With the new Dark Knight movie in theaters, Batman is experiencing the movie effect where prices seem to climb for all related merchandise. This item would have definitely fetched a nice price on its own however.
This is the K&B Batmobile from 1966. I bought this from a close friend of mine back in the early 1980’s. It has remained in my nightstand draw for all this time. It still has all the original documents that came with it. The pinstripes are still unapplied, although they are a bit dried out, and the decals, also unapplied. Oh, and that all too rare wrench is also there.
If you look at the pictures, you will notice a slight stress crack on the top of the plastic case, about 2 3/4" long. It does not seem to go all the way through. This does not detract from the display. Some red from the radar "ears" seems to have gotten onto the top of the plastic case as well. Again, no big deal. There is a small 1 1/2" x 1/2" piece of clear plastic missing from the bottom of the case, on the right rear, where the top fits into it. Lastly, it appears the "chrome" decal pieces are all gone except for the front left headlight. I don’t know where they could have gone. If you look at the picture of the bottom of the Batmobile, you will noticed I braced the sides with some wood. I did that so the sides wouldn’t warp inward as most of these models do.
I am going to reprint some of what was printed for the last auction, as it applies to this Batmobile as well, and is worded perfectly. I have added some of my own words when necessary:
Aurora K & B did a commendable job with this slot car, incorporating separate trim pieces for the "antler horns" and the rocket tubes. Atop the light bar, a small red wheat germ bulb was wired to the pickup so that it would light whenever the car was run. As expected, these trim pieces were the first things to get obliterated upon a roll-over crash. This car, however, survived nearly intact. Very lightly run with no body cracks! Made as a separate part, the injection molded clear plastic windshield assembly IS COMPLETELY INTACT. This should bring the condition value way up. Its body is spectacular, painted by the factory from the inside. This vacuum formed car body is still held to the chassis by the original black compression spring wire mounts. This baby gleams almost like new and no one will notice the absolutely minimal flaws.
Its complicated magnesium original chassis mounts the correct black motor with the factory’s decal still adhered. All the car’s tires seem to be original and still pliable with unblemished wheels and ORIGINAL bat hubs. No repros allowed on this car! At the front, the drop-arm pickup has contact braids that are a bit worn from the light use. Please remember that this car’s operation is completely untested and is sold "AS-IS" but should not see any track use anyway.
From my research, this is one of 12 K&B Batmobiles left and accounted for. I have started the bidding way below what the last one has sold for on ebay, and have no reserve. One of twelve… not bad for a true Batman fan. Currently $3,050.00 with ten hours to go.
Thanks for posting my auction. This Batmobile was very dear to me because it started a friendship that has endured for over 20 years. But it was sitting in my nightstand for all those years and I wanted someone to have it who would appreciate it. It is in amazing condition and I’m sure the buyer will be very happy with it.
Thanks for posting my auction. This Batmobile was very dear to me because it started a friendship that has endured for over 20 years. But it was sitting in my nightstand for all those years and I wanted someone to have it who would appreciate it. It is in amazing condition and I’m sure the buyer will be very happy with it.