Batmobile Insert Cockpit Celebrating his 75th anniversary this year, Batman is one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in American pop culture. Stemming from the pages of a ‘30s comic book, Batman has successfully conquered almost every medium, though he is most often identified with his cinematic appearances. In 1989, Tim Burton’s Batman rejuvenated the character and thrust him back into the center of pop culture with his first Batman film. His 1992 sequel, Batman Returns, was a worthy successor and brought much to Burton’s sinister vision of the Dark Knight’s world. While the design aesthetics between the two films changed dramatically, one piece of equipment remained intact. Originally designed by Anton Furst, the 1989 Batmobile was used in both Burton films, with Michael Keaton ever at the wheel as Batman.

Batman Returns screen capture

Partial, removable canopy for easier camera access This is a studio made process, or “buck” car, from Batman Returns. This custom-made Batmobile interior was used for filming close-up Interior cockpit view and insert shots inside the Batmobile’s cockpit. from the front

Below: Batman Returns screen capture

Above: Process car dash controls with matching components to those seen in on-screen close-ups.

Interior cockpit view from the rear Process cars such as this are used when shooting in the full- sized vehicle would prove too cumbersome, and when elements of the vehicle would make it impossible to position the cameras properly to get the director’s desired shots. The cockpit was built to match the interior of the complete Batmobile car, featuring all of the expected bells and whistles.

Right: Interior cockpit from rear view

Left: Process car dashboard

Right: Batman Returns screen capture This process car was created to make filming batmobile interiors as camera friendly as possible. As such, only the interior of the cockpit and the back wall of the car were built for production.

Right: Detail view of switches, gauges, lights and controls that comprise control console

Left: Rear control panel situated between the cockpit seats

Right: Product photo of driver side control console The outer casing that now covers the front and sides of the piece was added later to make it more presentable.

Right: Exterior view of process car and outer casing

Below: Over head view of process car interior and outer casing

Below: Process car dashboard console The dashboard is filled with an overwhelming amount of gauges and switches that would be necessary for a vehicle like the Batmobile. The cockpit is wired to connect to 110V main power and many of the lights on the dashboard still work. A few small dials and switches are missing, though they do not detract from the appearance of the piece. The onboard television screen which Penguin uses to hijack the car is still intact, though the CD player and radio once attached below were removed after filming. The piece can be screen-matched to close-ups within the film exactly, by looking at the grain in the vinyl-wrap on the dash.

Matching upholstery pattern

Above: Batman Returns screen capture Matching lights, switches and console markings Below: Batmobile process car close-up

Below: Rear, overhead control panel Between the passenger and driver’s seat sits a column of aviation Throttle, Mixture, and Propeller controls original to the piece. Also intact is the signature steering wheel, complete with black bat symbol.

Right: The steering wheel adorned Batmobile process car close-up Below: with the bat symbol

Matching console lights

Original aviation column and levers Above: Batman Returns screen capture The process car’s black seats were replaced at some point after filming. The dash components and gauges, and the steering wheel, remain original. This piece is in good condition and is believed to be the only item of its kind in existence today. While consumer products promotional Batmobiles have appeared on the market in the past, very few film-used Batmobile pieces exist outside of the studio.

Above: Current photo of the console Needle position still matches position seen in the film Below: Film close-up of the console

Racing seats added to the cockpit Click the frame below to view our YouTube video for the Batmobile Studio Process Car (You may have to exit full screen mode to view the video) Contact Information

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