George Barris didn’t just remake cars; he was a genius who designed 15 of the craziest, most creative custom vehicles ever. He didn’t stop at assembling an automobile for the protector of Gotham; he also built a supercar with enough engines to power a small airplane!
1966 Batmobile
In just 15 days, he transformed a Lincoln Futura concept into the iconic 1966 Batmobile. The sleek ride first appeared in the popular 1960s “Batman” television series starring Adam West. He equipped it with features like the Bat-Ray projector, a jet turbine engine, and distinctive fins, making it the perfect crime-fighting vehicle for the Caped Crusader.
1958 Custom Corvette
When Lee Sims of Accessories International commissioned an extraordinary piece, the King Customizer didn’t disappoint. He redesigned a Corvette into a striking beauty, drawing inspiration from Bill Mitchell’s XP-700 Chevy. Ultimately, Sims got an Aqua Blue stunner with extended headlights and Buick taillights that won that year’s Los Angeles Arena Show.
Esso 67-X
The Esso 67-X, made for Canada’s 1967 centennial, was created from a family-friendly Oldsmobile Toronado. Imagine a ride long enough to rival today’s SUVs, with a front seat for discussion and a built-in picnic cooler. It also had two radios and tape decks to entertain everyone on a road trip.
Ala Kart
In 1957, he transformed a 1929 Ford Model A into a two-time winner of the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award. The Ala Kart is one of his most inspiring creations. He got the idea from a restaurant menu and sketched the design on napkins. The Kart later became a movie regular and a magazine darling.
Barris’ Ferrari 308 GTS
When George decided to customize his vehicle, he built one that was as unique and flashy as his other creations. His gold-trim Ferrari had super-wide wheels and fenders with hidden headlights. The interior had a digital dash, a Sony TV, and a backup camera that proved the GTS was ahead of its time.
Munster Koach
The spooky ride for the 1960s TV show “The Munsters” isn’t your typical hot rod. It was mounted on a lengthened Model T chassis, with roll steel scrollwork that took 500 hours to craft and some help from Tom Daniel. The ghoulish Koach has a killer sound system and a massive 289-cubic-inch V8 engine that announces its presence.
Bill Carr’s 1955 Chevrolet “Aztec”
The collaboration with Bill Carr to produce the 1955 Chevy “Aztec” was a wild decision. They took a plain Bel Air convertible and turned it into a masterpiece. The front had 18-inch fenders and quad headlights, while the rear sported Packard taillights and a radical paint job inspired by Aztec desert tones.
The Emperor
Whenever this sleek, shiny roadster cruised down the street or pulled up to the red carpet, people went crazy because it was unique, like nothing they’d ever seen. The Emperor soon became a celebrity, appearing like a true star in movies and TV shows. It won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in 1960 and was featured on several magazine covers.
The Barrister
The Barrister looks like a futuristic chariot pulled straight out of a history book because one man dared to push the boundaries of automobile design. Only he could turn a sporty Chevy Corvette into an award-winning machine. While some found the concept strange and monstrous, celebrities like James Caan and Bo Derek were drawn to its uncommon look.
Bob Nordskog’s 1963 “Asteroid” Corvette
Bob Nordskog’s bespoke car was an automotive and engineering marvel. The powerboat racer wanted to take the thrill of speeding on the sea to the streets, so he commissioned Barris to build an automobile for driving, racing, and showboating. One notable feature is its glistening bronze paint job, which gives it a luxurious appearance.
Voxmobile
The Voxmobile was created as a promotional roadster for Vox, a musical instrument company. It became popular in the 1960s due to its integrated musical features. He included 32 audio jacks along the sides, a guitar that could be played while driving, three built-in Beatle amplifiers, and a small stage at the back for live performances.
Kargoyle
This 1967 Cadillac was constructed for the 1980s movie “Gargoyles.” It has a fitting name for its large engine block, a chopped roof, and striking body graphics. Like most bespoke cars, the Kargoyle found fame on entertainment shows, including featuring on the cover of Meat Loaf’s legendary “Bat Out of Hell” album.
Barris’ 1975 SnakePit
In 1975, the customizing legend built the SnakePit, a 23-foot monster powered by six Cobra 351 V-8 engines! While he claimed it could travel 300 mph, the owners never confirmed, preferring to keep it in personal collections or auto displays. It steals the exhibition spotlight with plush leather seating and a tailor-made dashboard with elaborate snake motifs.
Jurassic Park Tour Vehicles
These vans were a spectacle of creativity and innovation, capturing the imagination of movie buffs and motor enthusiasts. They were prominent in the film franchise and meticulously customized to resemble rugged safari jeeps used for thrilling dinosaur encounters. The vehicles’ intricate details included faux dinosaur claw marks, weathered paint finishes, and authentic props.
1998 Mercury Cougar “Woodie” 2050
Building the retro-futuristic “Woodie” wagon from a Mercury Cougar and a 1950 Ford Station Wagon required tremendous creative genius. This bold concept features simulated wood paneling and chrome accents for its looks while combining a 4.6-liter V8 with a Paxton supercharger for power. As expected, it boosted his reputation as a pioneer in automotive customization.
