to catch the Joker propels it up to 30 km/h. A more appropriate homage to the Dark Knight’s turbine-based vehicle can be found at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction: a highly customized Batmobile replica powered by a Boeing military jet engine.
Replica 1989 Batmobile (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
“The world’s only turbine-powered Batmobile, based on the 1989 Batman film,” reads the listing. “Constructed from racecar and military parts by Ohio-based auto restorer and designer Casey Putsch, the vehicle is incredibly faithful to the original – to the point that it’s powered by an actual jet engine.”
Replica 1989 Batmobile (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The power of the 365 hp jet engine propels the Batmobile to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph. The engine is mated to a two-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
Replica 1989 Batmobile (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
You can run the Batmobile on jet fuel, kerosene, or diesel, and fuel efficiency ranges from 3 to 10 miles per gallon. It takes a few seconds for the jet turbine to spin, with no warm-up required. The listing notes that the jet turbine produces a primarily high-pitched sound, but is loud up close, becoming quieter as it drives away. Exhaust fumes are hot, but not enough to destroy or blow anything behind the car.
Replica 1989 Batmobile (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
This Batmobile features a rear flamethrower and functional top-mounted cannons that fire for sound effects. Please check with Alfred or your local law enforcement agency to determine if these features can be used.
1930 Pontiac “Munster Koach” replica
As a kid, I spent too much time watching reruns on TV. My time could have been better spent doing some exercise or studying for school, but I have no regrets because over-watching of old sitcoms has given me the opportunity to make obscure references to “Green Acres” or “The Flying Nun,” which nobody finds interesting. It’s an experience with friends and family looking at you with obvious boredom as you praise the on-screen chemistry between Eva Gabor and Arnold Ziffel.
Munster Koach replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The Munsters was on constant rotation throughout my childhood (was it KICU TV 36 or KFTY TV 50?) and since the show only ran for two seasons, I watched each episode multiple times. It was an unconventional sitcom based on a family of monsters, but it was a different era of television entertainment when macabre sitcoms were on the rise.
Munster Koach replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The Munster Koach accommodated the whole family in a style that perfectly suited the residents of 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It was designed and built by George Barris who had 21 days to complete the project. Haste usually breeds waste, but the Munster Koach was the exception, and was manufactured in 1964 for $18,000 ($173,599 adjusted for inflation). It was an extreme construction, using three Ford Model T bodies and a hand-built 133-inch frame, with the koach ending up being 18 feet long. Like the Brady Bunch’s Plymouth station wagon, the Munster Koach offered comfort for a large family.
Unster Koach Replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The original Munster Koach is in the Volo Museum, but a proper replica is available at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. The vehicle’s listing states: “It has been professionally recreated down to the smallest detail. When you put this Koach next to the original, you couldn’t tell the difference.”
Autographed by Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions
Judging by the photos in the listing, it’s a great tribute to Barris’ creation, and this one was signed by Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster.
Munster Dragula Replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Munster’s Dragula replica
The lack of coffin-based dragsters is a cultural lapse that affects us all. Not sure how this affects us, but this issue can be addressed with a replica Munsters Dragula available at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Scottsdale Auction. A Ford 302ci V8 engine mated to a three-speed automatic transmission powers this literal coffin on wheels. Power-to-weight ratio is probably high for Dragula, but it’s being sold on a bill of sale and isn’t road legal.
“Dragula features the custom purple velor interior with fringed pompoms, a V-shaped steering wheel, just like the original creepy candle-flickering headlights, and of course, the famous tombstone on the front,” the listing reads.
Munster Dragula Replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Munster Dragula Replica (Image courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The original Dragula was designed by Tom Daniel and then built by George Barris. It maintains the same style and theme as the Munster Koach while being a truly unique vehicle in its own right.
All three vehicles are available at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction with no reserve price. The auction runs January 21-29 at the Westworld of Scottsdale.
This article, written by David P. Castro, was originally published on ClassicCars.com, an editorial partner of Motor Authority.
