Classic TV Series Batmobile (76188) Review

Growing up, I watched the ‘60s Batman series reruns on TV after school. The show was beyond campy, but I tuned in at the same Bat-time on the same Bat-channel anyway. A few years ago, the LEGO® Group released a large Classic TV Series Batcave (76052). I wanted it for the vehicles and Minifigures, but I did not pick one up for budget reasons at the time. Earlier this year, we learned the Classic TV Series Batmobile (76188) was coming out. I am thrilled that the ‘60s Batmobile is back in a cheaper set. Obviously, I picked one up. This week, we take a closer look and this small but surprisingly detailed set.

Incidentally, the Classic TV Series Batmobile is also the August 2021 giveaway at True North Bricks. Click on the image below to find out how you can win 😊

CLASSIC TV SERIES BATMOBILE SUMMARY

• NAME: Classic TV Series Batmobile
• SET #: 76188
• THEME: DC Comics Superheroes
• COST: $34.99 CAD
• BRICK COUNT: 344
• MINIFIGURES: 2
• RELEASE DATE: April 26, 2021

CLASSIC TV SERIES BATMOBILE QUICK REVIEW

• VALUE: 92% (Great cost-per-brick and build time value.)
• BUILD: 98% (Excellent design that is true to the original.)
• MINIFIGURES: 90% (Amazing minifigs, but only an average number for a set this size.)
• ENTERTAINMENT: 100% (Love, love, love this car.)
• OVERALL SCORE: 95% (Excellent set)

CLASSIC TV SERIES BATMOBILE REVIEW

VALUE: 92%

At full price, the Batmobile costs $34.99 in Canada. Additionally, the set includes 344 pieces. The resulting cost-per-brick is $0.102. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick for LEGO® sets in general is $0.139, while for Superheroes sets it is $0.134. No matter how you look at it, the Batmobile is quite a good value. It earns 93% in this category.

The Batmobile took me 55 minutes to assemble. At full price, the cost-per-minute of build time works out to $0.64. Once again, that is great. My average for Superheroes sets is $0.77/min, while across all LEGO® themes it is $0.85/min. I rate the build time at 90%. Averaging this with the cost-per-brick score gives an overall value rating of 92%.

BUILD: 98%

For such a small kit, the Batmobile achieves a very detailed and authentic look. Designers used a number of S.N.O.T. techniques to create the smooth, rounded edges. The front bumper area features a particularly nice design in that regard. Additionally, the “wings” coming off the back angle in interesting fashion thanks to the use of rocker bearings and rocking plates. The trunk also opens, providing space to store Batarangs and such. Finally, the car features two different looks for the front hood. You can put stud shooters on or replace them using bowed plates. The set includes pieces for both versions.

I really appreciate that designers made this kit true to its name. Despite containing only 344 bricks, this car is instantly recognizable as the ‘60s Batmobile. Not only that, it looks great. I am so happy the entire brick allotment went into the car. Yes, there is a small stand included too. However, being able to rotate the car to any angle with a display plate is a plus in this case. What I mean by all the bricks going to the car is that there are no pointless little side builds. The Classic TV Series Batmobile also includes Joker. I am elated that he does not have some lame Joker Tricycle or something similar that would either take details away from the Batmobile increase the set’s price point.

This set is all Batmobile, no pointless side builds 🙂

Is there anything I do not like about the Classic TV Series Batmobile? Not really. If I had to nit-pick, there are two little issues. Firstly, the trunk does not open fully without breaking. However, it opens enough to place items inside, and it is not hard to pop back in place if it comes off. Second, the arch in the middle of the driver and passenger seats uses a 1x6x1 screen-with-edge brick. The edge on this piece is present on one side of the brick and not the other, creating a little asymmetry. Again, very small issues. Consequently, I rate the build at 98%.

MINIFIGURES:

The Batmobile comes with two Minifigures, Batman and Joker. Each character features their classic look from the ‘60s TV Series as well as all the standard Minifigure parts. Additionally, both characters have double-sided faces, front and back torso printing, and leg printing. The minifigs get bonus points because Batman’s cowl is also printed, and Joker has a moustache. For those not familiar with ‘60s Batman lore, Cesar Romero played the Joker on the show. He infamously refused to shave off his moustache for the show. Consequently, make-up artists applied white grease paint generously to try and cover it up. What a great tip of the hat to the late actor. In terms of accessories, the set includes several Batarangs and a grappling gun. These Minifigures easily earn 100% in terms of design.

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Two Minifigures in a 344-piece kit results in 172 bricks per minifig. That is an average number of characters to include in a set of this size. Personally, I think this set needs classic Robin too. Regardless, you get a fair number of characters. I rate the ratio at 80%. Averaging this with the design score gives an overall Minifigure rating of 90%.

ENTERTAINMENT: 100%

Am I entertained by this set? Resoundingly, yes. The Classic TV Series Batmobile makes an amazing display piece for Batman fans, especially if you have the limited edition 1989 Batmobile GWP to display alongside it. You can stock your MOC Batcave with multiple versions of the car, or simply keep them on a shelf. I was never really a Tumbler fan, but now I wish I had one of those in a similar scale to display. I have the Batfleck Batmobile (Kryptonite Interception) to go along with these.

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In terms of play, this is a car with stud shooters. I do not know how many kids will recognize the ‘60s Batmobile or be interested in it. However, I grew up watching re-runs of the show. Consequently, I would have loved to have this set. It is certainly one of the nicer Batmobiles that the LEGO® Group has produced, and different from the usual comic book inspired fare. I do not see why kids would not like to play with it. However, I do think the set appeals more to AFOLs and was designed as such. Not too many kids’ sets come with display bases, even if the Classic TV Series Batmobile is not marketed as an 18+ set. I rate the entertainment score at 100%.

OVERALL SCORE: 95%

The Classic TV Series Batmobile made my wish list upon announcement. I love that we finally get this version of the car outside of a super pricey kit. Additionally, the car looks awesome at a great value. The Minifigures are detailed, true to the source material, and fun. I will not take this set apart and recycle the bricks. This is 100% going on display in my LEGO® room. The Classic TV Series Batmobile is well worth the purchase for Batman fans, even at full price. However, you can win one in the True North Bricks August 2021 giveaway. How do you feel about the set? Comment below or reach out on social media.

Until next time,

-Tom

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