“Beatnik Bandit” built by Ed Roth (1961). Exhibit at the National Mall, Washington, D.C.
The “Beatnik Bandit” is a legendary custom car built by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth in 1961. It’s a standout piece in the world of custom cars and hot rods, known for its unique design and innovative features. It was not only a show car, but it was also immortalized as a model car kit by Revell and later as one of the first Hot Wheels.
The car was built on a shortened 1950 Oldsmobile chassis and features a handmade fiberglass body. One of its most distinctive elements is the “bubble top” canopy which gives it a space-age look. It’s powered by an Oldsmobile 303 Cl, OHV V-8 engine, equipped with a GMC supercharger. The interior is custom crafted with pearl white vinyl upholstery, originally done by Eddie Martinez.
The Beatnik Bandit is listed as National Historic Vehicle Register No. 35 and is currently part of the “Cars of the Capital” exhibition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed in a glass enclosure. The car is owned by the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Ed Roth’s creativity and artistic vision made the Beatnik Bandit a timeless piece of automotive history.
[Sources: Hagerty.com and DriversFoundation.org]
[Note: The first Hot Wheels, known as the "Original Sweet 16,'" were introduced by Mattel on May 18, 1968. Top of the list is a Custom Camaro and No. 2 is the Beatnik Bandit.]
“Beatnik Bandit” built by Ed Roth (1961). Exhibit at the National Mall, Washington, D.C.
The “Beatnik Bandit” is a legendary custom car built by Ed “Big Daddy” Roth in 1961. It’s a standout piece in the world of custom cars and hot rods, known for its unique design and innovative features. It was not only a show car, but it was also immortalized as a model car kit by Revell and later as one of the first Hot Wheels.
The car was built on a shortened 1950 Oldsmobile chassis and features a handmade fiberglass body. One of its most distinctive elements is the “bubble top” canopy which gives it a space-age look. It’s powered by an Oldsmobile 303 Cl, OHV V-8 engine, equipped with a GMC supercharger. The interior is custom crafted with pearl white vinyl upholstery, originally done by Eddie Martinez.
The Beatnik Bandit is listed as National Historic Vehicle Register No. 35 and is currently part of the “Cars of the Capital” exhibition on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed in a glass enclosure. The car is owned by the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Ed Roth’s creativity and artistic vision made the Beatnik Bandit a timeless piece of automotive history.
[Sources: Hagerty.com and DriversFoundation.org]
[Note: The first Hot Wheels, known as the "Original Sweet 16,'" were introduced by Mattel on May 18, 1968. Top of the list is a Custom Camaro and No. 2 is the Beatnik Bandit.]