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Lot #108: THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)/THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) - Batman's (Christian Bale) Batpod

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:500,000.00 USD Estimated At:1,000,000.00 - 2,000,000.00 USD
Lot #108: THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)/THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) - Batman's (Christian Bale) Batpod
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THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)/THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) - Batman's (Christian Bale) Batpod - Batman's (Christian Bale) iconic Batpod from Christopher Nolan's sci-fi action films The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. In The Dark Knight, Batman used his signature bat-inspired Batpod to escape his Tumbler during his battle with the Joker (Heath Ledger) in an unsuccessful attempt to save Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). Later, in The Dark Knight Rises, Batman and Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) used the Batpod during their battles with Bane (Tom Hardy) and the new League of Shadows.

Among the most recognizable, genre-defining vehicles in cinema history, the Batpod was conceived by Nolan and designed by production designer Nathan Crowley as a sleeker alternative to Batman's trusty Tumbler. The hi-tech vehicle was then brought to life by special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, who made six of them for production on The Dark Knight. This unique Pod is designed for a rider in a prone position to steer with their arms and shoulders, and features advanced design elements, such as an exhaust system integrated within the framework. The Batpods were largely driven by stunt rider Jean-Pierre Goy during filming, and used for numerous events in the promotion of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Crowley received Academy Award& reg; and BAFTA Award& reg; nominations for his work on The Dark Knight. Batman's Batpod has been on loan since 2017 from its private owner to the world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA, where it was displayed alongside some of the most historic vehicles ever created, such as the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the Tesla Cybertruck, and the world's first-ever motorcycle and automobile. It has also featured prominently in the Hollywood Dream Machines exhibit since 2019 and in the museum's Private Vault for VIP tours.

It features a custom-made chassis with 31" Hoosier racing tires and a Honda 750 engine; fiberglass body panels covering the engine and handlebars finished in metallic gray paint; two plastic, resin, and fiberglass cannon barrels secured to the front of the vehicle; and a laser targeting unit 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.

This lot includes a Certificate of Authenticity from Warner Bros. Well-used on both productions, as well as in their promotion as part of the Warner Bros. archive, this Batpod exhibits 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 vehicle is sold in non-functional "rolling-only" condition with all fluids drained and the battery, fuel tank, and throttle controls removed. It is supplied with a metal support stand for display purposes. Dimensions: 149.5" x 47.25" x 42.25" (380 cm x 120 cm x 107 cm)

Payment plans are not available for this lot.

Contains mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $100,000 - 200,000



Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, June 28th. The auction will begin at 8:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, June 29th or Friday, June 30th.