2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Coming Soon! The January 21-29, 2023 schedule is starting to take shape, featuring a wide variety of vehicles, cars and anything classic car enthusiasts want to add to their collection. While perusing the recaps, I came across three movie and TV show re-creation cars that, as an automotive writer and former Blockbuster cashier, caught my attention immediately. I keep an eye on these types of cars as they have been the basis of many of my articles over the years and there are some great examples at the Scottsdale auction.
1989 Batmobile re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Although we recently told you that the legit Batmobile that appeared in “Batman” (1989) and “Batman Returns” (1993) sold for $1.5 million, thanks to its EV drivetrain it gets 30 miles /Hour. A more fitting homage to the Dark Knight’s turbine-based ride can be found at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction: a very custom Batmobile re-creation powered by a military-grade Boeing jet engine.
1989 Batmobile re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
“The world’s only turbo-powered Batmobile, based on the 1989 Batman movie,” the listing reads. “Built by Ohio-based auto restorer and designer Casey Putsch using racing and military parts, the car is so faithful to the original — so much so that it’s powered by a real jet engine.”
1989 Batmobile re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The performance of the 365 horsepower jet engine allows the Batmobile to hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph. This engine is paired with a two-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels.
1989 Batmobile re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
You can run the Batmobile on jet fuel, kerosene, or diesel with fuel efficiency between 3 and 10 miles per gallon. It takes a few seconds for the jet turbine to spin up and requires no warm-up. The listing notes that the sound from the jet turbine is mainly high-pitched, but loud when it’s up close and quiet as it drives away. The exhaust is hot, but not hot enough to destroy or blow away anything behind the car.
1989 Batmobile re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
This Batmobile has a rear flamethrower and functional top-mounted guns that fire sound effects. Please check with Alfred or your local law enforcement agencies to see if these features are available.
1930 Pontiac “Munster Koach” Rebuild
I spent way too much time watching TV reruns as a kid. My time could have been better spent with some sports or studies, but I don’t regret it, because over-watching old sitcoms gave me the ability to make mysteries about “Green Acres” or “The Flying Nun” that no one can find The references are interesting. It’s an experience to have friends and family look at you with palpable boredom when you praise Eva Gabor and Arnold Ziffel’s onscreen chemistry.
Munster Koach re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
“The Munsters” was on regular rotation during my childhood (was it on KICU TV 36 or KFTY TV 50?) and since the show only ran for two seasons, I watched each episode multiple times. It’s an unconventional sitcom set on a family of monsters, but it was a different era of TV entertainment when horror sitcoms were on the rise.
Munster Koach re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Munster Koach offers space for the whole family, with style perfect for the residents of 1313 Mockingbird Lane. It was designed and built by George Barris, who had 21 days to complete the project. Haste makes waste, with the exception of the Munster Koach, which sold for $18,000 ($173,599, adjusted for inflation) in 1964. It was an extreme build, using three Ford T-shaped bodies and a handcrafted 133-inch frame, and the Koach ended up being 18 feet long. Like Brady Bunch’s Plymouth station wagon, the Munster Koach offers comfort for extended families.
Unster Koach re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
The original Munster Koach is at the Volo Museum, but a proper re-creation is available at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. The vehicle’s listing suggests, “It has been professionally reproduced in every detail. If you put this Koach next to the original, you wouldn’t see a difference.”
Signed by Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions
Judging by the photos in the listing, it’s a great homage to Barris’ creation, and the piece is signed by Butch Patrick, aka Eddie Munster.
Munster Dragula re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Munsters Dragula re-creation
The lack of coffin-based dragsters is a cultural flaw that affects us all. I’m not sure how it affects us, but this problem could be solved by re-creating Munsters Dragula at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Scottsdale auction. A Ford 302ci V8 engine with a three-speed automatic transmission powers this veritable coffin on wheels. The Dragula may have a high power-to-weight ratio, but it’s sold on the bill and not street legal.
“Dragula features custom purple velvet upholstery with tassel bubbles, a V-shaped steering wheel like the original, creepy candle flickering headlights and, of course, the famous tombstone up front,” the listing says.
Munster Dragula re-creation (Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions)
Munster Dragula re-creation (Photo 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.
All three cars will be available for purchase without reservation at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. The auction will be held at Westworld Scottsdale from January 21-29.
This article was written by David P. Castro and originally published on ClassicCars.com, Motor Authority’s editorial partner.