The On-Screen Evolution of the Batmobile

The Batmobile made its on-screen debut in 1943 as a part of the 15-chapter Batman serial presented by Columbia Pictures. Lewis Wilson starred as Batman, with sidekick Robin played by Douglas Croft. Wilson, at 23 years old, remains the youngest Batman to date. This Batmobile, perhaps the most basic of the Bat cars, was a stock 1939 Cadillac Series 75 convertible. This Bat convertible also served as Bruce Wayne's personal car—top down was Bruce Wayne, top up was Batman. And if you're wondering how a convertible top fooled anyone, ask Clark Kent's glasses.

This Batmobile appeared at the end of the 1949 series that served as a sort of sequel to the original serial. This time, Batman was played by Robert Lowery. With a much sleeker look, the newer Batmobile was a 1949 Mercury convertible. Again, it was all stock. It was also heavy and ill-handling and kept getting damaged during filming. It reportedly had to be replaced six times.

The 1966 Batman movie and TV series debuted a car that for many remains the one true Batmobile. Driven by the legendary Adam West and lightyears ahead of its 1940s counterparts, the 1966 Batmobile was based on the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. The car was owned and customized by renowned designer George Barris, who'd bought it from Ford for a dollar. In 2013, it was auctioned off for $4.62 million.

Released in 1989, Batman introduced the highly influential "Keaton-mobile," and the film also set the tone for how Batman's character is now regarded. Dark, serious, and charismatic, Michael Keaton's Batman is known as one of the best. His car, at nearly 20 feet long, can be described the same way. Based on two Chevrolet Impala chassis with a Chevrolet V-8 engine, the 1989 Batmobile was a low-slung powerhouse supplemented by a front-mounted jet intake.

The Keaton-mobile lasted through the series's second installment Batman Returns until a new, animated version of Batman (voiced by Kevin Conroy) launched in 1992. Animation allowed designer Shayne Poindexter to add all kinds of cool gadgets to the car. While it looks plain, this Batmobile was able to dispense oil and tear gas, had ejector seats, wheel-slashing hubs, and a rooftop missile rack—all packed inside what they said was a titanium-reinforced body.

Batman Forever set Val Kilmer head to head against Jim Carrey's Riddler in 1995. New director Joel Schumacher introduced designer Barbara Ling and—you guessed it—a new Batmobile! Turns out, fans were correct in their assessment that this Batmobile was toylike, because it was a toy. Ling kept some aspects from previous versions but put a new spin on the car's body and introduced the Batman logo onto the hubcaps. Her design is the only Batmobile that really resembles a flying bat.

1997's Batman & Robin was the final installment to the 1989 series. With a new Batman, this time played by George Clooney, Ling decided to give the Batmobile another shot. Taking inspiration from classic roadsters like the Jaguar D-Type, this car was 30 feet long with an open cockpit. It could also go up to 140 mph and was definitely nothing to play with.

That same year's animated version with Kevin Conroy presented a slightly wider Batmobile than before. A two-seater with jet engines, this version lasted through the early 2000s and appeared in the comics published during that time.

Director Christopher Nolan introduced the now-legendary Dark Knight trilogy and relaunched the Batman/DC universe in 2005. This new, more menacing world brought an equally menacing Batmobile designed by Nolan and Nathan Crowley. To match the energy of Batman Begins, this car—nicknamed the Tumbler—was part-tank, part-Lamborghini. With Christian Bale's portrayal one of the best of the dark superhero, its velvety, dangerous feel emphasized the era's theme.

The Ben Affleck era had its fans and pioneered a new Batmobile comparable to the famous Tumbler. Developed by Dennis McCarthy and production designer Patrick Tatopoulos, this Batmobile presented a more lithe body and a less tank-like appearance. However no holds were barred in the gadget department—this Bat car had night vision, sonar radar for toxins, anti ballistics, and a mounted machine gun.

The newest Batman—in The Batman—is played by heartthrob and former vampire-boyfriend Robert Pattinson. While we're excited to see how he and Zoë Kravitz portray the Batman-Catwoman rivalry, fans can't help but geek out over the new Batmobile. It appears to be a Chevy Camaro-inspired machine that also acknowledges the acclaimed Futura concept, with maybe a little Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger thrown in. We'll celebrate Batman's newest ride as a nod to the muscle cars of the Motor City. The trailer has us on the edge of our seats for the new and seemingly indestructible supercar.