In the beginning

My name is Jonathon Vanderhorst, I am 19, from Monterey CA and live in Chico CA. I am one year into my first restoration project. This is the tale/documentary of my struggles to bring my Batmobile back to glory.

I got a 1978 Firebird Esprit in the summer of 2012 after my senior year in highschool. Well, technically my dad and I both got it, but I've wanted a firebird since I was little. Not to mention, this one had a rattlecan spraypaint job into a bat mobile! I was sold.

It was in phenomenal shape for this era of car! All original and numbers matching, already with most of the work done, including transmission and a rebuilt carburetor. It guzzled gas, was loud, and I love it. It even played a huge part in my senior pictures.

I watch all sorts of car shows: Top Gear, Fast N Loud, Counting Cars, Street Outlaws. I knew I wouldn't be satisfied leaving it the way it was. And with my dad in on it, he brought mechanical expertise, help with research, and money. And so it began.