Mark Gregory Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 Holy handbrake turns, Batman! Museum puts road legal replica of the BATMOBILE up for sale for £30,000 An incredible replica of the iconic Michael Keaton Batmobile is set to sell at auction for up to £30,000 It was purchased by the London Motor Museum in Hillingdon where it was on display until the museum closed Now the vehicle, which is built on a vintage Ford Mustang, is being sold by Bonhams on March 20 An incredible road legal replica of the classic Batmobile used in the films starring Michael Keaton is set to sell at auction - and fetch up to £30,000. The custom-made vehicle is an exact copy of the Batmobile driven in two Batman films, in 1989 and in 1992, both starring Michael Keaton as the caped crusader. In 2016 a specialist company in the UK constructed the replica, using a vintage 1965 Ford Mustang as the base. Tim Burton's Batmobile, driven by Michael Keaton in two Batman movies is one of the most popular versions of Batman trusty motor. The Batmobile itself sat on a Chevrolet chassis and even features functional gadgets. However, the exhaust afterburner could only run for around 15 seconds. The original Keaton Batmobile was voice-controlled with an interior that features contoured seats, aircraft instrumentation and a weapon system that includes two Browning submachine guns. The design of the car was so important that Michael Keaton's Batsuit had to be modified so that he could fit into the car, rather than modifying the car itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 RHD Batmobile???? Exact replica??? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 3 minutes ago, CarlLaFong said: RHD Batmobile???? Exact replica??? Maybe this one was made for Alfred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 Obviously the clock is more important than the tach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 The Catwoman outfit was on display at Universal, it was sewed on. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted January 25, 2021 Share Posted January 25, 2021 I'm not sure if this is true, but I read somewhere that the Batmobile was and is, copyrighted by D.C. Studios and cannot be legally reproduced, owned, driven etc. without a license from D.C. Studios. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 Wonder what the test is how much must be changed not to violate a copyright. Used to be a problem all of the time with software. Just asked to give credit if they used mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 I just Googled it and there have been several lawsuits involving copyright infringement of the Batmobile. The court ruled that the Batmobile is considered a "character" such as Batman, Robin, the Joker etc. so it's protected by the copyright. If I'm reading the lawsuit correctly, the gentleman that is selling his recreation of the Batmobile can face legal action, just by fabricating and owning his recreation. Nor can he legally sell it. I don't think D.C. Studios would go after him, but you never know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Gregory Posted January 26, 2021 Author Share Posted January 26, 2021 You think it would cost more than $40,000 to fabricate this replica. Plus would the Auction House have any liability for selling an copyright infringement. They probability should be held more accountable like a Real Estate agent or Lawyer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 4 hours ago, 46 woodie said: I'm not sure if this is true, but I read somewhere that the Batmobile was and is, copyrighted by D.C. Studios and cannot be legally reproduced, owned, driven etc. without a license from D.C. Studios. That would make a lot of sense, mostly for the children's toy market Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 AFAIR was reported here a number of years ago that Disney lawyered a child care center for painting a mural on the wall with Bambi. It is the reason that Disney films start with a few seconds of "Steamboat Willie". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 I think there may have been some changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 This is still the coolest one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, GregLaR said: This is still the coolest one. Incorrect. Edited January 26, 2021 by Matt Harwood (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarNucopia Posted January 26, 2021 Share Posted January 26, 2021 22 hours ago, 46 woodie said: I'm not sure if this is true, but I read somewhere that the Batmobile was and is, copyrighted by D.C. Studios and cannot be legally reproduced, owned, driven etc. without a license from D.C. Studios. Shouldn’t Ford own the copyright? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsmoke Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Let's face it, they're all Carbage! (a term I just coined). Why anyone over 14 years of age would want one, let alone pay big bucks for one amazes me. Yawn...... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BucketofBolts Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 If I buy it does that mean I can drive on the Highway with a Batman outfit and not get a ticket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 11 minutes ago, BucketofBolts said: If I buy it does that mean I can drive on the Highway with a Batman outfit and not get a ticket? I don't think this guy got in trouble... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bloom Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 I always thought Adam West and Burt Ward were pretty lame as Batman and Robin. The talent on the show was Cesar Romero. ....fabulous as The Joker. The best part was the cameos and the stars that rolled through the show. And let’s not forget Julie Newmar as Catwoman....... prrrrrrrrrr...... 30,000 pounds is a little north of 41K US dollars......ah......no..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 On 1/27/2021 at 2:54 PM, JBP said: “Holy Dyna-Flash, Batman! We’ll never be able to catch that Buick 8 with the Bat-Merc-Mobile!” I think that is from the second Batman serial version. Theres another from the early 40's that is really fun to watch as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 1960's Adam West Burt Ward version is awsome! Anything that follows is just boring! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 Then there is the "Flatmobile" from the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PONTIAC1953 Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 On 1/26/2021 at 4:46 PM, Car-Nicopia said: Shouldn’t Ford own the copyright? no, George Barris became the owner of the Futura when he paid Ford $1.00 for the car, George created the original Batmobile from the Futura. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 No matter how cool a car is, somewhere there's a guy who's just tired of driving it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
46 woodie Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 I can't believe George Barris cut apart the Ford Futura, concept car, to make the Batmobile. That was downright criminal, concept cars are a part of automotive history. I know many of them didn't even run and drive but there are people that collect them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAKerry Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 Nah, it was just a crazy used car, prob. had little value. Most were crushed anyway. Hindsight is always 20/20. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 +1 on "used car" at the time, have any idea how many movie cars there are ? Probably used from 6-12 for each show/series. Also even manufacturers had a habit of making next year's show car out of last year's. Parts may also be difficult to find. Back in the day I remember many GM "show car"s parked on Worth Ave driven by wintering GM execs, some even for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 On 1/26/2021 at 1:52 AM, padgett said: AFAIR was reported here a number of years ago that Disney lawyered a child care center for painting a mural on the wall with Bambi. It is the reason that Disney films start with a few seconds of "Steamboat Willie". So theoretically I should be able to sue Disney for the damages Bambi has inflicted on my property these many years?!😃 Not a Disney fan. Not sorry. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 On 1/29/2021 at 4:51 PM, GregLaR said: No matter how cool a car is, somewhere there's a guy who's just tired of driving it. All this one needs is an S-10 chassis. Or other suitable unit, Probably an Art Morrison for the high end. Where is this thing, its got me to thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PONTIAC1953 Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 On 1/30/2021 at 9:52 AM, 46 woodie said: I can't believe George Barris cut apart the Ford Futura, concept car, to make the Batmobile. That was downright criminal, concept cars are a part of automotive history. I know many of them didn't even run and drive but there are people that collect them. look up 1966batmobile.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Schramm Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 18 hours ago, pontiac1953 said: look up 1966batmobile.com Interesting history Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 On 1/31/2021 at 9:55 AM, JACK M said: All this one needs is an S-10 chassis. Or other suitable unit, Probably an Art Morrison for the high end. Where is this thing, its got me to thinking. The original used a Lincoln or a Crown Vic as a starting point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 (edited) 16 minutes ago, 28 Chrysler said: The original used a Lincoln or a Crown Vic as a starting point. Should be easy to find one of those. I have another 392 core under the bench, gettin itchy to do something with it. Edited February 2, 2021 by JACK M (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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