After mysteriously lighting up the skies above Gotham, in the days leading up to World Batman Day, the Dark Knight finally made his grand entrance into the real-life village on Saturday 19 September, complete with a life-size replica of the iconic 1966 Batmobile.
For one day only, Gotham was transformed into a scene worthy of the silver screen as Batman met fans, families and local residents, with the first 100 attendees dressed as the Caped Crusader receiving a complimentary CORGI Batmobile model.
The appearance brought the Batman legend full circle, with the Nottinghamshire village sharing its name with the fictional home of the Dark Knight, while nearby Wollaton Hall famously doubled as Wayne Manor in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
The spectacular homecoming formed part of CORGI’s celebrations for its 70th anniversary, bringing together two icons of popular culture, the legendary Batmobile and the British die-cast brand that has been turning famous vehicles into miniature collectibles for generations.
Guy Stainthorpe, CORGI Brand Managing Director, said: “For 70 years, CORGI has been turning the cars people love from the big screen and popular culture into miniature icons. Bringing the Batmobile to Gotham was the perfect way to celebrate that heritage.
“Bringing Batman and the Batmobile together in the real Gotham meant we would create something memorable for fans, families and the local community, and we’re delighted to have welcomed the Dark Knight home.”
First introduced by the Mettoy Company in 1956 and manufactured in Swansea, Wales, CORGI revolutionised the die-cast model car market with its innovative designs, earning the famous nickname “the ones with the windows”.
The brand went on to become a fixture of British pop culture, with its original 1966 Batmobile becoming one of its most recognisable models. The iconic vehicle continues to feature in CORGI’s range today, connecting a new generation of collectors with a piece of die-cast history.
The Gotham celebration formed part of CORGI’s wider 70th anniversary celebrations, bringing its heritage in film, television and popular culture to life in an appropriately cinematic setting.
