Your chance to own a genuine Batpod

A Batpod from The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises movies is to be auctioned for the first time.

Batman’s hi-tech motorbike was custom designed for the blockbusters and is expected to be one of the highest selling lots in Prop Store’s September 27 auction in London with an estimated sale price of between £60-80,000.

In The Dark Knight, Batman (Christian Bale) used the Batpod to escape during his battle with the Joker (Heath Ledger) and in an unsuccessful attempt to save Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal).

In The Dark Knight Rises, Batman and Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) hopped on the vehicle during their battles with Bane (Tom Hardy) and the new League of Shadows.

Conceived by director Christopher Nolan and production designer Nathan Crowley, the Batpod was intended to provide an alternative to Batmans trusty Tumbler vehicle.

Six of the vehicles were built and they were largely driven by stunt rider Jean-Pierre Goy during filming. They also featured at numerous events promoting the films.

The unique Batpod is designed for a rider in a prone position, who steers the vehicle with their arms and shoulders, and it features advanced design elements such as an exhaust system integrated within the framework.

“I hesitate to call it a motorcycle because its design was much more exotic and powerful looking than a tradition motorcycle,” explained Nolan in the book, ‘The Art and Making of The Dark Knight Trilogy’.

The Batpod features a custom-made chassis with 31 Hoosier racing tyres and a Honda 750cc engine.

Fibreglass body panels finished in metallic grey paint cover the bike’s engine and handlebars and a pair of cannon barrels made of plastic, resin and fibreglass are secured at the front of the vehicle. There’s also 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 whilst riding. Well-used on both productions, 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”.

Bikers looking to turn heads on the road should take note. The Batpod “is sold in non-functional rolling only condition”.

It has also been drained of all fluids, and the battery, fuel tank and throttle controls have been removed.

A free exhibition is open to the public at the BFI IMAX, Waterloo, London, from September 14-27.

Prop Store’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, in partnership with the BFI IMAX will take place at the BFI IMAX Waterloo on September 27 from noon.

The post Your chance to own a genuine Batpod appeared first on Automotive Blog.

from Automotive Blog http://www.automotiveblog.co.uk/2016/09/chance-genuine-batpod/
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