Many a boyhood dream has been filled with the idea
of driving the Batmobile. Seldom does the chance to realize that dream come up,
but that's just what we have here not just to drive the Batmobile, but to own
one.
Listed for sale on JamesList is, technically
speaking, a replica of the original – but it's an official and recognized
replica, built in-period.
Following the four replicas built by George Barris
(who designed and crafted the original Batmobile), this fifth example was made
in 1966 by a private enthusiast named Jim Sermesheim. Barris was evidently
impressed with Sermersheim's work, so he bought the car and put it on display
and tour just like the four his company had made.
Robert Butts of Fantasy Cars bought it in 1986 and undertook
a comprehensive restoration before its current owner acquired it two years
later, holding on to it to this day. But now he's put it up for sale – complete
with everything from a Bat-Phone to a 5.7-liter V8, rated at 250 horsepower and
hidden underneath a motorized hood, but sadly having nothing to do with the
decorative rear turbine outlet.
It's as faithful a rendition of the original
Batmobile as you'll ever find, well documented and faithfully preserved. And it
can be yours for US$ 250,000.
