The still iconic Corgi 267 Die-cast model was based on the Batmobile from the 1966 American TV series Batman starring Adam West and Burt Ward as Batman and Robin. The show’s popularity led to the release of a range of licensed toys and accessories; but none stood the test of time or were as popular as the Corgi Batmobile. Even today the Batmobile in its many guises, is as much a star of the silver screen as the Dark Knight that sits behind its wheel. However, the Corgi 267 remains the holy grail for many collectors, with mint condition boxed original models changing hands for serious money worldwide and recognised as a legitimate investment opportunity.

The Corgi Batmobile was manufactured between 1966 and 1983 and was the second most successful model made by Corgi; the first being James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 (Corgi 261). All Corgi 267 Batmobiles were made at the Mettoy plant in Swansea, South Wales. The first version was produced in October 1966 and was originally painted matt black with red bats on gold wheel hubs. This variant was only made for a couple of months and therefore is the most sought after by collectors and naturally sells for silly money, especially if you can find one with its original box and all the bits that came with it. The next version was almost identical except that Corgi changed the paint finish to a gloss.

Shortly after, due to the increasing range of vehicles being used by Batman & Robin on the TV show and spin off movie, Corgi designed the Batboat (Corgi 107) which came with its own trailer for the Batmobile to tow. There was however just one small problem, the Batmobile had no towing hook. Oh, to be a fly on the wall at that concept meeting. As a quick fix solution Corgi manufactured, and included with the Batboat, a black plastic trailer coupling that pushed on over the Batmobile’s exhaust. Try finding one of those these days, they were easy to lose and break so if you own one you might want to keep it safe; really safe. Corgi realised that they needed a more permanent solution so they developed the “tow-hook” Batmobile and all future versions would incorporate this addition.

In 1973 Corgi stopped using rubber tyres on the Batmobile and swapped to hard plastic smooth sided tyres branded as Whizzwheels which were mounted onto chrome 8 spoked hubs. With Whizzwheels came a modification to the rear suspension. Another casualty of the wheel change was the flame action of the jet turbine. Another slight variation to the 1973 model also exists which had the addition of tread on the side walls of the tyres.

Then came the 1976 version which introduced 12 spoke chrome hubs and continued with tread on the side walls. It also had a raised “Batmobile” inscription on the underbody and the addition of "National Periodicals Publications Inc" too.

The next incarnation of the 267 was in 1983 when Corgi began to manufacture a wide-wheeled version.  1983 marked the end of the line for the 267 Batmobile when Mettoy (Corgi) went into receivership.  Although a buyout secured the future of Corgi as a brand, unfortunately, the Batmobile unlike other popular classic TV and film  vehicles has not to date made a comeback. Even with Batman being such a huge franchise and other toy manufactures, producing near perfect replicas of the TV show's version. In complete contrast the other big seller for Corgi; James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 continues to see numerous re-incarnations produced with varying levels of detail and working gadgets.

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