Some movies and TV shows feature cars that become stars in their own right. Few people can think of The Dukes of Hazzard without remembering the General Lee. The same is true of the 1960s Batman series. While Adam West and Burt Ward were the human stars, the Batmobile became a small-screen icon. Creating a replica of the General Lee is relatively easy, but the Batmobile poses significant challenges. However, this Batmobile is among the best you’ll find. Its creator’s eye for detail is impressive, with the vehicle featuring virtually all of the gadgets employed by the crime-fighting duo to bring Gotham City’s criminal element to justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting it listed here on eBay in Rogers, Minnesota. Vehicles of this type are rarely cheap, and the seller set the price of the Batmobile at $299,995 OBO.

The original Batmobile was almost the ultimate custom build on a tight timeline. The contract was initially handed to Dean Jeffries, but when the show’s shooting schedule changed, he was unable to deliver a completed vehicle in time. The production company turned to George Barris, a man known for delivering exceptional results quickly. Utilizing the Futura Concept Car that he bought from Ford years earlier for $1.00, he created the Batmobile in an incredible three weeks. This Replica undoubtedly took longer and, unlike the original, its builders bolted the fiberglass body to a bespoke frame. Its appearance is all you would rightly expect, with the Black paint shining impressively, although the contrasting highlights don’t appear to be the correct shade of Cerise. The wheels look right, as do the bubble dome and the parachutes. Tailgaters can be dealt with effectively because the rear jet burner is fully functional.

Nestled in this Batmobile’s engine bay is a 400ci Lincoln V8. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting, with power-assisted steering and brakes helping maneuver what could be a pretty cumbersome vehicle. Of course, its creators weren’t building a daily driver, but a car that could be easily slotted into its rightful place at shows and other events. The seller is sparing with their information, but it appears that this beauty is a turnkey proposition with no identified mechanical shortcomings.

The interior is where this Batmobile shines, with the builder incorporating many of the elements that helped the TV original develop a cult following. The bucket seats feature wear-free Black vinyl covers with Red piping. The matching carpet is excellent, and the dashboard houses an Edsel dome speedometer. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Batmobile without the Batphone, the Emergency Bat Turn Lever, or the cut steering wheel with a bat in the center. Modern additions include a reversing camera, which would be worth its weight in gold given the car’s limited visibility.

Mounted atop the dashboard on the passenger side is the Detect-A-Scope for tracking those intent on wreaking havoc in Gotham City. The build incorporated a custom sound system that produces all the audio effects used in the TV Series. That will add to the impact made, and if the appearance doesn’t draw crowds, the sound undoubtedly will. The aluminum dash fascia looks stunning, but it rolls back to reveal more surprises.

Hidden behind the fascia are what appear to be an AM/FM radio and the reversing camera screen. There are also more lights and switches that seem to replicate items like the Remote Bat Computer Access system and other functions, as seen in the original Batmobile. The “Atomic Batteries” is an interesting one, and I’m probably not alone in finding such a feature slightly unnerving in a post-Chernobyl world. Of course, knowing how Batman thinks, those batteries are probably safely contained in a lead-lined housing to prevent radiation leaks.

I have never considered Batman, as portrayed in the 1960s TV series, to be a true superhero. Unlike Superman, he didn’t possess the enormous strength or the ability to fly. Instead, he was a wealthy guy with access to a significant selection of effective gadgets that stopped criminals in their tracks. The most recognizable of these was the Batmobile, which has become iconic six decades after the original series aired. This Replica is a gem, and appears to be extremely well-executed. Is it a classic that you could use regularly? Probably not. Would it draw crowds at shows or a Cars & Coffee? Undoubtedly. It will require a well-heeled enthusiast to find a new home, but I won’t be surprised if that happens. Will you?