Rubber specialist seals the deal for iconic Batmobile

Dec 04, 2023

A Knowsley Industrial Park business is now part of Hollywood folkore after its work on an iconic movie prop.

Rubber component manufacturer, Ley Rubber, was tasked with helping make a piece of tinseltown history roadworthy.

The 1989 Batmobile, from Tim Burton’s Batman reboot film series, is one the most distinctive and iconic movie vehicles of a generation.

Originally created for the Batman film starring Michael Keaton, this famed car was never meant to be driven on the roads.

However, after being acquired at auction by a Qatari Prince for nearly £1m, the sleek Batmobile was shipped back to the UK for an important restoration project.

The new owner wanted to drive his new acquisition on the streets of Qatar, but there were some problems to solve first.

Ley Rubber faced the challenge of designing an effective weatherproof seal for the iconic Batmobile, ensuring it could withstand the elements while also dampening vibrations from body panels.

The Batmobile, however, is no ordinary car. Entry to the vehicle is actually a sliding roof panel, providing access to the cockpit. Moreover, the car features two pop-up panels housing ‘missiles’ that also needed waterproofing.

Ley Rubber said it boasts decades of experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke rubber components and expertise in transportation and the classic car industry.

Commercial manager, Jon Holbrook, conducted a thorough evaluation and provided a tailored sponge rubber solution, effectively sealing the roof to protect it from the elements.

This meticulous process not only prevented water from entering the missile compartments but also eliminated the bothersome vibration noise originating from the bonnet.

Jon Holbrook said: “This was a very special project and needed a unique design.

“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 rubber component to ensure the vehicle was weatherproof.”

He said the company’s solution to prevent the vibration issue on the bonnet also “worked like a charm” to ensure the Dark Knight rises, again.