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Volo Auto Museum remembers ‘Batman’ legend

Cynthia Wolf / Wold Wordsmithing Posted on 2017-06-10

Volo Auto Museum remembers ‘Batman’ legend

 

VOLO — The Volo Auto Museum has been a part of numerous celebrity appearances, supplying film cars for major events like World of Wheels throughout the U.S. But opportunities to attend events with Adam West were especially memorable, museum officials said. 

 

“It is a sad day for us and for the Batman community,” Museum Director Brian Grams said Saturday in response to the news that West had died Friday night at the age of 88. 

 

“We always looked forward to events with Mr. West,” Grams continued. “He was a friendly and funny man.”

 

Grams said he and other members of his family first encountered the star of the 1960s TV “Batman” series through their association with the late George Barris, creator of the original Batmobile. An exhibition model of the modified Lincoln Futura — signed by West — has been a fan favorite at the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road for decades. 

 

Grams said he counts himself as extraordinarily fortunate to have met and mingled with West. The museum participated in at least three West appearances, and Grams noted one occasion in particular.

 

“During the World of Wheels car show in Milwaukee in 2009, we were sitting at the dinner table with both Mr. Barris and Mr. West,” Grams said. “It’s an honor very few have had.”

 

It was also a tremendous thrill when, during that 2009 show, West signed the museum’s Batmobile — something the actor declined to do at other locations where exhibition Batmobiles were featured, Grams said. 

 

“Because we grew a relationship with Mr. West over the years, and thanks to George Barris’ persuasion, Mr. West signed our Batmobile,” Grams said. “We will always treasure that and our memories of him, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.” 

 

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Actor Adam West, star of the original 1960s TV "Batman" series, signs the Volo Auto Museum's Batmobile as the car's creator, George Barris, looks on during a World of Wheels event in Milwaukee in 2009.Actor Adam West, star of the original 1960s TV "Batman" series, signs the Volo Auto Museum's Batmobile as the car's creator, George Barris, looks on during a World of Wheels event in Milwaukee in 2009.