A Batmobile-style replica based on a 1979 Lincoln Continental was reported up for auction in May 2025 with bidding starting at $70,000. It is not one of the original television Batmobiles, and the reported opening bid is not a confirmed sale price. The car pairs a 1960s-inspired exterior with a reported 400-cubic-inch V8 and three-speed automatic; the auction outcome and the vehicle’s current availability have not been established.
What was offered for auction?
HotHardware reported on May 5, 2025, that the custom replica was based on a 1979 Lincoln Continental. Its account relayed details from the auction description, rather than an independent inspection or verified vehicle records. The article said bidding opened at $70,000; it did not establish whether the car sold or what its final price might have been.
This is a replica, not an original screen-used car from the 1960s television series. The Lincoln donor also differs from the vehicles associated with the original TV cars.
What are the reported engine and equipment details?
According to the auction description as summarized by HotHardware, the car has a 400-cubic-inch V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The reported equipment includes power steering, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes.
#1 Best Overall
- Classic 1966 TV Batmobile – Build the legendary Batmobile from the original Batman TV series in 1:25 scale; a must-have for fans and collectors.
- Easy SNAP Assembly – No glue or paint required; skill level 2 model with 56 parts for builders ages 10 and up.
- Pre-Painted & Highly Detailed – Includes a pre-painted black body, chrome parts, detailed interior, and pad-printed Bat-wheel spinners.
- Bonus Display Pieces – Comes with an all-new Gotham City skyline cardboard backdrop and a set of water-slide decals.
- Display-Ready Size – Assembled model measures 9 inches long and features metal axles and 4 screws for sturdy construction.
The bodywork is described as fiberglass, with prominent fins, a jet nozzle, and a bubble cockpit. HotHardware also reported black paint with red stripes, applied the year before its May 2025 article. These are reported specifications and appearance details, not findings from a documented mechanical inspection.
How closely does it resemble the television Batmobile?
The fins, nozzle, bubble cockpit, and black-and-red finish evoke the familiar TV design. But this is a visual replica: HotHardware specifically noted that it does not have jet propulsion, working levers and gadgets, or airbags. The article also called out wheels that look noticeably different from those on the original design.
Rank #2
- Classic in black: This model kit of the Batmobile from the classic Batman TV show features one of the most famous vehicles on the planet. It’s long, sleek shape and distinctive red pinstripes are instantly recognizable by fans around the world.
- New additions: All-new PVC figures of Penguin and Catwoman are included to represent the times they stole Batman’s ride in the TV show. (Figures require paint and glue)
- Gadgets: The Batmobile’s gadgets from the Bat-ram to Batcomputer and everything in between are featured in the model.
- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale. 90 Parts. 9” long. Molded in black and clear with chrome parts and black vinyl tires. Assembly instructions included. Skill level 2 – Suggested for modelers age 14+ PAINT AND GLUE REQUIRED.
The original television car’s design history helps explain the comparison. HotHardware traced it to a 1955 Ford Futura concept car adapted by custom-car builder George Barris. The article says three additional cars based on the 1966 Ford Galaxie followed for the 1966–1968 series starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. The replica discussed here instead uses a Lincoln Continental donor.
How does the $70,000 opening bid compare with the original car’s sale?
HotHardware compared the replica’s reported $70,000 opening bid with its report that an original Futura-based 1966 Batmobile sold for $4.62 million in 2012. Those figures describe different cars and different kinds of price information: an opening bid for a replica and a reported historical sale of an original. Neither determines the replica’s final auction price or present value.
Rank #3
What is not established about this car?
The May 2025 HotHardware account does not provide a verified auction result, seller identity, vehicle history, inspection findings, title or registration status, or safety certification. It names the reported donor car and describes some components, but that is not enough to establish the replica’s mechanical condition or road-registration eligibility. Anyone evaluating a similar listing would need documentation and an inspection specific to that vehicle.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This thing was so cool on the screen that the lame default description simply will NOT do.
- Rounding out the trio of Batmobile model kits from Bandai is the brand new rendition from The Battinson!
- This is a nice fusion of the highly-detailed snap-fit models that you've come to expect from Bandai, mixed with a little serious model car for good measure
Rank #4
- Detailed Replica: Embark on a vigilante building adventure with a film-accurate Batman toy 3D puzzle. This 4D Build Retro Batmobile includes all the details you love, plus a sturdy stand for when it’s complete
- Easy To Assemble: You get 8 sheets with 202 intricate durable punch-out pieces and simple instructions to complete this satisfying craft challenge. No glue or tools required
- Designed For Display: An authentic addition to your 3D puzzles collection, ideal for room decor, office decor, & shelf decor. This Retro Batmobile model kit measures 14.5 in x 6.3 in x 3.5 in (37 cm x 16 cm x 8.8 cm)
- Shop Fun Games: Love your 4D Build model kit & need more fun? Spin Master toys & games offer a range from kids games to board games for adults, puzzles for adults, & kids puzzles
- Find Your Fandom: Find more 3D puzzles for adults as gifts for him, gifts for teens, gifts for men, & gifts for any fan of Marvel, Lord of the Rings, GOT, HOTD, Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter & more
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
