Quick Robin, to the Batmobile… auction – UPDATE: Sold for $420,000
Fight crime in style, with a replica 1960s Batman TV show Batmobile that is based on a 1992 Chevrolet Corvette.
UPDATE, 3 September 2023: Holy pricetags Batman!
The 1992 Chevrolet Corvette-based Batmobile has sold for $US269,999, approximately $AU420,000!
No one said fighting crime was cheap, but this is significantly higher than the $AU195,000 paid for a replica signed by show star Adam West (who played Batman) back in 2018. As one commenter on the Bring-A-Trailer auction noted, "Every C4 Corvette in America is now being converted to a Batmobile."
2 September 2023: "Atomic batteries to power. Turbines to speed..."
The Batmobile from the 1960s Batman TV series is one of the most iconic small-screen cars of all time. Originally based on the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car, the Batmobile was reportedly created in approximately three weeks by renowned customiser George Barris.
A star of the small screen between 1966 and 1968, the original car was sold back in 2013 for a staggering $US4.62 million ($AU7.15 million). Luckily, Barris' bat-creation has spawned a number of replicas.
One car, this time based on a 1992 Chevrolet Corvette 'C4', is currently being auctioned on US-based auction website Bring-a-Trailer.
And no, the B-A-T irony isn't lost on us...
According to the listing, the Batmobile was constructed in 2021 and is powered by a 6.2-litre 'LS3' V8 engine – as used in the final Holden Commodore SS in 2017 – and a four-speed automatic transmission.
It's a faithful replica and features the twin bubble-dome windscreens, jet turbine outlet with a working flame thrower, parachute bag and of course, the Bat Phone to communicate with Alfred and Commissioner Gordon.
As part of the construction, the 1990s Corvette mechanicals were overhauled and a modern infotainment system was installed.
While it may be running Chevrolet rather than Ford underpinnings, the replica Batmobile looks every bit as crime-fight-ready as the original did almost 60 years ago. The black paint with red highlights, not to mention the bat-wing fins and bat-logo wheel centre caps, make this an unmistakable icon for bat fans, young and old.
At the time of writing the bidding had reached $US77,777 ($AU120,350), but with a few hours left to run, we expect this to climb.
So if protecting the citizens of Gotham City was on your 2023 to-do list, you had better get bat-bidding. There's not a moment to lose!