Lego 76023 The Tumbler Caught Speeding In The Passing Lane

I'll dive right into this article by discussing the investment potential of the "comes in black" 76023 Lego Tumbler set. It appears production was stopped for the $199.99 76023 Lego Tumbler set months ago about the same time Lego slapped the infamous "retiring soon" tag.  European and US  Lego Shop At Home websites have either sold-out (red font for those who track that) or removed this set's page entirely.  In the US, only Amazon and Target have stock currently.  According to Brickpickers who try to track inventory like @trekgate502 , the current inventory at those 2 online retailers could be gone by the time the 4th NFL Wild-Card game finishes this Sunday.  Regardless of the availability left, the clock is near midnight folks. Time is running out so please check the Brickpicker Inventory Stock Checker. 

http://www.brickpicker.com/brickwatcher/lego-stock-checker.cfm#76023-1

Since coming out of my Lego Dark Age in 2012, there have been only one time I felt a set's popularity growth was guaranteed to grow after retirement (aka a Grand Slam) : 10212 : UCS Star Wars Imperial Shuttle.  The Tumbler is the second set I've had this feeling about. 

In recent months, this set has fallen out of favor with many Brickpickers.  They have their reasons.

Reasons why this set is a "Grand Slam".

• It's Batman. This character has global appeal.
• Past set comparisons can help predict future growth.
  • The initial $49.99 Tumbler set (7888 from 2008) continues to sell for a premium : $470 MISB and $244 used.   Granted, this set had a very limited production run and was the only Lego Tumbler available for from 2008 to 2013.
  • The Batmobile: Ultimate Collectors' Edition (7784 from 2007) retailed for $69.99 and grew to $432 MISB and $208 Used.
  • 2013's Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout has increased from $159.99 to $238 in one year of retirement.
  • If this set performances 1/3rd as well as of the previous 3 sets, that gives us a secondary market price of $700-$800 within 3-4 years of retirement.  If achieved, that growth will be considered a success.
• More Batman films are coming.
• Building this set is fun.  The designer used various elements and techniques to create the Tumbler's complex outer design.
• Batmobiles are popular. There have been countless debates whether the 1966 Adam West version is better than the 1989's Tim Burton one and if the latter is better than the Tumbler.  The Tumbler was introduced in Christopher Nolan's 2006 Batman film.  He wanted something different than done in past films.  The point is that any vehicle Batman drives remains popular.
• Lego marketed this set as an advanced model and included a UCS-styled plaque.
• Christian Bale and Health Ledger minifigures are included and both remain exclusive to this set.  I doubt they will appear in future sets especially this Joker version.

• The vehicle is massive.  It measures over 5” high, 15” long and 9” wide. Don't let the 1,869 piece count fool you as most pieces are Technic bricks, medium to large plates and semi-exclusive tires.

The picture below shows the minifigure to vehicle scale.

• Many elements are still harder to find for those trying to "bricklink" this set.  9 non-minifigure elements are available in only 6 or less sets including 1 element still being exclusive as of writing this article (Pearl Gold Wheel Bearing Back).
• Retail availability of this set appears it will be less than 2 years since it was introduced in August 2014.

I don't have many issues with this nor identified "Cons".  One not is this model is meant to be displayed and not played around with by the kids.  The fenders and rear roof are two of the more fragile areas.

One review I've liked since the set was introduced, was written by Ace Kim's in Aug 2014.

http://www.fbtb.net/2014/08/18/review-76023-the-tumbler/

In summary, The Tumbler has a "love it or hate it" affect on Lego fans. One thing for certain is that Batman fans will never forget The Tumbler when debating Batmobiles for decades to come.

NOTE: Please be sure to check-out our popular forum topic and the Lego Designer Video for more information. Also included below is a link to the awesome Jay Leno's Garage episode which highlights a film used Tumbler.