George Barris is one of the leading statesmen of Kustom Car builders. While most car guys know his work, few know his story. George has a body of work that spans decades. It is known by sight, if not by reputation, including cars such as the Munster Coach, Batmobile and "Black Beauty" (the Green Hornet's car); all used in kids series TV shows of the mid to late 60's This article is dedicated to George and the telling of his story.
Before he was a professional "Kustom" builder, George (and his older brother Sam - also destined to be known for his customizations) was born in Chicago during the mid 20's. After the untimely death of their parents, the boys where moved to Roseville, California in 1928 to live with family. Like most kids, they built models by the dozens, some even winning competitions for construction and design!
In reward for work done at the family restaurant, the brothers were given a 1925 Buick that was just a "little past her prime". The Buick became the first "Barris Brothers" custom car! In an unbridled attempt to make it look different, they straightened the bodywork, added bolt-on accessories and boldly hand painted it orange with blue stripes! Not a bad start for two would be legends! During this formative period, the brothers honed skills and learned "the black art" of body work at local bodyshops, including Brown's and Bertolucci's in Sacramento. George created his first full custom before he graduated from High School. Around this time, George also formed a club called "Kustoms Car Club". It is here that the first use of "K" for Kustoms would be used to describe this style of car.
As young men, Sam entered the Navy during WW ll and George moved to the Los Angeles suburb of Bell, home to his first shop. After Sam's discharge in 1945, they opened the "Barris Brother's Custom Shop" together on Compton Ave. in Los Angeles. Sam's metal work served as a perfect foundation for George's desire to design, paint, manage, and promote. The brothers were a success and by 1950 Robert 'Pete' Petersen, the car magazine publisher, promoted the first Hot Rod Show in LA and the Barris brothers were asked to exhibit the only custom car in the show. George began providing slick photos and writing for these magazines as well. He was able to promote his business by demonstrating their techniques in how-to articles. The Barris brothers outgrew their shop on Compton and moved to a larger one in Lynwood, where the famous Hirohata Merc was born. It would later take the 1952 Motorama by storm. This was the start of the "golden years" of George's work. Outside the shop, George formed "Kustoms of Los Angeles," a club which was to become "Kustoms of America." featuring weekend runs which George helped organize. It's still a major club today that sponsors a cruise in Paso Robles.
The movie studios noticed George's work on the street and at races. Quickly, he was asked to create cars for studio executives, stars and as props for films. The first project was used in 1958's "High School Confidential". The success of this initial movie car job marked the start of a forty plus year association with the industry that has been fruitful and interesting. Some of my favorite movie cars are George's designs and are mentioned earlier.
In the 60's, Revell began making scale kits of George's cars. AMT soon joined them with the "Ala Kart." roadster pickup. Plastic model kits have long been one of the best selling toys and George capitalized on this trend by expanding his business interests to included them. George's work has been licensed to all the major model manufactures and has gotten as much attention in miniture as from the real cars he brings to life!
Barris is as active today as he ever was. He's now assisted with company projects by his son and daughter. They're involved with 'Kustom' car creations, charitable functions, and even a clothing line. George is still available to his fans, regularly appearing at auto-related events and other public functions.
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