Mattel Hot Wheels 1:18 1966 TV Series Batmobile
by Mattel
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List Price: Our Price: $37.99 You Save: $2.00 (5%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Toy See more product details |
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Toys and Games Reviews of Mattel Hot Wheels 1:18 1966 TV Series Batmobile
Customer Review: BAT-FAN-TASTIC!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
For almost 40 years I've been waiting for an accurate replica of the 1966 Batmobile, and finally it's here! This model has been computer scanned from the actual original vehicle still in the possession of customizer George Barris, so it is without a doubt, the most accurate mass produced, commercially available model of the car available.
This diecast profiles correctly to the shape of the original car ( which has been distorted in most toys and models available over the decades ) and the details, even down to the red pinstriping, look great. Hardcore scrutinizers may find a quibble here and there with minor details ( such as two very small "badges" on the grille of the car ) but some variations are inevitable, as this car has had parts replaced ( such as the "turbine exhaust" ), and has been tinkered with over the years. But when the overall look of the model is so correct, those minor changes hardly matter.
The model has a glossy black paint job, matching the look of the car on the television series. The passenger doors open, and it has a working steering linkage. Cockpit detailing includes the handle used to make the car perform a 180 degree "Bat-Turn", a fire extinguisher between the seats, the rolltop detailing on the dash, and the somewhat antique looking "Batphone" on the center console.
There will be limited edition "elite" and "super elite" versions available, which will have more goodies, such as an opening hood and trunk, and photo-etched parts, plus details of questionable authenticity under those opening parts ( such as a conjectural "turbine Engine" which was never seen on the series ) but if you're not made of money - like me - you will probably find this version just right for the price.
Customer Review: You Get What You Pay For
Summary: 3 Stars
As somebody who had the legendary, original Corgi Batmobile during my childhood, I was very excited to learn that Mattel was making this even more faithful replica of the car from the old TV series. My local hobby shop wants $40 for this thing, so when I realized the price had dropped to $25 on Amazon, ordering it was a no-brainer.
Now that I've got it, I have to say it's the die-cast miniature equivalent of a "twenty footer" car: From a distance, it's gorgeous, but closer inspection reveals a few imperfections. In the case of mine, there is paint over-spray on the rear bubble canopy windows, and, despite the fact that it's brand new and has presumably never been out of its box, the chrome on the three exhaust stack/missile launchers is already wearing off, as though it's been subjected to wear-and-tear. Also, the driver's side door looks like it's not fitting or hung properly. Perhaps when or if I open the box, I may be able to more fully close the door or position it better.
Heck, given the lack of perfection here, I might as well go ahead and open it up. I'll leave a comment on this review and let you know what I find out if and when I do that.
So the bottom line is that this is a very nice toy, and will certainly look just fine displayed on your desk or shelf, but if you're a real stickler for modeling perfection, you might want to think about ordering the Elite or Super Elite edition. Those have also come down in price, and one would assume the fit and finish, workmanship, and attention to detail would be much better.
Customer Review: This is the one!
Summary: 5 Stars
One reviewer wrote that he had to wait more than 35 years for this model. I waited 40! I always asked Santa Claus (or the local equivalents) for it and never got it. From the very first moment you can tell this is the real 1966 batmobile (and, for my generation, THE Batmobile). I had two previous versions (I told it was a chilhood issue Freud never considered), one by Corgi and a small-scale from Hot wheels. Not even close to this one. Quality (despite minor details remarked by other reviewers) is excellent. But don't let your kids play with it, it's not made for that (let them deal with their batmobile issues 30 years from now).
And, despite I didn't get mine from Amazon (that was my first choice), I would like to comment on price variations. I got mine in Mexico. Had I imported it, buying from Amazon and shipping to Mexico, it would get a 300% "compensatory fee" (tax) as it is manufactured in China. So I looked locally and got it for about 80 USD. But you could find (not so easily) this version anywhere from 70 to 200 USD. An information request for the local Hot Wheels branch resulted in them quoting a 220 USD price (I don't know if for the Elite version). Anyway, a good and interesting example of psicological aspects of price assignation. And(I asked everytime), only kid-in-the- sixties guys were looking for it.
Ask Freud (and an economist) for the causes.
Customer Review: Wow!!!! Awesome Batmobile!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of the orginal TV 1966 Batmobile ever since I first saw it as a kid.I used to have a plastic model of it many mnay years ago that got lost somewhere along the way. I've been trying to find a replacement for it for many years,but , most collectibles that still had it wanted a small furtune to buy one and I coun't afford that kind of money.Then I was shocked to see this new offering as a diecast and also with a very Reasonable price for what it is!!!! Plus it's 1/18 scale ,about a full 11 to 12 inches long!!!!! It looks AWESOME!!!! I keep it right on my computer desk in front and just below my monitor screen.Every time I look at it I just can't belive how cool this looks and the build quility of it is top notch.They also just resently have the Newer Batman Movies Diecast Batmobile Tumbler bat car as well that I also ordered about the same time so I have them both sitting side by side to give a good visual difference between the classic car and the new one.any collector as I am or anyone that just loves the coolnest of the orginal batmobile should get this car. You'll be very happy that you did!!!
Customer Review: Better than expected
Summary: 5 Stars
I was thinking of getting the elite version, but heard that the basic version was going to be quite good. It definitely is! I'm happy with 99% of the model and the only thing I would change is making the wheel spinners more like bat-shapes. I liked it so much I wanted to buy another, but found the price had increased to over 5 times the release price here on Amazon. I did a quick search and found that another major retailer will sell these at the Amazon initial release price as a special order. I just received the second one today and it is going to my downtown office. They are classy models and are a great conversation piece as a bit of 1960's Americana. These have small delicate parts that will break off if used as a child's toy, so keep that in mind. It is meant as a static model.