Quick Robin, to the Batmobile… auction – UPDATE: Sold for $420,000

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!

View the auction listing on Bring-A-Trailer here.