Fans of the Batman movies have at least once in their lives, dreamt about taking a ride in the iconic Batmobile. Well now you can own it!
Photo Courtesy: Classic Auto Mall
The iconic Batmobile which featured in Tim Burton’s Batman movies is currently up for sale through Classic Auto Mall for a shiny price of US $1.5 million. For the doubtful, this is the actual prop car which was driven by Michael Keaton in Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). Back then, the prop was designed by illustrator Julian Caldow and built by John Evans’ SFX team at Pinewood Studios in England.
Photo Courtesy: Classic Auto Mall
As sleek as in the movies, the Batmobile measures over 20 feet long and is finished in gloss black paint, with yellow headlamps and red taillights adding a hint of colour. The vehicle features an an Art Deco-inspired fibreglass body with a large air scoop on the roof, while the nose has fenders of a Daytona Prototype racer. One of the most exciting elements, the bat wings sit on either sides of the cockpit. The Batmobile rides on a set of custom 15-inch wheels wrapped with Mickey Thompson rubber and featuring the Batman logo in the center.
Photo Courtesy: Classic Auto Mall
The closed cockpit design with wraparound windows can accommodate up to three passengers. At the press of a button, the fighter cockpit style canopy slides forward unveiling an overabundance of buttons, levers, lights, control panels, nonfunctional bells and whistles. The real driver’s seat is behind a secret black velcro and is elevated above the front seats, while the regular driver’s seat is occupied by the passengers.
Photo Courtesy: Classic Auto Mall
Given the fact that this is a movie prop and not a production vehicle, the Batmobile’s powertrain might seem less than impressive. A battery-powered 48V system with a rear-mounted electric motor are what power the vehicle giving it a maximum speed of 30 mph. And don’t mind the fact that this prop hasn’t been powered since 1993. Yet, it does still have some impressive additions like a working flamethrower, and airbags for safety.
Photo Courtesy: Classic Auto Mall
While the Batmobile isn’t exactly driveable, die hard Batman fans would still want this on their hands. Because who wouldn’t want to say they own a Batmobile driven by Michael Keaton himself!
