Original Batmobile Auctioned for $4.62M
Holy cow, Batman!
The original Batmobile was auctioned Saturday for $4.62 million, including commission, at the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The crime-fighting vehicle was built by George Barris, who transformed a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car he bought for $1 into one of the most recognizable vehicles in entertainment history.
The 19-foot-long car was used on the "Batman" television show from 1966 to 1968 and had remained in Barris' personal collection until the auction.
The buyer of Bruce Wayne's old ride was identified by The Hollywood Reporter as Rick Champagne, the owner of a Tempe-based logistics company.
Champagne will have all of the famous Bat-gadgets at his fingertips. The car comes equipped with a Batphone, Bat smoke and is capable of a 180-degree "bat-turn" thanks to two rear-mounted parachutes, among other features, according to a release on the Barrett-Jackson website.
Batman memorabilia and documentation from Barris' archives is also included in the sale, according to Barrett-Jackson.
