From the movie "Batman Forever".
Specifications:
Est. 350hp, 350 cu. in. ZZ3 Chevrolet V8 engine, automatic transmission, custom front and rear suspension. Wheelbase: 118"
Length: 25 ft.
Height: 10.5 ft.
Width: 7 ft.
While Batman made his first onscreen appearance in 1966, it was Bob Kane who first created the tormented superhero in 1939. Driven by the memory of his parents’ murder and a valiant sense of justice, the eccentric Bruce Wayne was aided by an impressive arsenal of crime-fighting tools stashed away in his utility belt and in his underground Batcave. In much the same way that James Bond’s latest Aston Martin has been eagerly awaited by theatergoers young and old, so too has the evolution of Batman’s car been a much anticipated event of every cinema, television, or comic book appearance. Its mysterious and sinister design has changed repeatedly over the course of the last sixty years, but it has always retained bat-like qualities in every incarnation. Above all, it has been an integral part of every Batman plot and crucial to the Dark Knight’s ultimate success.
The very first issues of Batman comics had Batman driving a rather conventional automobile. More distinctive Batmobiles were first drawn up in the early 1940s and changed with Detroit’s styling trends to culminate in the widely recognizable car driven by Adam West and Burt Ward in the first Batman television series. Over the course of the next two decades, the Batmobile further evolved although it would not make another live-action appearance until Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman, which had Michael Keaton driving a long, black, Batmobile, reflective of the darker and more shadowy tone which Burton tried to evoke from the plot and characters. In focusing on the more sinister side of the Batman story, Burton was often credited with returning to the comic’s roots. From there, Michael Keaton made one more appearance in Batman Returns and the car’s design remained essentially unchanged.
By 1995, however, Warner Brothers had chosen Joel Schumacher to direct Batman Forever. Starring Val Kilmer, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, and Tommy Lee Jones, the film represented a radical departure from Tim Burton’s directing style and based its themes and tones on the Batman comics of the 1940s and 1950s. Val Kilmer portrayed the Caped Crusader, who confronts both Two-Face and the Riddler in defending the good people of Gotham City. He is joined by his sidekick, Robin the Boy Wonder, as well as his love interest, Dr. Chase Meridian, played by Nicole Kidman. While the Riddler is essentially a disgruntled former employee of Wayne Enterprises, Two-Face’s disdain for Batman stems from his facial disfigurement. Over the course of the plot’s multiple twists and turns, both of Batman’s nemeses are defeated, rendering the duo of Batman and Robin triumphant and heralding in the second and final cinematic installment to be directed by Joel Schumacher.
Under Joel Schumacher’s direction and with the creative inspiration of artist Barbara Ling, the newest Batmobile evolved from its predecessor to take on a bold new look. While it retained an elongated appearance, it assumed an organic, bat-like effect created with simulated ribs, a large rear fin and wings. The appearance was further enhanced by lighting the engine, wheels, and undercarriage in blue. In Ling’s own words, “I wanted the Batmobile to look like a living, breathing thing.” Meanwhile, a flaming rear jet and a split cockpit canopy paid homage to previous models, while separate round headlamps retained an Art Deco feel consistent with the other classic cars in the picture. Other interesting features included a rear-view monitor, a system diagnostics display, remote-controlled headlights, a custom gauge cluster, and ‘spinner’ wheels whose center Bat emblem remained upright during driving. Grappling cables could be launched from its nose and, if anchored in place, would allow the car to drive up vertical surfaces. In fact, all four wheels could be angled perpendicularly to allow for quick, sideways evasive driving.
The Batmobile presented here is a running and driving example constructed in Australia with a fiberglass body and a custom tubular chassis. Its mold cost a reported $2,500,000 and an additional $300,000 was invested to complete the vehicle. As a promotional vehicle, not used in filming, it embarked on various promotional tours around the world before its eventual acquisition by Mr. Wiseman in 1999. It remains fully intact and functional with no damage to speak of. Despite a certain degree of surface texture and minor paint cracking and scuffs, the car remains in very presentable condition. The interior has held up nicely and is entirely custom made, while the undercarriage has been detailed to the standards required for cinema productions. Bat-gadgets such as the rear jet flame are completely functional.
As interest in Batman has increased once again in anticipation of his next cinema appearance in The Dark Knight, so too has public interest in his various gadgets, cars, and tools. This particular offering from the Wiseman Collection represents a very unique opportunity and a curious juxtaposition of design trends and cinematic flair. While its adherence to Bob Kane’s original vision is continually debated, its significance to the entire Batman industry and fan base is undeniable.
Please be advised that bidders for the 1995 Batmobile must be approved by Warner Brothers Consumer Products Division in addition to being registered bidders for the Al Wiseman Collection auction. The winning bidder of this lot will have to be approved by Warner Brothers Consumer Products Division before the sale is considered final.
Warner Brothers reserves the right to refuse approval at their discretion. If a potential buyer is not approved, he or she may not take legal action towards RM Auctions or Al Wiseman.
Please direct your inquires to Cailey Asher of RM Auctions at 800-211-4371 or by email to casher@rmauctions.com
Please note that the successful bidder must be prepared to sign a Warner Bros. and DC Comics purchase agreement that includes the following restrictions:
1.The Batmobile may only be exhibited at purchaser’s permanent location and at auto shows conducted at parks, schools and other similar public places but not at shopping malls, markets, department stores or commercial locations.
2. The Batmobile may only be exhibited in a stationary state and must be mechanically unable to be driven while on display to the general public and must comply with applicable fire codes.
3.The Batmobile may be driven solely when necessary for maintenance purposes and may never be driven while in public view.
4.No modifications, alternations or cosmetic changes of any kind can be made to the Batmobile nor can the Batmobile be reproduced in any way.
5. The Batmobile shall not be licensed, leased or otherwise made available to any third party for any reason.
6. The Batmobile may not be used, referred to, photographed or depicted in any advertisement, endorsement or promotion of any commercial establishment, product
or service of any kind.
7. The Batmobile may not be sold, transferred, leased or disposed of without prior written approval from Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
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