08 December 2022
As any Batman fan will tell you, there’s no one authentic Batmobile.
Over the years, there have been over 100 built. There are replicas located in the United States, Canada, Argentina, and other countries.
But the version ‘driven’ by Michael Keaton in 1989’s Batman and its follow-up, 1992’s Batman Returns, is the most iconic.
It isn’t just a replica, either. It’s the actual prop car designed by illustrator Julian Caldow and built by John Evans’ SFX team at Pinewood Studios, England.
Because it is a movie car and not an actual production vehicle, its powertrain leaves something to be desired. Powered by a single electric motor that will allow it to reach a maximum speed of 30 mph.
The striking design features a hidden stunt driver compartment behind the wraparound window cockpit. A nifty illusion to fool the audience into believing the car is ‘driverless’. It also has a functional flame thrower built into the ‘exhaust’ to curb the enthusiastic driver who participates in the sport of ‘Tailgating’.
This Batmobile was one of three cars reserved for stunts and displays; the other two were used for the film. However, Michael Keaton did not drive the car during the production of the Batman movies.
After production of the sequel was completed, the car spent time at Six Flags Theme Park, New Jersey as part of the Batman Returns roller coaster before an anonymous collector discretely acquired it.
For interested Crime Fighters, it is now for sale at Pennsylvania-based Classic Auto Mall.
