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May 17, 2024
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Spotlighter
A Century of Kustom Cool: The GNRS Tribute to George Barris
GNRS 2025 honors the King of the Kustomizers with a showcase of some of his most legendary builds
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
George Barris: The King of the Kustomizers
The mastermind who turned wild ideas into rolling legends. At the 2025 Grand National Roadster Show, organizers pulled out all the stops to honor what would have been his 100th birthday, showcasing some of his most legendary and jaw-dropping creations.
From Traditional Customs to Hollywood Icons
Barris wasn’t just a custom car builder—he was a straight-up visionary. He kicked things off in the early days with traditional customs like the ‘51 Hirohata Merc, which was on display in all its chopped, low-slung glory. But Barris didn’t stop at slick street machines—he went full Hollywood.
Building Legends: The Batmobile, Munster Koach & More
The Batmobile? That was him, born from a ‘55 Lincoln Futura concept. The Munster Koach and Drag-U-La? Pure Barris madness. The Beverly Hillbillies’ truck? Yep, his handiwork too.
A Tribute Packed with Barris’s Greatest Creations
At the GNRS, fans got an up-close look at some of his greatest hits. The 1967 Batmobile, still looking sinister. The Golden Sahara, dripping in futuristic flair. Every car on display was a reminder that Barris didn’t just customize—he created icons.
Barris’s Legacy Lives On
Even today, his influence is everywhere. Custom car culture wouldn’t be what it is without him. The GNRS tribute was more than a car show—it was a celebration of a man who turned wrenches and wild ideas into history.
The Golden Sahara
The Golden Sahara is straight-up one of the wildest custom cars to ever roll onto a show floor. Born from the wreckage of a 1953 Lincoln Capri, this thing got the full-on George Barris treatment, making its grand entrance at the 1954 Petersen Motorama. And let’s be real—it wasn’t just another custom. With a gold-plated everything, glowing translucent Goodyear tires, and a pile of futuristic electronics that were way ahead of their time—like automatic emergency braking and voice controls—this car was like something out of a sci-fi flick. The design took heavy cues from the jet age, with sleek lines and a space-age vibe that screamed innovation. Bottom line? The Golden Sahara wasn’t just a custom car—it was Barris showing the world that he could turn a wrecked Lincoln into a rolling piece of art.
67-X
The 67-X is pure George Barris genius, built to celebrate Canada’s centennial in 1967 and promote Esso Oil in the wildest way possible. Starting with an Oldsmobile Toronado—a car that was already an 18-foot front-wheel-drive beast—Barris stretched it past the 19-foot mark and packed it with futuristic styling straight out of a sci-fi fever dream. We’re talking big, swoopy curves, vents everywhere, and massive forward pontoons that made it look like it was ready to take off instead of roll down the road.
And the inside? Absolute ‘60s lounge mode. Barris decked it out with a wrap-around back seat, a swivel front seat, a pop-up table, an ice chest, and not one, but two 8-track stereos—because why not? The 67-X wasn’t just a car; it was a rolling showcase of the era’s over-the-top optimism and Barris’s knack for turning metal into pure showmanship. Today, it stands as one of his most unique builds—a big, bold, and completely unforgettable piece of custom car history.
Seaton ’55 Chevy
Jim Seaton’s 1955 Chevy is pure late-‘50s custom glory, and with Barris Kustoms behind the build, you know it’s got the looks and the chops. Originally customized between ‘57 and ‘58, this thing went full radical with a quad-headlight swap, tunneled taillights rocking custom plastic fins, and Dodge side trim that gave it a slick, flowing profile. And the paint? White pearl with killer burgundy scallops, sprayed by none other than Junior Conway. But don’t think this was just a pretty showpiece—under the hood sat a hopped-up 283 V8, making sure it had the muscle to back up the style. Nearly lost to time, the car was rescued from a scrapyard in the ‘70s, and after bouncing through a few owners, it landed with Tim McMann, a hardcore Barris fan who’s kept its legacy alive. This Chevy isn’t just a custom; it’s a rolling piece of history that proves why Barris Kustoms ruled the golden age of hot-rodding.
El Capitola
The El Capitola is one of those legendary customs that just screams late-’50s excess in the best way possible. Built by Sam and George Barris, this wild 1957 Chevy 210 started life as a humble two-door sedan before getting the full Kustom treatment. Sam, working out of his home garage in Northern California, chopped the top—3 inches in the front, 5 in the rear—and converted it to a hardtop, ditching the B-pillars for that ultra-smooth look. Then came the fins—massive 1957 Lincoln units that stretched the length of the car, complete with custom scoops and jet-age tubing.
