Batman’s Batpod is to be sold in the UK later this month as part of an auction block of over 500 items worth a total of more than £1.5 million (Rs 13.2 crore).
The bike, which featured in both The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, is expected to fetch between £60,000 (Rs 53 lakh) and £80,000 (Rs 70 lakh) and comes fitted with custom parts.
Conceived by Christopher Nolan and production designer Nathan Crowley, the Batpod was intended to provide an alternative to Batman's trusty Tumbler vehicle. The design was created by Crowley and brought to life by special-effects supervisor Chris Corbould, who made six of the vehicles for use in The Dark Knight. The unique Pod is designed for a rider in a prone position who steers the vehicle with their arms and shoulders, and features advanced design elements such as an exhaust system integrated within the framework.
This incredible vehicle features a custom-made chassis with 31" Hoosier racing tyres and a Honda 750 engine. Fibreglass body panels finished in metallic grey paint cover the bike's engine and handlebars. A pair of cannon barrels made of plastic, resin and fibreglass are secured at the front of the vehicle, and a laser targeting unit is fitted above the right hand grip. A radiator and hydraulics are fitted behind the saddle, and the braking system is operated by controls on the left handle and the right pedal. Black foam padding is installed on the body, saddle and knee rests for comfort whilst riding.
Well-used on both productions, as well as in the promotion of the films as part of the Warner Bros. archive, the Batpod displays some wear to the body panels and some light corrosion on the chassis, with damage to the left gun mount as a result of use on set. The auction, which will take place on September 27 at London’s BFI IMAX cinema, will be broadcast via a livestream at www.propstore.com/liveauction
The Batpod will go on display to the public alongside other props from the films in a free exhibition at the IMAX, which is near London's Waterloo station, from September 14th until the 27th.
