Paul Gibson has spent seven years working on Bat-itude, a converted Ford Anglia.
Paul Gibson has spent seven years working on Bat-itude, a converted Ford Anglia.
"To the Batmobile" was the cry as a car named Bat-itude drew the crowds at the Wanganui Road Rodders' River City Park Up event.
The event, held in the grounds of Whanganui City College on Sunday, was a fun family day out and raised money for the Cancer Society.
Whanganui spray painter Paul Gibson brought along his converted Ford Anglia, named Bat-itude, the second themed vehicle he has built.
His first, The Joker - a converted Ford Courier - did the car show circuit for a number of years, winning many awards, and is now in the National Motorsport Museum in Cromwell.
"I decided to do Batman so this is the terrible twosome," Gibson said.
"It's taken me seven years to do this one. A lot of businesses and sponsors have helped to get it where it is now and lot of people have provided work for free.
"It's totally radical. There's not one panel that hasn't been touched. It's been widened 150mm."
Gibson says the vehicle is roadworthy and complies with all regulations.
The Batman theme is reflected in the car's interior, including in the seat covers and gear box decal.
It has a "massive" sound system in it.
"There's been heaps of interest in the car today - the amount of people who are blown away by it," Gibson said.
"It's been a worthwhile project, looking at everyone going 'wow' when they see it. Then they walk around for a while and look at other things then come back again."
Bat-itude will be the last car project for the self-confessed lifelong "car nutter", much to the relief of his husband Mark who does not share his enthusiasm for vehicles.
Wanganui Road Rodders spokesman Grant Rivers said the Park Up was much bigger than last year's event, with more than 700 cars on display.
"It was a very successful day," Rivers said.
"There was a good stream of public through the gate and great feedback from the public.
"It was a beautiful day, not too hot, and it was really busy with people from 10am until about 1pm. We still had people there looking at the cars at 2pm when the event finished."
It was not yet known how much money had been raised for the Cancer Society through donations at the gates "but I think it will be good - people don't mind putting their hands in their pocket when it's going to a local charity", Rivers said.
There was also teapot racing, a trial bike skills course, a rock'n'roll demonstration, trade stalls, an automotive swap meet and entertainment for children.
Rivers said it had been a successful weekend for the club with a charity auction at an event on Saturday night raising more than $1000.
More than 700 vehicles were on display during the Park Up.
Trial bike riders showed off their skills in a specially-built course
Getting up close under the bonnet of a Chevy.
Tommi Hjorring, 11, takes a spin.
Rock'n'rollers put on a display for the crowd.
Checking out the interior of a Porsche.
Some ever-popular Volkswagen Beetles joined the Park Up.
