Michael Keaton’s 1989 Batmobile Hit the Market for $1.5 Million

Michael Keaton’s 1989 Batmobile represents an actual prop car used during the filming of the Dark Knight’s second big-screen adventure. It is also currently up for grabs through Classic Auto Mall. It is out on sale, in Pennsylvania for $1.5 million.

Have you ever dreamed of cruising around your hometown like the Caped Crusader? You’ll might soon be able to. The Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman movies is currently up for grabs through Classic Auto Mall.

Batman’s name became a popular symbol for the cape-wearing hero in 1939. Along with Batman comes the Batmobile. The real Batmobile featured in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). This isn’t just a replica, either. It’s the actual prop car designed by illustrator Julian Caldow.

Also, John Evans’ SFX team at Pinewood Studios in England. Its purpose was using it in the production of Batman’s second big-screen adventure, according to the sales listing. After production of the sequel wrapped, the car spent time at Six Flags New Jersey. After that, it became a possession of its current anonymous owner.

Julian Caldow, a conceptual illustrator, created this classic version of the Batmobile. “It was not so much a car as a symbol of Batman, so I had to take it to the next level”, he recalled. Classic Auto Mall president Stewart Howden said the car was originally powered by a 350 cubic-inch V8. Later, it converted into running on an electric motor for use at the park.

Adam West’s Batmobile Sold for Three Times the Price

Classic Auto Mall describes the long-nosed coupé’s exterior as “bat shit crazy cool”. Caldow’s creation has an Art Deco-inspired fibreglass body. The fighter jet-style cockpit somehow has room for three passengers. The car is gloss black, broken up only by its yellow headlamps and red taillights. It rides on a set of custom 15-inch wheels, and has the Batman logo at their center.

Because it is a movie car, and not an actual production vehicle, its powertrain leaves something to be desired. The vehicle is powered by a single electric motor, that will allow it to reach a maximum speed of 30 mph. It makes up for its lack of pep with some bonkers (working) gadgets, including a flame thrower.

Anyone hoping to add this Batmobile to their collection should prepare to spend big. The Pennsylvania-based consignor listed the vehicle for a not-insubstantial $1.5 million. That’s a fair sum, but it’s only about a third of what the Batmobile from the 1960s Adam West TV show sold for at auction in 2013. In that light, this prop car might even be a bargain.