Unmasking the Scalextric Batmobile
How many Scalextric Batmobiles do you have in your collection? Always a popular slot-car subject, there have been many versions over the years, but it might surprise you to learn that Scalextric did not add their first Batmobile to the range until 1990, almost 30 years after the TV series first aired.
Let’s discover more about this iconic Scalextric model and all the others that followed.
1990
The Batmobile first showed up in slot car form in the Batman Chase Set and Batman Leap Set in the early 90s. It was also available as a solo car purchase, based on the 1989 Batman film. This long, sleek car included many of the features seen on screen, such as shields and machine guns. It also had magnatraction technology and seemed to fly around the racetrack!
If you keep an eye on the collector market, you may be able to find this model in black, green or blue!
2005
The limited-edition TUMBLER model was sold as a solo car and in a pack along with a Ford Crown Victoria Police Car model. Both cars were also included in a Scalextric set. The Batmobile was an elegant matt black colour and the TUMBLER design made it super resistant – great for throwing it around your tracks! The Batmobile would have swamped the Scalextric tracks at the regular 1:32 scale, making it impossible for any other vehicles to get past. So, these models sat at 1:43 scale.
2012
The 2012 TUMBLER Batmobile came in the traditional black colour and a fun camouflage version. These models were based on the Dark Knight trilogy, where the vehicle was more rugged and military styled. It had a distinctly different look to the original Batmobile.
2020
DC took over Scalextric in 2000, with a Batman inspired car and a slot car dedicated to his arch nemesis, The Joker. There was also a Spark Plug Batman vs Joker Race Set and a MicroScalextric Batman vs Joker Battery Powered Race Set. The solo cars had lights and had liveries inspired by the franchise, rather than being direct replicas.
2021
In 2021, we went back in time and released the 1966 Batmobile. This long, shiny black slot car was a new tool with a Batman figure inside, and it is still available for sale today, perfectly complementing your Batmobile collection with the most stylish and iconic version of this car.
2022
In 2022, things were rather quiet on the Batman front, except for the MicroScalextric Batman vs Joker Race for Gotham City set, which took the existing Batman-inspired MicroScalextric set and made it a bit bigger and better.
2023
A new Batman film called for an updated Batmobile slot car and this brooding design perfectly fit the bill. With lights on the front and back, it is a great replica of Robert Pattinson’s Batmobile. There is also a Batman Vs Joker Battle of Arkham set for those that want to put their Batmobile to the test against The Joker using their smart device.
2024
The Batmobile that started a Scalextric phenomenon is back for 2024! The 1989 Batmobile is better than ever before, revised to a regular 1:32 scale with modern tooling and front and back working lights. This is a must-have model for Batman fans everywhere.
My First Scalextric has also joined in on the Batman madness, with a Batwheels set ideal for small children, featuring Bam and Redbird.
Over the years, the Scalextric range has also seen many Batman sets and slot cars in MicroScalextric and My First Scalextric form. This enduring subject appeals to both old and young, making it a great choice for anyone looking to spend quality time with their family or indulge themselves in their own superhero interest.
With Batman Day on the 21st September, will you be buying a Batman slot car or set to celebrate?
