Original Batmobile Sold for $4.2 Million At Auction

by Guy L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

You'd be hard-pressed to find a kid who grew up in the 60's who isn't familiar with TV's Batman & Robin. And, one of the coolest things was the Batmobile, which fired the imaginations of countless future motorheads and gearheads all around the country!


The Batmobile
George Barris custom design


My wife Andrea and I got the opportunity to meet George Barris several years ago, and saw the original Batmobile up close and in person. It was like being taken back to my youth. What "wows" today is learning that even though the country is currently in one of the worst recessions in recent memory, this same car at the Barrett-Jackson auction last weekend drew an incredible $4.2 million!  I can think of dozens of "Holy _____ Batman" expressions that come to mind.

George Barris, who designed the iconic automobile, created a one-of-a-kind look for the the Caped Crusader and his side-kick Robin, played by Adam West and Burt Ward in the 1960's television version of the comic superhero Batman. The car, which started as a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car built by hand for $250,000, was transformed into every little boy's fantasy of what was cool, with futuristic features including the "Batphone" (long before cell phones were invented), and all sorts of gizmo's that helped the crime fighters save the day.

I read that George Barris was pleased with the auction results, as it sure drew a fantastic sale price. I am pleased that there is still such interest in these old cars that were such an important part of our childhood. Even though it's out of my budget, it's fun to keep our dreams alive!

REFERENCES / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION 
AOL Autos - Batmobile, First 2014 Corvette Sold At Auction
Batmobile History - The History of the Batmobile
Batmobile Info & Specs - The 1966 TV Batmobile
Forbes - Holy Automative Machinery! Batmobile Sells For $4.2 Million
George Barris - Barris Kustom Industries

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Guy L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Guy Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together he and his wife Andrea share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.