Legendary Batmobile From 1960s TV Show Headed for Auction


 

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — The legendary Batmobile from the 1960s television show will cross the auction block on January 19, said the Barrett-Jackson auction house on Thursday.

Barrett-Jackson, which calls the Batmobile "the Holy Grail of TV star cars," did not confirm the reserve price for the car. The Batmobile is expected to fetch millions.

The one-of-a-kind 1955 Lincoln Futura was heavily modified by legendary Hollywood customizer George Barris and features a bubble top and a slew of gadgets, including Bat Smoke and two rear-mounted parachutes.

"The 1966 Batmobile by George Barris is one of the most famous Hollywood cars in history and it has become a true icon that has been carried from generation to generation of Batmobiles to follow," said Craig Jackson, Barrett-Jackson CEO, in a statement.

Jackson said the Batmobile "revolutionized an entire industry." The auction house calls it an "iconic crime-fighting vehicle."

The auction marks the first time the original Batmobile has gone up for sale. The car has been part of Barris' personal collection since he first bought it from Ford Motor Co. for a dollar in 1965, according to Barrett-Jackson.

The Batmobile features a midnight-black exterior paint treatment accented by fluorescent-red pinstripes. Barris said he transformed the Lincoln into the Batmobile in just 15 days for $15,000.

The Batmobile is part of Barrett-Jackson's 5000 Series.

Edmunds says: Expect lots of potential buyers for this priceless piece of Hollywood history.