George Barris, the creator of the first Batmobile, the Munster Koach, KITT, and hundreds of other custom cars over the course of a career than spanned the back half of the twentieth century and into the 21st, has died at the age of 89 years. Never bashful, never afraid to self-promote, and on occasion never concerned with clarifying a car’s origins or original builder, Barris has certainly had his fare share of fame and perhaps some infamy over the years. He began operating a shop in California during the 1940s and along with his brother Sam they quickly gained a reputation as metal working masters who could make cars look cool and different in ways that had rarely been experimented with before by hot rodders.
According to the Barris website, George and Sam Barris had the only “custom” car in the very first car show that Hot Rod Magazine ever put on. This garnered him some exposure and few understood the value of promotion better than Barris. He began having his cars professional photographed, he would later write for the magazines and feature his cars, others, and also write tech and how-to stories explaining some of the techniques he and sam wee using at that time. The Barris Brothers Custom Shop in Compton was a heck of a place to be at this point but true fame was right around the corner.
Sam Barris bought a late 1940s/early 1950s Mercury and started to customize the car in such a way that it caught the attention of a guy named Bob Hirohata who brought his own 1951 to the shop and essentially threw George and Sam the keys, telling them to give it the full treatment. The result was one of the most singularly iconic cars of all time. The work was done by Sam Barris but coming out of the joint shop we’re sure George had at least a little hand in on the action.
Outside of actually building cars, Barris was a relentless promoter. He started clubs and organizations like Kustoms of America that were designed to get people out in their cars and also designed to make Barris some cash. Nothing wrong with that! It was during the late 1950s when the profile of George Barris exploded. He was traveling the country preaching the “King of the Kustomizers” gospel and showing off his cars. He gained lots of notoriety by the sheer amount of traveling he did, traversing the country and going car show to car show. The man understood the idea of building a “brand” more than virtually anyone else of his era.
The construction of the famed “Ala Kart” truck launched him into the stratosphere. Built in 1957 this 1929 Model A truck became insanely famous, was made into model kits, and won the AMBR trophy TWICE in a row in 1958 and 1959. Never one to shy from the cameras of pressures of Hollywood it was also about this time that Barris starting supplying cars for TV and movies. We know about the original Batmobile, we know about KITT, but we were surprised that he did the Jed Clampett car. Some would argue that he peaked there but we’re not here to have that fight. Now is not the time for debate but for remembering.
The roster of people that worked for this guy during the years is incredible (this list from the Barris website): Bill Hines, Lloyd Bakan, Dick Dean, Dean Jeffries, Von Dutch, Larry Watson, Hershel “Junior” Conway, John and Ralph Manok, Bill De Carr, Richard Korkes, Frank Sonzogni, “Jocko” Johnson, Lyle Lake, Curley Hurlbert, “Gordo”, and even Tom McMullen.
The debate will rage about his tastes, designs, and canon of work but it cannot be denied that this was a guy who had a major influence on the automotive world and got there from very humble beginnings. It also cannot be denied that he was a dad, a brother, a grandfather, a husband, and there are lots of people very saddened at his passing today. We send our condolences to them.
Most recognized Batmobile. In my opinion, still the absolute greatest Batmobile, and the funny thin is, he didn’t have to do that much to the car he started with .
There was a Batman and Robin movie or TV series back in the late ’40’s- early ’50’s, and they had a period sedan, but they still referred to it as the Batmobile. I can’t remember the distinguishing features about it that made it special, but it had some. I’ve still got the series, on VHS, but haven’t got a player!
I met him at the N.Y. Colleseum back in the ’60’s. Sad to see such an Icon go, but we all do. Most of his stuff too weird for me, though. Godspeed, George!
I was going to mention the same thing about the first batmobile… from memory it was a 1949 Merc convertible and had the top up when Bruce Wayne drove it but once the top was down it was the batmobile and nobody ever figured out it was the same car! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/436919601323714160/
Minor point though – the important thing here is to acknowledge George Barris – truly the King of the Kustomizers!
Met George a few years back at “Automania” in Sioux Falls, Sd. He came regularly and was always a hit, ever joking, ever promoting…Gonna miss him…legend
George was definitely ahead of the curve. Look at his 1968 “Super Teen” Firebird and compare it to the 1969 Firebird Trans Am. There are so many styling cues that appear on both cars yet he had nothing to do with the T/A.
In 1967 he built a Mod Top Camaro to show to Chevy as an option. They turned him down but two years later Chrysler offered it as an option.
Missing from the verbage above is the fact that he built many customized cars for Hollywood celebrities.
Bye George – we will miss you but your legacy lives on.
Legends live on through their legacy they leave for us to study and learn from. Mr. George Barris will be missed by many but his spirit will live on.
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. What a wonderful man, artist and talent. Met him several years in a row on the Car show circuit in Oklahoma City. Saw his original design concept for the Batmobile made from a 1965 or 66 Oldsmobile Cutlass among other fine customs. He was a very funny, friendly and warm hearted man. Loved to talk cars and always had a new, unusual design idea in his head… We’ve lost a very unique talent and a great guy. Prayers for his family. Rest In Peace Mr. Barris!
George, may to rest in peace. You gave some of the most beautiful kustoms while you were here on earth for all us to enjoy!
Like losing my dad again. Went to work for Mr. B when I was 17 and still in high school and worked there for 7 years. The man literally got me through my teens and kept me out of trouble. Learned just as much about life as I did painting from him. Going miss him , but all th great memories will give me comfort.
God Speed My Man
Paul Vac Metre
Rest in peace George. Your talent will be greatly missed although be reassured in the knowledge you have inspired many people in automotive culture, for whom I am one.
Atomic batteries to power.
Turbines to speed.
Buckle up.
Another iconic GREAT from our lives, called home.
ALL the GREATS that we know,from film,sports,life in general- are going.
The standard is the tradition.
Another one gone forever.
Of the “Big Three” Hollywood Car Customizers (Dean Jeffries, George Barris and Gene Winfield) only Gene Winfield is still alive. He is 88.
When I read this headline it was one of those moments that make my heart skip a beat. Another part of my youth is gone.
He was truly the “Master Fabricator” for all the lies he told about cars that he never designed or built and yet claimed credit for, including, the Monkeemobile, KITT, the General Lee, the Back To The Future Delorean, the Grease Lightning car, the Ghostbusters car, and others. He tried to sell me a bad clone of the American Graffiti car as the real screen-used car. I passed. He later tried to auction it through Bonham’s as the real car – but was forced to withdraw the claims about it being the real movie car. He gets the “Pants On Fire” award.