George Barris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Barris
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Barris at the 64th Grand National Roadster Show in Los Angeles, January 25, 2013
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| Born | November 20, 1925 |
| Died | November 5, 2015 (aged 89) Encino, California, U.S.
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| Known for | Hot-Rod art, automobile customizing and pinstriping |
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Notable work
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| Movement | Kustom Kulture |
| Spouse(s) |
Shirley Nahas
(m. 1958; invalid reason 2001) |
George Barris (born November 20, 1925 – died November 5, 2015) was a super cool American designer. He was famous for building amazing custom cars for movies and TV shows. You might know his most famous creations: the Munster Koach and the 1966 Batmobile!
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Who Was George Barris?
George Barris was a master at changing regular cars into unique, eye-catching vehicles. He created many of the most famous cars in Hollywood history. His work helped define a style called Kustom Kulture. This style is all about making cars look special and different.
The Batmobile
One of George Barris's most iconic creations is the original 1966 Batmobile. This car was built for the Batman TV series. It was based on a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. Barris transformed it into the crime-fighting machine we all know. It had cool features like a bat-ray projector and a Bat-phone.
The Munster Koach and DRAG-U-LA
Barris also designed the spooky Munster Koach for The Munsters TV show. This car looked like it belonged in a haunted house! It was made from three Ford Model T bodies. He also built the DRAG-U-LA car for Grandpa Munster. This car was shaped like a coffin and was super fast.
Other Famous Cars
George Barris created many other memorable cars for TV and movies.
- KITT from Knight Rider: He designed the sleek, talking car for the show.
- General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard: He made the famous orange Dodge Charger.
- Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoon's Vacation: This funny station wagon became a movie icon.
He also built custom cars for everyday people and car shows. Two of his early famous custom cars were the Hirohata Merc and the Ala Kart. These cars won many awards and showed off his amazing talent.
George Barris's Life
George Barris was born in Chicago, Illinois. He started customizing cars when he was very young. He loved making cars look special and unique. He married Shirley Nahas in 1958. They had two children together. George Barris passed away peacefully in 2015 at the age of 89. His amazing custom cars continue to be loved by fans all over the world.
