Iconic Batmobile tribute goes under the hammer at auctionA tribute to one of the most iconic and distinctive film cars of all time, the Batmobile, will be the focus of attention at the inaugural Historics at Brooklands auction in Surrey, England. A faithfully re-created car goes under the hammer alongside a prestige portfolio of more traditional, first-class classic motor cars during the sale on 2 June (10). But for one of Historics’ investors, Mark Perkins, the Batmobile lot holds particular significance, as he has owned the car since 1988 and is reluctantly parting with it. One of only three existing steel-bodied versions, Perkins’ Batmobile – complete with dashboard-mounted television, rear parachute pod and Batphone – is accompanied by an extensive clippings file, having made numerous promotional appearances, including the Batman stage show in the United Arab Emirates in 1993, and a number of showings alongside Adam West, star of the original Batman TV show. Based on a Lincoln Continental chassis and built to a similar specification as the original car in the Sixties, the car was finally completed in 1988, following input from renowned custom coachbuilder, Bill Chaplin.  The car is extremely reliable and frequently driven, and is offered with a full year’s MoT test certificate as well as a UK V5 registration document. Explaining his reluctance to let the car go, Mark Perkins says: “Classic cars, and this one in particular, should be driven to be enjoyed, and I’ve loved taking it on the road over the years.  However, my work with Historics at Brooklands will leave me little time to do so in the future, and so sadly it’s time someone else derived pleasure of ownership.”