The Best And Worst Batmobiles

The Best And Worst Batmobiles

One of the most iconic cars in automotive and cinematic history is the Batmobile. Not only is it incredibly cool, it can inspire a sense of childlike wonder every time it's seen cruising the streets of Gotham. It's Batman's trusty steed, and perhaps even on par with Alfred in its role as a companion. Some versions have been more accurate than others to the comic, and some have been downright ridiculous. We and out partners at Service King East Ft. Worth here in Fort Worth, TX present a few of our favorites.

The 1949 Mercury from the Black and White Batman and Robin film of the same year hearkens to the Detective Comics from the late 30's. It was simply a red car really had no bat theme at all. By 1941 the comics had adopted the idea of a high-powered bat themed vehicle, but it took some time for it to translate to film. The 1939 Cadillac from the 1943 Batman was actually closer to the mark in comparison to the Batmobile from the comics of the same period, but still a pretty far shot off. Definitely classy, though.

I'm going to skip the Schumacher Batman and Robin and Batman Forever Batmobiles. The movies were terrible and the Batmobiles suffered from the Schumacher treatment. They were gaudy and impractical, just like the films. The Tumblers from the Dark Knight Trilogy were less recognizable as Batmobiles but far superior due to practicality and the overall aesthetic. They fit well into the movies for the Batman they were telling the story for. 

The 1966 Adam West Batmobile is a classic. It is a thing of camp beauty that I dreamed of as a child. It had power, grace, and it was a lot of fun. It was a modified Lincoln Futura, which was a concept car from the 50's but fit so well with the Dynamic Duo I can't imagine anything better.

I was floored when I first saw the 1989 Michael Keaton Batman. It was the first time I reveled in seeing the Batman I knew from the comics done accurately in cinematic form. It reflected the Batmobile from my misbegotten childhood of comic reading better than anything I've ever seen and matched its Batman perfectly. 

There is a place in my heart for each and every Batmobile that has ever graced the silver screen. The rumble of their engines signify the arrival of Gotham's best and often only hope. Honorable mention goes to the Batmobile from Batman the Animated Series, which Paul Dini and Bruce Timm brought to life in all its amazing glory. 

Written By: Todd Hendrickson