Propstore is auctioning the legendary Batpod motorcycle from Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy. This vehicle,nicknamed "The Beast," carries an estimated value of up to US$1.2 million.
The 750cc Honda engine behind "The Beast"
The Batpod's design represents a complex marriage of cinematic vision and mechanical reality. Designed by Christopher Nolan alongside production designer Nathan Crowley, the machine was brought to life by Academy Award winner Chris Korvold. According to the report, the vehicle utilizes a 750cc Honda engine and massive 31-inch tires, making it a "feat of engineering" that had to function on actual film sets.
Operating the vehicle proved notoriously difficult for both actors and stunt performers. Propstore CEO Stephen Lane noted that the bike was "a really, really tricky thing" to manage in real-world conditions. The report even highlights a specific incident where the vehicle lost control and crashed into a camera during filming.
A London auction featuring Batsuits and Jon Snow's sword
The upcoming London auction features a wide array of high-value cinematic artifacts beyond the Batpod. Collectors can bid on two complete Batsuits,including one worn by Christian Bale in Batman Begins and another worn by Val Kilmer in Batman Forever. Other notable items include Kit Harington’s sword from Game of Thrones and memorabilia from the Indiana Jones franchise used by stuntman Vic Armstrong .
A preview exhibition for these items will take place at the Cumberland Hotel in London from November 19 to November 22. This event serves as a precursor to the live auction scheduled for December 4. As Propstore reported, the auction is expected to attract a global audience of high-end collectors.
Will the Batpod exceed its £900,000 estimate?
While the Batpod is the centerpiece, the final sale price remains a significant unknown. Although Freddy Krueger's glove met its £25,000 reserve shortly after bidding began, it is unclear if the Batpod will drive past its £900,000 estimate.. The market for high-end movie props is driven by intense competition, but whether a single private collector or an institution will secure "The Beast" remains to be seen.
One of six Batpods released by Warner Bros.
The rarity of this specific motorcycle distinguishes it from other production vehicles. While six Batpods were originally manufactured for the films, this is the only unit officially released by Warner Bros. Studios . This exclusivity,combined with its appearance in both The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012),cements its status as a premier piece of modern cinema history.
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