Holy Big Bucks, Batman! The Batmobile used in the 1960s Batman TV show starring Adam West was auctioned January 19, 2013, for $4.2 million. The 19-foot-long two-seat, bubble-top, bullet-proof car is a customized 1955 Lincon Futura concept car. Original accessories included a Batphone, laser headlights, and a Bat-o-Meter that could locate the villains. The winning bidder, a known collector from Arizona, plans to display the car in his living room.
Batman became a very popular super hero character soon after he first appeared in Detective Comics #27 in May, 1939. He was originally referred to as “The Bat-Man.” He gained his own comic book title, Batman, in 1940. Unlike other superheroes, Batman doesn’t possess superpowers—he uses detective skills, martial arts skills, science and technology, his intellect and his wealth to wage war on crime.
In 1966, Batman and his crime-fighting partner, Robin, became part of a popular television series that ran 120 episodes. There are also radio and movie serials that featured the comic-strip pair. The first full-length movie was made in 1989 and newer movies have helped maintain Batman’s popularity.
Batman is also known as “The Caped Crusader”, “The Dark Knight” and “The World’s Greatest Detective.” Collectors look for comic books, posters, lobby cards, toys, candy boxes and other advertising items that feature Batman, Robin and the notorious bad guys who are out to get them.
Find prices of Batman collectibles in the free online price guide at Kovels.com.
I remember reading that the original 55 Ford Futura cost 1 million when it was made. I also remember seeing it in a movie in the 50’s, but it was red. Although it sounds like a lot, 4M in today’s currency still doesn’t equal the value of 1M in 1955 dollars.