A hero Batpod vehicle from the action films The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, directed by Christopher Nolan. In The Dark Knight Batman (Christian Bale) used the Batpod to escape his Tumbler vehicle during his battle with the Joker (Heath Ledger), and later used the vehicle in his unsuccessful attempt to save Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and in his hunt for Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). In The Dark Knight Rises, Batman and Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) used the vehicle during their battles with Bane (Tom Hardy) and the new League of Shadows.

Conceived by Christopher Nolan and production designer Nathan Crowley, the Batpod was intended to provide an alternative to Batman's trusty Tumbler vehicle. The design was created by Crowley and brought to life by special-effects supervisor Chris Corbould, who made six of the vehicles for use on The Dark Knight. The unusual shape of the vehicle made engineering a challenge, especially with such unconventional tires fitted. The unique Pod is designed for a rider in a prone position who steers the vehicle with their arms and shoulders, and features advanced design elements such as an exhaust system integrated within the framework. The vehicles were largely driven by stunt rider Jean-Pierre Goy during filming, and were used for numerous events in the promotion of The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Crowley received Academy Award® and BAFTA Award® nominations for his work on The Dark Knight.

This incredible vehicle features a custom-made chassis with 31" Hoosier racing tyres and a Honda 750 engine. Fibreglass body panels finished in metallic grey paint cover the bike's engine and handlebars. A pair of cannon barrels made of plastic, resin and fibreglass are secured at the front of the vehicle, and a laser targeting unit is 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, as well as in the promotion of the films as part of the Warner Bros. archive, 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. However, in spite of this wear, the vehicle remains in very good condition and is supplied with a metal support stand for display purposes. Dimensions: 380 cm x 120 cm x107 cm (149 ½" x 47 ¼" x 42 ¼")

This lot is supplied with a Warner Bros. certificate of authenticity in place of a Prop Store certificate. Payment plan on this item is restricted to a duration of one month. Please contact us for further information. This vehicle is sold in non-functional ‘rolling only' condition. It is drained of all fluids, and the battery, fuel tank and throttle controls have been removed.

Estimate: £60000 - £80000