Batmobile Replica Powered by GM 5.7-liter V8 Is a Hoot
Even the most casual Batman fan is guaranteed to fall in love with this amazing 1989 Batmobile look-alike.
One vehicle that generally gets automotive enthusiasts of all brands riled up is the iconic Batmobile. And among the many different crazy custom machines Batman has piloted on both TV and multiple big-screen appearances, most believe that the one featured in the 1989 Batman film is indeed the coolest. While many have built shoddy replicas of that very car, this one looks to a high-quality recreation that is actually fun to drive, too.
We know this because the folks at Drivetribe got the chance to get behind the wheel of this Batmobile replica, which was supposed to be sold at a Bonham’s auction, but the listing was pulled before the event began. Perhaps the owner had a change of heart, or maybe they sold it privately. Either way, we’re just glad we got the chance to take a closer look at this very cool recreation.
This particular Batmobile is a Frankenstein of sorts, as it rides on a 1965 Ford Mustang chassis but is powered by GM’s 5.7-liter V8, which produces 380 horsepower in this guise. Unfortunately, the twin turbos we see hanging from the side pipes are just there for looks. Regardless, the car’s fiberglass body makes it rather light, and it seems rather fun to drive as a result.
On the track, this 20-foot-long beast proves to be a handful, however, and the brakes are wholly inadequate. But that doesn’t stop our host from enjoying every second of his experience. “My God is this thing cool,” he says. “Is it easy to drive? No. Is it fun to drive? Yes. This thing will get you more attention than any million-pound supercar.”
That last bit pretty much goes without saying when you’re talking about a ginormous Batmobile replica, and since this car was only expected to sell for somewhere around $20k, we aren’t surprised that it quickly disappeared. Even the most casual Batman fan would want to own this thing, we imagine, and you most certainly couldn’t build it for that kind of cash. Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to our bat cave, ahem, basement to draw up our own plans for an LS-powered Batmobile.
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