The original Batmobile from the 1966 Batman TV series began as a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car before George Barris and his team transformed it for the show. Barris sold the screen-used car in 2013 for a reported $4.62 million. Its later ownership, sale status, and current display location are not conclusively established by the available evidence.
From Lincoln Futura to the 1966 Batmobile
The Batmobile was not originally built as a TV car. Barris Kustom identifies the 1955 Lincoln Futura as the vehicle converted for the Batman series starring Adam West and Burt Ward. The Futura’s dramatic concept-car shape gave the customizer a striking starting point.
Barris Kustom says its team had three weeks to transform the car for the series. The builder describes the resulting Batmobile as having hand-formed steel bodywork and a 429 Ford racing engine; these specifications come from Barris Kustom’s account, rather than an independent inspection. The finished car combined the Futura’s distinctive form with Bat-themed styling and special effects.
For the conversion and specifications, see Barris Kustom’s Batmobile history.
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What happened to the original after the show?
The original remained associated with Barris until he sold it at Barrett-Jackson in January 2013. LegalClarity reports the sale price as $4,620,000. That is a historical sale figure, not an estimate of the car’s current value.
The evidence available here does not establish a complete, verified public display history after that sale. Claims that a museum displays the original should be treated cautiously: full-size replicas exist, and a Batmobile display does not by itself prove that the screen-used Futura is on view.
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Original Batmobile vs. replicas
| Vehicle | What it is | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Screen-used original | The Lincoln Futura converted for the 1966 TV series and sold by Barris in 2013. | Look for evidence tying the specific car to the Futura and its screen use. |
| Full-size replica | A later recreation of the 1966 Batmobile; it is not the screen-used original. | Check the builder’s identification and provenance. Fiberglass Freaks’ Batman Museum says the company is licensed to build and sell replicas. |
| Scale model | A miniature collectible, not a drivable full-size car. | Check the product description and licensing or provenance claims. |
For a clear example of the distinction, RM Sotheby’s explicitly labels a separate auction vehicle a 1966 Batmobile recreation. Fiberglass Freaks’ museum background and display information also distinguish its replica work from the original car.
Who owns the original Batmobile now?
Current ownership is not conclusively established by the evidence available for this article. LegalClarity reported in 2026 that Rick Champagne owned the car and that it was listed through Barrett-Jackson for $5 million. That was a reported asking price, not a confirmed sale, and does not prove who owns the car today or whether the listing remains active.
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The reported 2013 sale price and 2026 listing are separate claims: LegalClarity reports the former as a completed sale and the latter as an asking price. Neither establishes a subsequent completed sale.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Was the original Batmobile built from a Lincoln Futura?
Yes. Barris Kustom identifies the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car as the starting vehicle for the Batmobile used in the 1966 TV series.
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How much did the original Batmobile sell for?
LegalClarity reports that Barris sold it at Barrett-Jackson in January 2013 for $4,620,000.
Is the original Batmobile on display at a museum?
The available evidence does not confirm a current public display venue for the original. Museums and attractions may display replicas, so verify the identity and provenance of the specific car before assuming it is the screen-used vehicle.
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Is the original Batmobile for sale now?
LegalClarity reported a $5 million listing in 2026, but that report does not establish whether the listing is still active or whether the car has since sold.
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