The original 1992 Batmobile from Batman Returns is heading to a Los Angeles auction with a $7 million estimate.
The original Batmobile from the 1992 movie Batman Returns is heading to auction in Los Angeles. Built around two joined Chevrolet Impala chassis, the iconic movie car is estimated to bring between $5 million and $7 million. If it reaches the high end of that range, it could set a new auction record for a car built for a movie or TV production.
On November 23, Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies will hold the auction in Los Angeles and online. The headline automotive lot will be the Batmobile driven in Batman Returns.
Julien's Auctions has placed an estimated value of $5 million to $7 million on the car. The potential sale would surpass the current record for a movie or television car: $4.2 million, paid for the original Batmobile from the 1960s Batman TV series.
Tim Burton's Batmobile doesn't use a conventional production-car platform. Its frame was constructed from two Chevrolet Impala chassis joined together, while the body was made from fiberglass.
The car measures roughly 19.7 feet from bumper to bumper.
Its design draws heavily from the Art Deco style. The front features a large turbine-inspired air intake, while massive fins dominate the rear. The unusual proportions fit the dark, stylized version of Gotham City created for Burton's Batman films.
Under the long body sits a Chevrolet V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
According to Julien's Auctions, this particular Batmobile was used for most of the driving scenes in Batman Returns. That makes it more significant to collectors than backup or static cars that may have been used during production.
After filming wrapped, the Batmobile appeared at the movie's premiere and later at a wrap party for the exhibition. It was eventually stored and displayed at the Marconi Automotive Museum.
The car still wears its original glossy black finish.
The Batman Returns Batmobile carries considerable historical value for collectors of movie cars. The design appeared in both of Tim Burton's Batman films and became one of the most recognizable superhero vehicles ever put on screen.
Other famous movie cars have also commanded millions at auction. A 1968 Ford Mustang GT from Bullitt sold for $3.74 million, while a 1965 Aston Martin DB5 associated with James Bond brought $2.4 million.
A $5 million to $7 million result for the Batmobile would comfortably exceed both figures. The final price, however, will be determined by the bidders when the auction closes.
The November auction will also feature Batman costumes, props, production materials and other memorabilia connected to the character's history on screen.