From the TV series that brought us Kapow, Crash and Bang!
The original Batmobile from the iconic Batman TV series reached a new record when it sold at auction.
Airing between 1966 and 1968 and spanning 3 seasons, it followed the caped crusader as he fought against The Joker, The Penguin, Dr Freeze and more with his trusty ally Robin and of course, the Batmobile.
Trivia - A 1955 Lincoln Futura was heavily modified to become the Batmobile. The time it took to build was 15 days and cost $15,000.
The Batmobile first appeared in Detective Comics #27 released in May 1939. It's received numerous upgrades, modifications and remodels but one thing has remained - the appeal.
When the renowned designer George Barris was commissioned to create the next Batmobile, time constraints forced him into heavily adapting a 1955 Lincoln Futura into the car we know today. It was at this moment that cult-status was made.
The winning bidder, who is a self-confessed fan of the show, was adamant that they were not going to leave the auction without the car. In addition, they announced their intentions which involve adapting their living room to have the car placed there!
As expected, there was a lot of fanfare when the vehicle was brought into the auction. There were renditions of the theme tune and various other acts of nostalgia.
George Barris explained that the reason why he was giving up his creation was due to giving someone else the opportunity to own one of the most iconic cars in the world.
"I think it is the most valuable car in the world and the public really get a kick out of it when they see it." - George Barris
There were concerns regarding the number of replicas in the world and if they were going to have a negative impact on the interest of the original. However, these concerns went out the window when the winning bid was near the top estimate of the car.
The Batmobile will forever be something we would love to drive but so few have ever had the pleasure of doing it. The previous owner, and creator, George Barris had some final words for the car.
"I designed and built the Batmobile and I have shown it all around the world but now I think it is time that someone else can enjoy it." - George Harris.
Oh yeah, it's road legal and contains a V8 engine and automatic gearbox!
As for as iconic cars from the screen go, the Batmobile shares a pedestal with the beloved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.
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