George Barris
USA- Childhood and Early Interest in Automotive Design
- Building Custom Cars with His Brother
- Moving to Los Angeles and Establishing a Business
- Collaborations with the Film Industry
- Creating the Batmobile and Other Iconic Cars
- Designing Vehicles for Celebrities and Television
- Later Years and Legacy
Childhood and Early Interest in Automotive Design
George Barris's love for cars began at a tender age. Born in Chicago alongside his brother Sam, George and Sam were sent to live with their aunt and uncle in Roseville, California at the age of 3 after the passing of their mother. Throughout his childhood, George displayed a remarkable interest in automotive design, creating intricate model cars out of corkboard and experimenting with modifications.
Building Custom Cars with His Brother
The Barris brothers gained hands-on experience with automobiles through their work at their family's Greek restaurant. As compensation for their efforts, they received a 1925 Buick. Although the car was initially in poor condition, the brothers quickly restored it and began customizing its appearance, resulting in their first custom vehicle. Selling their creation, they purchased a new car and established a club for enthusiasts of custom automobiles, featuring the unique term "kustom" in its name.
Moving to Los Angeles and Establishing a Business
Despite his family's expectations of continuing the family restaurant business, George Barris pursued his passion for cars. He moved to Los Angeles shortly after his 18th birthday, where he joined the local car scene and opened his own shop. Sam joined his brother after serving in the Navy during World War II, assisting in the development of custom cars.
Collaborations with the Film Industry
The Barris brothers' creations soon caught the attention of the film industry. They received commissions for both personal and cinematic vehicles. In the 1950s, Sam left the automotive business, and George's wife, Shirley, became his new partner. As "Barris Kustom Industries," they licensed and produced model car kits for Aurora, Revell, MPC, and AMT, introducing their designs to a national audience.
Creating the Batmobile and Other Iconic Cars
Barris continued his partnership with the film industry, making notable contributions to "North by Northwest," "High School Confidential," and "The Time Machine." In the early 1960s, he acquired the Lincoln Futura, an Italian concept car. When ABC Television approached him to create a prototype Batmobile for a television series, Barris repurposed the Futura, completing the build within three weeks. The car's popularity skyrocketed, and Barris retained ownership, eventually selling it at auction in 2013 for $4.62 million.
Designing Vehicles for Celebrities and Television
Barris also created other iconic vehicles, including the Munster Koach and Drag-U-La for "The Munsters," the Oldsmobile Toronado from the first season of "Mannix," the Oldsmobile-based truck from "The Beverly Hillbillies," and a new version of KITT from "Knight Rider." He customized vehicles for celebrities both on and off the screen, including Zsa Zsa Gabor's gold Rolls Royce, golf carts for Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Ann-Margret, Glen Campbell, and Elton John, and 25 custom Mini Mokes for a record label contest.
Later Years and Legacy
Barris's talent extended to modifying existing vehicles, including Elvis Presley's Cadillac, John Wayne's Pontiac, and Dean Martin's Cadillac Eldorado. He even designed matching Ford Mustangs for Sonny and Cher. Approximately a decade after the release of "Back to the Future Part III," he acquired a DeLorean and displayed it at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Barris later purchased a DMC-12 and used it in promotional campaigns without explicitly claiming its association with the franchise. In 2007, Universal Studios demanded that he cease using its likeness. George Barris passed away at his California home on November 5, 2015, at the age of 89.
