Created by cartoonist Bob Kane in 1939, Batman is one of the most popular comic-strip heroes of all time, distinguished by his black bat-mask, cape and the sleek Batmobile.

Although the Batmobile's dual canopy in a distinctive bubble design, and long, black body with red pinstripes and trademark bat-emblems remains characteristic throughout, there were no less than five of the black Batmobiles built.

The Batmobile - a custom-made Futura - was originally the creation of George Barris, and one of the most famous cars ever to be produced. The car was built in the 1950s and was a part of the experimental "Ford Custom Caravan".

The car was customized in 3 weeks, was 23 feet long (7 metres) and the drive train had to be extended eleven inches to compensate for the unusual length.

The hugely successful comic was made into films and in "Batman" and "Batman Returns" showed the Batmobile as deadly a car (just like his driver) created by Anton Furst.