In a captivating restoration endeavor, Knowsley-based rubber component manufacturer Ley Rubber has played a pivotal role in restoring the legendary 1989 Batmobile from Tim Burton’s Batman film series. Regarded with the same reverence as the iconic DeLorean from “Back to the Future,” the Batmobile is an enduring symbol of cinematic history.
Famous for its distinctive design, this Batmobile, built for the 1989 Batman film starring Michael Keaton, was initially intended solely for the screen and not for actual road use. However, after being acquired at a high-stakes auction by a Qatari Prince for nearly £1 million, the sleek vehicle was transported back to the UK for a critical restoration mission.
Ley Rubber, renowned for its expertise in bespoke rubber components and its extensive experience in the classic car industry, took on the unique challenge of crafting weatherproof seals to protect the iconic Batmobile. The primary focus was on designing seals that could withstand the elements and dampen vibrations from the vehicle’s body panels.
This Batmobile possesses unique characteristics, such as a sliding roof panel that serves as the entry point to the cockpit and pop-up panels housing missiles. Ley Rubber’s Commercial Manager led a thorough evaluation to identify the precise solutions required for this distinctive vehicle.
The ingenious solution involved designing a tailored sponge rubber configuration that effectively sealed the roof, preventing water from entering the missile compartments. Moreover, this meticulous approach addressed vibration issues originating from the bonnet, ensuring a smooth and noiseless driving experience.
Jon Holbrook, Head of Commercials at Ley Rubber, elaborated on the process: “We created a large sponge bubble profile on one side of the roof then a half dome solid sponge 16mm base which when closed sealed the roof completely. As well as this and on the top of the door where roof slides back, we used a SRS135 rubber component to ensure the vehicle was weatherproof. To prevent the vibration issue on the bonnet we used a small U channel profile IRS0840, which worked like a charm.”
Through their expertise and commitment, Ley Rubber successfully contributed to reviving the iconic Batmobile, allowing it to hit the streets of Qatar and delight enthusiasts worldwide. This restoration project showcases Ley Rubber’s ability to meet unique challenges with precision engineering and innovation, proving once again that even in the realm of extraordinary vehicles, there are partners who are up to the task.
