Whatever happened to the Batmobile from Batman (1989)? The Batmobile first appeared in DC Comics in May of 1939, where it was originally depicted as an ordinary-looking red car. Over the years the appearance has varied, however, it has nearly always featured a bat motif. Depictions of the vehicle have evolved along with the character, with each incarnation reflecting evolving car technologies.
The Batmobile as it looked in 1941.
The Batmobile has been portrayed as having many uses, such as vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation, anti-tank warfare, riot control, and a mobile crime lab. In some depictions, the Batmobile has individually articulated wheel mounts and is able to be driven unmanned or can be remotely operated. It has appeared in every Batman iteration, from comic books and television to films and video games.
The 1989 Batmobile
Tim Burton’s live-action movies Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) presented a new Batmobile. This one reflecting the films’ Art Deco version of Gotham City.
Gotham as it looked in Tim Burton’s 1989 movie ‘Batman’.
The body of the Batmobile was sculpted by Keith Short in a collaboration with Eddie Butler. It was long, low and sleek, and built on a Chevrolet Impala chassis. Rolls-Royce jet engine components were used to form the hood-mounted intake, and turbine blades in the nosepiece were sourced from a British Harrier fighter jet.
The Batmobile being sculpted by Keith Short.
Where Is The Batmobile From Batman Today?
Two Batmobiles were used on-screen during the filming of the two Batman movies. One of the Batmobiles can be found at the Peterson Automotive Museum in California. The Batmobile is on display alongside other on-screen cars such as the DeLorean from Back to the Future. The second Batmobile is owned by Batman producer John Peters. It is currently kept in the garage of his Malibu home.
The 1989 Batmobile is on show at the Peterson Automotive Museum in California.