1989 Batmobile: Elite Verion

Micheal Keaton as Batman? Still seems off to me, but the movie was both definitive and media enthralling in the 80’s. What has stood the test of the time, however, was the Batmobile! Cool lines, imposing fins, huge jet engine, and that cool armor effect. It was both Gothic and innovative while not garish or buffoonish like the Batmobile in the horrible Val Kilmer or Clooney movies.

Hotwheels released this car a few years ago, but this more recent release is part of the Elite line. I highly recommend spending the extra money and getting the Elite versions of all Hotwheels cars. The outer metal shells are the same in appearance, but the realistic interiors, extraordinary details, and additional attributes makes the regular version a poor substitute (I must state for some reason the original 1989 Batmobile was much closer to Elite quality than the other two [1966/DK] Batmobiles I owned). The packaging is a cool flat black with the silver Elite logo, large window, black mounting plate, and background display inside (be careful of the yellow edged regular version boxes on eBay!)

The slightly grey hue to the car and weird golden engine colors make the regular version seem better in paint scheme somehow ( all the other Elite versions kill the normal versions in all aspects) but it still has the great lines and intricate appeal.

Elite versions open up all over the place in contrast to the metal brick-like normal versions and for the 1989 version, it equates to sliding out the engine, canopy opening, guns spinning, and trunk opening.

I like the silver metal of the normal version, but will live with the gold.

The trunk opens to examine exhaust. Look at the cool blue etching on the engine.

After you slide back the cockpit, you understand the need for the Elite line. The detail and broken down colors in the dashboard are great.

The Elite version goes for around $84.99 plus shipping. So why not get this great Hotwheels Elite 1989 Batmobile, your collection needs it, especially if you grew up in the ’80s!