A part-time stunt driver, part-time superhero from Rickmansworth has handed back the keys to a real-life Batmobile, after taking part in the first leg of a super car road trip.

The “Gumball 3000” rally is an annual tour for the most expensive and rarest super cars, which this year spans London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Boston, Quebec, Toronto and New York.

Philip “Hollywood” Hatton, of Curtis Close, took part this year, driving a 1990s Bat mobile replica from London to Amsterdam.

The 42-year-old caped-crusader has previously entered several car rallies and performed various stunts for both Channel 4 and e4.

He and another 120 super cars lined up at the start line in London on Saturday, where streets were closed from Trafalgar Square along Pall Mall.

Mr Hatton, an electrical engineer, said: “It is such a great adventure and I received the biggest cheer as the Batmobile thundered down St James’s with me struggling to steer the 25 foot, £200,000 car.”

Entry to the exclusive rally costs £30,000, although a discounted rate of £12,000 is available for drivers wishing to complete either the European or American leg.

The fee covers accommodation, meals and events, including VIP parties, race circuits and music concerts.

Mr Hatton, whose daughter Jessica studies at St Joan of Arc School, convinced his friend and owner of the London Motor Museum, Elo Xavier, to lend him the car.

He said: “The last time I took part all of the cars ended up impounded in Germany.

“We couldn't afford for a rare car like the Batmobile to be impounded so I decided to do just the first leg.”

Participants include skateboarder Tony Hawk, actor David Hasselhoff, and The Wire's Idris Elba.

Music is provided by Jade Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger, in a van which converts into night club, with performances from hip hop stars Xzhibit, Dizzee Rascal and Eve.

Mr Hatton added: “The Bat mobile is not the most environmentalist machine on the event, averaging about two miles to the gallon if you take it easy.

“It is not the best choice for the weekly shop, parking really is a mission.”

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