The original 1966 George Barris “Batmobile” sells for $4.62 Million!

Holy Megabucks, Batman!  The original 1966 Batmobile created by George Barris for the iconic 60’s TV show, Batman, has sold for a staggering $4.62 Million dollars at the famed Barrett-Jackson Auction held on Saturday, January 19 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The winning bidder was Rick Champagne, a logistics company owner based in Phoenix, Arizona, who knew throughout the day that he would be going home with the 1st and most sought-after star-car ever created.  The bidding quickly jumped over the $1 million mark less than a minute into the auction and stalled out just after meeting the reserve around $2.4 million.  Shortly after some additional words from George Barris at the Barrett-Jackson podium (he even threw in the coat off his back), the bidding reached a fever-pitch culminating in a coin toss between the two high bidders.  Rick Champagne made the winning and final bid at $4.2 million dollars.  Estimates for the selling value of the car had been bandied about by fans and critics several days before the auction with amounts ranging from a very low $200,000 to $5 million.  The final sale value of the car topped out at $4.62 million tying it with the James Bond Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 for the highest amount ever paid for a movie car at auction.

Screenshot of the final bid price at the Barrett-Jackson Auction.

The Batmobile is the most recognized and popular automobile prop in entertainment history.  It has become an icon that has influenced several Batmobiles to follow and paved the way for TV and movie cars to become stars in their own right.  

Check out some of the videos after the jump for more on this amazing car!  Still need more of a Batman fix? Take a visit with us to the Dark Knight Legend Exhibit which featured the original Batmobile in one of its last public display appearances!

http://beyondthemarquee.com/17249/

Batmobile creator George Barris talks about the history and creation of the Batmobile

Check out the Batmobile in action, in these highlights from the classic TV show…