Up front, the hood was pancaked, the grille was reworked with Studebaker pans, and the headlights got tunneled with Lucas lenses. The whole thing was smoothed and sculpted to perfection, leading up to a paint job that was straight-up ridiculous—25 coats of pearl white and candy burgundy lacquer, laid down by Junior Conway with ten gallons of paint. Inside, it was just as over-the-top, with four-way swivel bucket seats, a turntable-mounted TV, and pearl white Naugahyde with imported gold French frieze.
The car made its debut at the 1960 Sacramento Autorama and cleaned house, winning just about everything in sight. It changed hands a few times, got repainted in gold, and eventually disappeared into storage. Decades later, it resurfaced—still in shockingly good shape, a time capsule of when customs were all about going big or going home. The El Capitola wasn’t just another chopped-and-dropped Chevy; it was a rolling piece of art, a farewell masterpiece from Sam Barris, and a testament to the era when custom cars were as much about style as they were about attitude.
Tom Hocker’s ’40 Ford Coupe
If you’re into legit, historic customs, then Tom Hocker’s 1940 Ford Coupe is one you can’t ignore. This thing is pure Barris Kustoms gold, built in the 1950s and evolved through several wild iterations before locking in its final form in ’57. It racked up magazine features, won show trophies, and even got some Hollywood screen time in American Graffiti. Now, thanks to John Canepa and his crew at Canepa Customs, this legendary coupe is back to the way it looked in its prime—pure late-’50s show car perfection.
So, what makes Hocker’s coupe a legend? Start with the Barris pedigree—it’s got that unmistakable ‘50s custom styling that made their cars famous. Then there’s the quad-headlight setup, a bold move for the time, matched up with Cadillac V8 power under the hood. The body is all smoothed and massaged, wrapped in a signature scalloped paint job laid down by none other than George Barris and Junior Conway.
This Ford was built to turn heads, and it did just that, landing in magazines, dominating car shows, and eventually rolling onto the big screen as a real Hollywood custom. But like so many legendary customs, it drifted off the radar—until now. With the Hocker family and historical experts backing the restoration, Canepa brought it back exactly as it was in 1957, making sure every last detail was right.
Hirohata Mercury
If there’s one car that defines the golden age of custom culture, it’s the Hirohata Mercury. Built in 1953 by George and Sam Barris for Bob Hirohata, this ’51 Merc isn’t just another lead sled—it’s the lead sled. It set the standard for custom Mercs, and honestly, nothing has come close since.
The Barris brothers went all-in on this one, chopping the top four inches up front and a radical seven inches in the rear. That gave it an aggressive, low-slung stance, but they didn’t stop there. The B-pillars? They reshaped them so they curve forward at the top, and the rear window got raked hard to match. The end result? A Merc that looks like it’s moving even when it’s parked.
And then there’s the details—because Barris Kustoms never did “just enough.” The grille? A custom setup built from three different ’51 Ford grilles. The headlights? Frenched, of course, with ’52 Ford rings. Out back, Lincoln Capri taillights brought the perfect touch of class, while Buick side spears gave it that long, stretched look. And the paint? Oh, man. Two-tone green, with thirty coats to make sure it glowed under the lights.
Inside, it’s just as dialed. Tuck-and-roll Naugahyde everywhere, with a white and dark green combo that matches the bodywork. The dash, the seats, the headliner—it’s all period-perfect.
This car wasn’t just a trendsetter—it became the blueprint for custom Mercs. If you’re talking about the greatest customs of all time, you start with the Hirohata Merc. It’s a rolling piece of history, a Barris masterpiece, and a legend that still defines what a true custom should be.
Kandy Wagon
Some custom cars disappear into history, and some come roaring back when you least expect it. Case in point: the Kandy Wagon, a Barris-built ’53 Olds convertible that vanished for over 50 years—only to resurface in 2024 like a time capsule from the golden age of customs. Now, this legendary survivor is back in the spotlight as part of the George Barris Tribute Display at GNRS 2025, and if you’re into historic customs, you have to see it.
Originally built in 1958 for Bill and Bob Glazier, the Kandy Wagon was pure Barris Kustom magic. It rocked a deep Kandy Apple Red paint job with wild scallops and pinstriping laid down by none other than Dean Jeffries. And the bodywork? Next level. A quad-headlight setup swiped from a ’58 Ford truck, extended rear fenders that stretch all the way to house four Packard taillights, and a continental kit to tie it all together. Back in its day, this car ruled the streets of North Bend, Washington, turning heads and racking up trophies.
