TV BATMOBILE from Mattel in 2007

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, DC Comics, and Mattel, Inc. recently announced the production of a line of Hot Wheels® die-cast cars inspired by the original Batmobile featured in the 1966 “Batman” television series. The original design by custom automotive legend, George Barris, was based on a futuristic 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car that was never put into production. George Barris’ iconic crime-fighting vehicle has since become an enduring symbol of the beloved Batman franchise. The launch of the Hot Wheels® Batmobile models commemorates the 40th anniversary of the first “Batman” television series.

“While the vehicle has been reinvented numerous times over the years in comic books, animated series and feature films, the TV Batmobile is still held in the highest regard with countless fans who will truly appreciate this exciting endeavor,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. There is no denying that Barris’ classic version of the Batmobile is world-renowned and the Hot Wheels® reproductions will be the first of their kind bringing one of television’s most recognized vehicles to a new generation of Batman fans and collectors alike.

Mattel will produce multiple scales of the Hot Wheels® Batmobile, including a 1:64th scale model that will appear on store shelves in spring 2007 as part of the Hot Wheels® basic car line. In fall 2007, there will be an additional 1:64th scale model introduced as well as a 1:43rd scale replica model and a 1:18th scale, which will have three tiers of detail and finish. The ultimate version, the Hot Wheels Elite™ special edition Batmobile, will have enough detail to delight even the most discriminating of Batmobile aficionados and die-cast collectors alike.

In order to re-create the stunning original the Hot Wheels® team headed up by Chief Designer Larry Wood, took precise measurements and also placed white powder all over the TV Batmobile to scan it for working on the design digitally. Then they made a 3-D image and cut the tooling from those images to insure an accurate reproduction.

“This is the car that every collector has been asking for,” said Geoff Walker, Vice President of Wheels Marketing, Mattel Brands. “This Batmobile is the version of the Caped Crusader’s car that everyone will instantly recognize. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to create the Hot Wheels® version of this iconic vehicle.”

George Barris himself had this to say, “We received thousands of letters asking when the TV Batmobile will be available, and are pleased that Hot Wheels® is bringing the original to life through different scales and detail. I take great pride in the vehicle’s design and know that the Hot Wheels® team will do it justice in capturing the details of the original. It is my honor to be a part of the 40-year history of the Batmobile and to have this most famous car released by Mattel for consumers.”