Ed Roth created the custom car Beatnik Bandit in 1961. The futuristic hot rod became one of Roth’s signature creations and was known for its clear bubble canopy, rounded body, and unusual cockpit controls.
The design began as a sketch associated with Rod & Custom magazine’s “The Grapes of Roth” project. During construction, Roth’s design evolved substantially, including the addition of a Plexiglas canopy inspired by the glass top of the DiDia 150. The completed car appeared on the cover of Car Craft in May 1961.
The year is sometimes confused with later versions and products. Revell’s 1/25-scale model kit was developed with Roth and issued in 1963, while Mattel made the Beatnik Bandit one of the original 16 Hot Wheels designs when the line launched in 1968. Those dates refer to models, not the car’s creation.