And then—gone. Tucked away in a garage for five decades, the Kandy Wagon sat untouched until it was rediscovered last year. Enter Chip Foose, who stepped in to clean it up and preserve it in all its original Barris-era glory. Now, not only is it back on display, but it’s also making waves in the custom world again—listed for sale on Hemmings and ready for its next chapter.
The Kandy Wagon isn’t just a lost-and-found story—it’s a rolling piece of custom history. A Barris build. A Jeffries masterpiece. And proof that even after half a century in hiding, true legends never fade.
Greased Lightning
Greased Lightning—now that’s one car that defines a whole era. Created for the 1978 movie Grease, this hot rod wasn’t just a ride; it was a symbol of 1950s cool. Originally a 1948 Ford De Luxe convertible, Barris worked his magic, transforming it into a car that perfectly fit the movie’s vibe, with a little help from the T-Birds (led by Danny Zuko, of course). And get this—there were two different versions of the car, thanks to some Rydell High auto shop magic.
This first version, which stole the show in the iconic dream sequence dance number “Greased Lightning,” was a bright red, over-the-top hot rod. We’re talking eccentric tailfins, a white interior, a heavily modified front end, and unconventional headlights sitting above the front fenders. Big wheels? Check. A clear hood to show off that engine? You bet. And let’s not forget those white lightning bolts running down the sides. The car was all about performance, too. As the song goes, it had “automatic,” “systematic,” and “hydromatic” features—likely referring to that GM Hydramatic transmission, making it one hell of a ride.
Barris Kustoms didn’t stop there; they cranked out several replicas of Greased Lightning, often packing a Chevy 350 CID V8 engine with dual quad carbs to give it that real muscle. This car didn’t just shine on the screen—it became an enduring symbol of Grease and a forever fixture in automotive and pop culture history.
Fireball 500
The Fireball 500—now here’s a car that screams 1960s cool, built for the 1966 movie Fireball 500, starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, and Fabian. Starting life as a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda, Barris worked his magic, turning it into a high-powered, sleek beast ready for the silver screen.
One of the standout features of the Fireball 500 is its dual cockpit design. The metal-formed cockpits and twin curved windshields give it a futuristic, fighter jet vibe that instantly grabs your attention. The body was amped up with flared headrests, extended rear fenders, and those signature slimline taillights. But under the hood? A 426 Hemi engine packing 425 horsepower—this was a drag racer through and through.
And the design? Talk about a head-turner. From the organ pipe exhausts to the custom grille with rectangular headlights, Barris gave this car an unforgettable look. The paint job alone was a masterpiece—multiple layers of hand-rubbed lacquer in white pearl, gold, Kandy Tangerine, and burgundy that made it shine like a piece of art.
The Fireball 500 is yet another testament to George Barris’s genius, turning a simple Plymouth Barracuda into a piece of automotive and film history. It remains a symbol of his creativity and his knack for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The Batmobile (1966)
The 1966 Batmobile—yeah, this is the one that defined a generation and turned George Barris into the ultimate custom car king. Built from a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car, Barris transformed this beauty for the Batman TV series starring Adam West. Here’s the kicker: Barris picked up the Futura for just one dollar and, in just three weeks, turned it into one of the most iconic cars ever to hit the small screen.
This ride was pure badassery, with a sleek, futuristic design that featured a bat-like nose and those signature bubble windshields. And then there’s the jet engine exhaust—because why not make an impression? But it wasn’t just about looks; the Batmobile was loaded with gadgets—Batphone, Bat-ray projector, Bat-scope—you name it, it had it. The black paint job with red pinstriping and bat emblems gave it that extra level of drama, making it stand out like a superhero in a world full of ordinary cars.
The 1966 Batmobile quickly became an icon, appearing in every episode of the Batman TV series and the Batman movie. Its unforgettable design and powerful presence made it a key part of TV history and cemented Barris’s place as a legend in custom car design. Today, the original Batmobile is a prized piece of pop culture, showing up at car shows and museums, still turning heads decades later.
Lil’ Redd Wrecker
If you’re talking wild custom haulers, Lil’ Redd Wrecker is one you can’t ignore. Originally conceived by Ed Newton as the Turnpike Hauler in 1970, this over-the-top tow truck was built purely as an art piece, rocking a bright blue paint job and show-stopping chrome. But when George Barris got his hands on it in 1974, he cranked up the flash, drenched it in Candy Apple Red, and rebranded it as Lil’ Redd Wrecker—a promo tie-in for Redd Foxx and his hit TV show Sanford and Son.
