(December 1, 2012) The original Batmobile from the 1960s TV series Batman is being offered by its creator, the legendary customizer George Barris, at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale collector-car auction in January.

Barris has owned the famous Batmobile for nearly a half century, and this will be the first time the authentic TV car has ever been offered for sale.

The Batmobile is the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car that was heavily modified by Barris, known as the “King of Kustomizers,” to become the original Batmobile in the campy Batman series, which ran from 1966 to 1968, starring Adam West in the title role and Burt Ward as Robin.

The Batmobile is scheduled to cross the block during the “prime-time” evening sale on Saturday, Jan. 19. The iconic piece of TV history remains in excellent original condition, and the sale includes memorabilia and documentation from Barris's personal archives.

“The 1966 Batmobile by George Barris is one of the most famous Hollywood cars in history and it has become a true icon that has been carried from generation to generation of Batmobiles to follow,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This vehicle not only marks the significant Bat logo that sits on the middle of its door, but a time in television history where they defied the odds of making a car the real star of the show.”

The 42nd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction takes place at WestWorld from Jan. 13-20, with live coverage on SPEED TV.

Source: SPEED.com (Bob Golfen)