The only way to celebrate Batman Day
There have been numerous versions of the CORGI Batmobile over the years, but few have ever replicated the success of the very first toy.
Our latest model is perfect for nostalgia-seekers, looking to bring that classic style back to their collection. While there have been a few Batman-inspired models over the years, the 1960s version has not been rereleased for over 40 years. Until now!
The original Batmobile
Released in 1966 in response to the popularity of the new TV series, the CORGI Batmobile is still one of the best-selling die-cast models ever.
The camp classic TV series starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin and was based on the comic book adventures of the caped duo. The stylised action and humour of the show defined the character in the public consciousness for decades, until 1989 when Tim Burton’s much darker gothic film version arrived. The 1966 Batmobile set the standard for all versions of the character’s legendary vehicle that followed it, becoming an icon from the moment it first appeared on screen thanks to its modifications and eye-catching style.
The car was a 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura, a concept car that never actually made it into widespread use. Only one car was ever produced, completely handmade by the Lincoln division of Ford in Turin, Italy. It cost a cool $250,000 to create, but despite its futuristic design, was dubbed an impractical vehicle on the auto show circuit.
Originally, designers for the Batmobile based their design on a 1959 Cadillac, but it wasn’t fast enough for what the TV series wanted. The winged shape of the Futura attracted their attention and George Barris purchased the car, modifying it in just three weeks to create Batman’s trusty vehicle.
The final design had a 429 Ford Race engine and the hood was modified to resemble a bar face. Internally mounted rockets were hidden in the mouth-like grill and the bulletproof wheel wells protected the 10-inch radar wheels and tyres. A bat lever was added to perform 360-degree spins and release twin bat impression parachutes. Plexiglass was added to the windshield and top section to create a bulletproof shield.
The Corgi 267 Batmobile reissue
With such a wealth of features and high-profile story behind the Batmobile, it was essential to get the CORGI version right. Inspired by the success of the 261 Aston Martin DB5 from the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’, the CORGI development team decided the Batmobile was a prime subject for an action-packed toy.
Dubbed number 267 in CORGI’s range of toys, the first version was matt black and featured red bats on gold wheel hubs. This is the most sought-after model by collectors, as it was only made for six months at the Mettoy plant in Swansea. One of these models in mint condition can easily sell for four figures.
The design of the 267 was updated slightly in 1967 to include a gloss black finish. Both the first two models had exciting features like a triple rocket launcher armed with small plastic missiles, a front-mounted pop-out chain cutter and a turbo exhaust flame that pulsed in and out as it moved. That same year, CORGI produced a model of the Batboat which included a plastic tow hook attachment to attach it to the Batmobile.
In 1973, the 267 was revised to include a permanent metal tow hook to attach the Batboat’s trailer to. This modification meant the pulsing exhaust flame was removed from the model. This update also saw the tyres changed from rubber to hard plastic to suit the Whizzwheels style. They were smoother and placed on 8 spoked chrome hubs. This update also required a modification of the rear suspension.
There was another version that added tread to the tyre walls. And in 1976, the wheels had 12-spoke chrome hubs. The wide-wheeled Batmobiles were made until 1983.
Almost five-million 267 Batmobiles were sold between 1966 and 1983, and then this classic model left the CORGI range.
The in-between era
Since then, the only Batmobiles CORGI have produced were part of the American Comic Book collection released between 2004 and 2006. The range included 91 different products inspired by comics released between 1930 and 2000, with several variations of the Batmobile alongside other vehicles from the series.
Although these limited-edition models were met with enthusiasm, they didn’t have the star power of the original model car. And since they were only available on the American market, the rest of the world has been unable to buy a CORGI Batmobile for over 40 years.
Bringing back the best Batmobile
The brand-new CORGI main range release of the 267 Batmobile with Batman and Robin is presented in a recreation of the window box that was produced in the early 1970s, as well as an envelope of instructions. The model inside is a replica of the gloss black version of the 267 Batmobile, keeping all of the original features.
Batman and Robin are sitting in their seats, ready to dash off to the nearest crime spot. The front-mounted pop-out chain cutter and rocket launcher work as well as the original and you’ll find 12 small yellow missiles in the base of the box.
This version also features the metal tow hook equipped on the back of the car, ready for the Batboat to be attached to the rear - stay tuned for more news on that one! But we’ve also gone one better, as the pulsing exhaust flame still works on this new model, even with the metal tow hook in place!
As far as nostalgia models go, this one is sure to bring back a few memories of your childhood and is an absolute must-have for any Batman or CORGI fan! And as it's Batman Day, this seems like the perfect excuse to pre-order yours.
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