1/64 1966 TV Series Batmobile
Asst. L2583/K6147 2007 First Editions #15/2007 New Models #15
When rumors about Hot Wheels' acquisition of the 1966 Batmobile license first surfaced in July 2006, fans were reluctant to believe it. The Batmobile license had been in limbo for decades, with the with the last official mass-produced item having come out over 20 years prior. But this time, the rumors turned out to be true and images of CAD drawings, mockups, and prototypes started appearing online. Arguably the most famous car in the world was finally going to be made available to fans, and the first one out of the gate was the "Mainline" 2007 First Edition car.
Packaging
The Batmobile was released in several different packaging variations. The first cars that were released came on a standard-sized Hot Wheels blister card with "2007 New Models" printed in the yellow band on the right side of the card and the Batmobile's specifications on the back. Next was another standard blister card, but this time with "2007 First Editions" on the right side. These cards came with and without the specifications on the back. There were also two "short card" blister cards available: one with "2007 First Editions" on the side and a Japanese-printed version. The last blister card option was a two-pack that featured a Batmobile and another 2007 First Edition Hot Wheels, the Ferrari 250LM. Finally, there were two boxed options: a Hot Wheels 10-pack, which included nine other cars, and "The Riddler's Trap," a The Batman playset that included either the '66 or a green-striped version of the animated car. A modified version of the car was also released as a SDCC 2007 exclusive, featuring additional paint applications and clear windows and sold in a plastic display case.
Casting/Paint
The casting and paint quality is pretty average for a 99¢ car. The car is fully covered, but the paint is very thick in places (two variations of the car exist, one with smooth grilles and one with the traditional "brickwork" grille pattern - the thick paint over the grille areas has led to some confusion among collectors). The stripes go along the sides of the car only, but frequently do not line up with the correct body accents. The stripes are also fairly fragile, and can be worn off with even normal handling. Fortunately, the black is much more rugged and can stand up to fairly hard play without damage. Windows are cast in transparent blue and the interior/rocket tubes/chutes are cast in gray.
Features/Accessories
There are no moving parts other than the wheels, though some industrious customizers have added opening doors, hoods, and trunks. The car has reportedly excellent speed on the tracks, though.
Accuracy
This Batmobile is not based on the scans taken of the 1:1 Batmobile. Instead, this Batmobile was made to fit in with other Hot Wheels cars, and can be used in nearly all of their playsets with no problem. As such, it has shorter overhangs, larger wheels, a wider track, and generally simpler details than the later and larger-scale cars. That said, Mattel did a great job capturing the spirit of the car. All of the important details are here, including the scalloped fins, rear deck vents, dual parachutes, turbine exhaust, triple rocket tubes, canopies, beacon, radar, and rollbar antlers. The interior even features a tiny roll-top dashboard, center console with lever, and bucket seats. The steering wheel is a full circle, indicating that this was based on a later version of the car, after the cut-off "yoke" style wheel was replaced with a traditional (and easier to use) round wheel.
Overall
Fans have been waiting a long time for an affordable replica of the Futura Batmobile, and now we have it. Although it's not the hyper-accurate car we will be seeing in the near future, it is a great toy that everyone can enjoy. Pick up a few: race them, collect them, share them with kids and introduce a whole new generation to Batman's famous ride. Whether you want a fun toy for the track or a cool replica for your Batman shelf, the Batmobile is a great piece to add to your collection.
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