Customer Reviews

1966 TV Series Batmobile 1/18 Elite

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Length:: 4:35 Mins

We get a lot of model cars in to The Car Room for review, and the occasional model really stands out. This "1966 TV Batmobile", patterned after the much-loved hero car designed by George Barris in the 1960's, is a killer release for a few reasons. First off is the shape - the Mattel tool makers have really nailed the classic finned swoop of the car, which was built off the 1955 Lincoln "Futura" concept - and they've painted and decorated the model beautifully. Next is the level of features, which includes opening doors, hood, and trunk, steerable wheels, and - if you really feel you must - a delicate, photo-etched "Bat Detector" you can spin (carefully) with a fingertip.

The chrome on this one is a cut above the "Standard" release, which eschews some of the features of this "Elite" version in favor of a lower price; the pricier (by far) "Super Elite" version above this model tags for around $300.00... and doesn't necessarily deliver all that much more in the way of features and materials. Unless you simply have to have the aluminum display stand that the top-shelf model offers (as well as a few added metal parts, which really don't affect the display of the car), that makes this mid-level model the smart choice in terms of bang for the buck.

And there's "bang" everywhere: The fanciful (but believable) jet turbine engine under the hood, the coiled red wire to the "Bat Phone" (hands-free laws be damned), and the scale-correct metal mesh used in all of the car's bat-themed grille work, bump the model up into a visual level usually enjoyed by professionally built museum pieces. Add in a solid construction (though I'd be wary of purchasing this one for anyone under the age of 14, due to the occasional fragile part), a nice-enough window box, and a price point that's well in line with other models of this detail in this scale, and there's a lot to like here. Add a star if you've got a cape somewhere in your closet. We do.

This is a great collectible. Realize that there are 3 different Batmobiles out there. That is why the price differs so greatly. There is the basic Batmobile. Then there is the "elite" which this review is for. It has many movable parts (doors, hood & trunk open). The steering wheel actually controls the front wheels. It is very detailed. The car is about 11" long by 4" wide. Love it!

I ordered this Batmobile and it is very nice looking with great detail. The "Elite" is the best value between the standard, Elite and Super Elite.

Be aware that this Elite Batmobile being offered is actually a "Flat Black Elite". There were less of the flat black ones made so perhaps in years to come the flat black may be more collectable? I'm not sure but the discription and photo above needs to change to point out that this Batmobile is Flat Black.

I returned the Flat Black Batmobile because I wanted a Gloss Elite, that doesn't change the fact that this still has all the great detail of the Glossy Elite Batmobile.