If you’re reading this review, you are no doubt a fan of Batman. And the fascination could have started with the early comic books, the 1966-68 TV show, or the series of big-screen movies that began in the 1980s. The seller has two of the more famous cars from “Batmania”, a replica of the Adam West Batmobile (1966) and another from the first Michael Keaton flick (1989). These are both projects that will need lots of love, work, and money – and will only be sold as a pair. Located with an aficionado in Asbury, New Jersey, the current bid here on eBay is $2,600 (reserve unmet, of course).
We don’t know how these vehicles came to be or when. And there’s no evidence that either of them was attached directly to the entertainment channel they represent. And there is no explanation as to why they have to be sold together – except that may be the only way the seller thinks they’ll get sold.
1966 Batmobile (Adam West)
The underpinnings of this project aren’t specified. But it’s not likely a 1950s Lincoln that George Barris transformed into the Batmobile all of us kids fell in love with on Wednesday and Thursday nights on TV (“Same Bat time, same Bat channel”). What we have here is a running, driving, and stopping work-in-progress replica. The title for this super automobile was lost, so a bill of sale will have to suffice (can you just see their reactions when you show up at the DMV?).
1989 Batmobile (Michael Keaton)
Public interest in Batmania was revived with the first of many feature films in 1989. The first two starred Michael (“Mr. Mom”) Keaton, and a substantially more aggressive Batmobile was cooked up. This replica sits atop a stretched C4 Chevy Corvette frame, onto which the body is not yet mounted (but close). No drivetrain has been installed, but the seller has a donor motor and transmission that the buyer is welcome to. Now for the big question: Which is cooler, the original ’66 Batmobile or the ’89 movie Batmobile?
Make mine the original. Batman has kind of a generational shift, the folks that grew up with the original, don’t really take a shine to the “newer” Batman(s). The original Batmobile was something we kids could relate to. For many, me included, it was the most awesome police car we ever saw, and could easily come out of a hidden cave somewhere. The “newer” Batmobile, clearly for then younger viewers, that needed an upgrade, doesn’t have the same zing, for me anyway. Quite frankly, the 2nd gen(?) Batmobile was kind of a slap in the face to the late great George Barris, and the late also great Adam West didn’t need molded plastic to show off his physic, pure West. Another hilarious episode of the Simpsons, the Batmobile is a beater, running poorly with the tail pipe dragging,,
Pure West….. love that episode Howard.
Holy body repair Batman, lets bid on these!!
I guess I am showing my age a little, I would haft to agree with Howard A on that his one. Comparing the new one to the old is like comparing a new Dodge Charger to a 68-70 Dodge Charger. There is no comparison.
I’ll take the original Batmobile any day over anything that came after. George Barris rules!!
Before bidding, read about “DC Comics v. Mark Towle.” DC Comics successfully sued a builder of replica Batmobiles, claiming that the Batmobile is a character, and therefore subject to copyright protections. The appeals court affirmed the decision. I’m not sure what that means for the next owner, but I’d certainly be cautious.
Interesting thoughts to ponder. Maybe that’s why the seller wants them gone together. I know if I walked into my local Florida DMV, I would be hard pressed to get a title for these vehicles.
I wonder if that falls under the same category as Eleanor? That whole suit fell through and anybody can build an Eleanor now without repercussion.
The court applied these tests to determine copyright protection:
1. The character must generally have physical as well as conceptual qualities.
2. The character must be sufficiently delineated to be recognizable as the same character whenever it appears. It must display consistent, identifiable character traits and attributes, although the character need not have a consistent appearance.
3. The character must be especially distinctive and contain some unique elements of expression. It cannot be a stock character like a magician in standard magician garb.
I’m guessing Eleanor failed the third test, not being distinctive enough to be copyright protected.
Ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham owns a street-legal “Keaton” Batmobile that he enjoys showing up at local car shows with. He laughs about all the yuppies showing off their Ferraris and Lambos, then everybody stopping and staring when Jeff shows up.
The ‘original’ looks to be sitting on some kind of a 70’s Lincoln chassis judging by the engine bay & steering wheel. Definitely would like the original one sitting in my drive.
Yes, the one is definitely FOMOCO based, looks like a big block with the A/C compressor bracket still in place.
This one reminds me of a project our Rotary Club did. We took a 1978 Grand Marquis that belonged to a member’s mother, stripped it down to a bare shell and chassis, leaving the front seat and dash in place. We stretched the chassis 6 feet, and built – wait for it – a paddle wheel steamer on top. It was road worthy believe it or not, and we drove it all around South Florida as a promotional item for Rotary. It sure got some looks when we were out on the road with it!
Batty🦇
I always wanted an original Batmobile. I’ve seen a few replicas over the years, but nothing will ever top the first one, especially to a kid in love with cars since he was born. I frequently drove past the home of Daryl Starbird, a car customizer, when I was younger. I couldn’t wait to see what might be parked in his driveway each time. Imagine my surprise when a Batmobile was sitting there one time!
Went to $42,857, 64 bids, reserve not met.