Kapow! The home-built Dark Knight Batmobile

RM Auctions recently declared James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 to be “the world’s most famous car,” but there's no doubt another contender for that title – the Batmobile. One thing that muddies the waters a bit is the fact that the term “Batmobile” actually describes at least three different vehicles: the modified Lincoln Futura concept car from the 60s TV series, the vaguely Corvette-shaped 1989-and-beyond movie cars and now the car from the most recent two movies, the military-spec Tumbler. Michigan-based movie props artist Bob Dullam really likes the Tumbler, so he did what any of us would do in his position – he built one of his own from scratch.Some of its specifications are:

• Engine: 350 V8 with four-barrel carburetor
• Transmission: 3-speed turbo
• Top speed: 150mph (241km/h)
• Body panels: Epoxy resin reinforced with fiberglass mat
• Tires: 44-inch Super Swampers (rear)
• Steering: Rack and pinion power steering via detachable aviator style pistol-grip steering device
• Weight: Approximately two tons (1.8 metric tons)
• Dimensions: 15’L x 9’W x 5.5’H (4.5 x 8 x 1.7 meters)
• Visibility: Round-vehicle video cameras
• Production cost: Approximately US$50,000 to $100,000
• Street legality: Nope!