The truck was pure Barris—low-slung stance, excessive chrome, and flashy hand-lettered graphics that made it look ready for primetime. Only problem? It never made it on the show. Before it could hit the screen, Sanford and Son got the axe, leaving the Lil’ Redd Wrecker as a TV star that never got its big break.
Fast forward to 2020, and the team at Galpin Auto Sports took on the challenge of bringing the truck back to life on Car Kings. After a meticulous restoration, they nailed it, reviving this forgotten Barris-built oddity and locking it down in their private collection.
It’s big. It’s loud. It’s classic Barris excess with a side of 1970s show car swagger. Whether or not it got TV time, Lil’ Redd Wrecker is pure custom car history.
Macabre Mobile
If there was ever a custom ride that perfectly matched its owner’s persona, Elvira’s T-Bird—better known as the Macabre Mobile—is it. Built for Cassandra Peterson’s iconic horror queen, this 1958 Ford Thunderbird isn’t just a car—it’s a gothic spectacle on wheels.
Barris went full mad scientist on this thing, starting by sawing off the roof, turning it into a sinister, open-air cruiser. From there, the details got wild—spiderweb grille, batwing nose emblem, eyeballs on the fenders, skull-and-crossbones hubcaps, and a chain-link steering wheel with a skull in the center. The interior? Total haunted mansion vibes with leopard-print velour, mini-caskets on the console and trunk lid, and skeleton hands gripping onto whatever they could. And the hood ornament? A winged banshee, sculpted in Elvira’s own likeness.
Like any good horror legend, the Macabre Mobile refused to stay buried. After years in the shadows, it was resurrected in 2012 by Count’s Kustoms, the Las Vegas shop from Counting Cars. Danny Koker and his crew brought it back to its full creepy glory, with the restoration featured in Season 1, Episode 7: “Satanic Mechanic.”
This isn’t just another Barris custom—it’s a rolling horror show, a perfect mash-up of spooky and spectacular. Whether on-screen or on the road, Elvira’s T-Bird is pure gothic excess with a heavy dose of hot rod cool.
The Munster Koach
The Munster Koach—man, this thing is one of the most iconic rides to ever roll across TV screens. Built by the legendary George Barris for the 1960s TV show The Munsters, this custom beast was as creepy as it was cool, perfectly matching the show’s dark and twisted vibe. George didn’t just throw something together—he fused three Ford Model T bodies into one insane 18-foot-long custom hearse. Yeah, you read that right.
Inside, the Koach was all about drama, with a blood-red interior that screamed “I’m about to raise hell.” On the outside, the black pearl paint and 500 hours of hand-formed, ornate rolled steel scrollwork gave it a gothic look that was pure Barris magic. Under the hood, it was no slouch either, packing a modified Ford V8 289 engine. This thing had muscle. And don’t even get me started on the design—spiked grille, gothic details, and exhaust pipes that looked like they were ready to launch the thing into another dimension with that deep, mean rumble.
This wild ride didn’t just sit pretty; it was part of the show, making its mark in over 20 episodes of The Munsters. It wasn’t just a car—it was a character, adding to the eerie charm of the show. George Barris truly nailed it with the Munster Koach, cementing his place as the king of custom cars.
Dragula
Dragula, or DRAG-U-LA, is another absolute gem in George Barris’s custom car legacy, and it’s every bit as wild as you’d expect for the 1960s TV show The Munsters. Created for Grandpa Munster himself, this ride made its unforgettable debut in the episode Hot Rod Herman. And how did Barris get his hands on the ride’s centerpiece? A real fiberglass coffin—yeah, you read that right. The story goes that Barris’s engineer, Richard “Korky” Korkes, worked out a shady deal with a local funeral home where they left a coffin outside, and somehow, the next morning, it was in the Barris shop. Only in Hollywood, right?
The Dragula wasn’t just about looks—it was built for speed. Under the hood, you’ve got a 350 HP, 289ci Ford Mustang V-8 engine, paired with a four-speed stick shift. This thing was ready to tear it up on the drag strip. The design? Straight-up gothic with organ pipe exhausts, antique lamps, and even a marble gravestone license plate—because why not? The rear tires were Firestone racing slicks, while the front got Italian buggy wire wheels for that extra touch of badassery.
The driver? They sat in the back, tucked under a plastic bubble, which added to the weird, futuristic vibe. Dragula wasn’t just a car; it was an experience, making it the perfect match for The Munsters‘ bizarre world. Today, the original Dragula lives on, displayed at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a true piece of TV and car culture history.
