We shall mark the year 2013 as the most important year in the history of civilization, as 2013 is the year that we’re able to purchase the Batmobile from the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog.
To answer your most pressing question: No, there are no real-life atomic batteries or turbines to be found in this masterpiece. But – BUT!!! – there’s a propane tank mounted to the back of the thing that shoots out flames in an effort to conjure up “the same afterburner effect as the original,” says Hammacher.
Assuming you’ll actually be driving this car (please, please, pleeeease don’t let it just sit in your fancy, multi-car garage), here’s what you’re getting: “Built on a custom Lincoln chassis, this crime-fighting cruiser comes standard with a 430-horsepower, 383 Blueprint Crate engine and a Monster TH350 automatic transmission.”
And what Batmobile would be complete without an interior full of wonderful toys? According to the product description:
The vehicle’s cockpit honors the gadgetry of the TV series with a blinking Batphone, switch-operated electric actuators that open the hood and trunk, and a rotating red beacon to alert citizens while in pursuit of fiendish criminals. Other intriguing, if less functional, accessories include a glowing detect-a-scope screen, a Batbeam ray that raises from a hood-mounted antenna, and empty rear parachute packs. The vehicle’s exterior bears all the hallmarks of its namesake, from bubble-canopy windshields to chrome “rocket” tubes behind the rear windshield. Though the original Batmobile lacked rearview mirrors, this street-legal model comes with clamp-on side mirrors as well as a rear video camera.
The Batmobile will set you back a cool $200,000 and you’ll have to call a special number to order it. That’s an extra step I’m just not willing to put up with, so it looks like I’ll be sticking with my normal car for now.
The Authentic 1966 Batmobile [Hammacher Schlemmer]