Batmobile Designer George Barris Dies at Age 89: See Pictures of His Custom Rides
The renowned "King of Kustomizers" whose famous works include the iconic Batmobile in the 1960s, George Barris, has died at the age 89.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Barris' son, Brett Baris, announced the demise of his father and his statement was made public through a Facebook post.
"Sorry to have to post that my father, legendary kustom car king George Barris, has moved to the bigger garage in the sky," Brett said.
According to the legendary customizer's son, George passed away peacefully while in his sleep at around 2:00 a.m., adding that he has died at his family home. The veteran custom king now lays calmly at the comfort of his home.
Brett added that George's life has been beautifully lived as he had lived it "the way he wanted until the end."
"He would want everyone celebrate the passion he had for life and for what he created for all to enjoy," Brett further said, as he thanked their family and friends who have shown love and support amid the customizer's demise.
USA Today reports that the 89-year-old made his name into car customization at an early age. His years of expertise in transforming cars have lead him to create numerous iconic cars that were featured in different films and TV shows. Aside from the legendary Batmobile, he also made K.I.T.T. from "Knight Rider," the jalopy from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and as well as General Lee in "The Dukes Of Hazard."
See pictures of George Barris' masterpieces over the years:
Black Beauty from the "Green Hornet"
Black Beauty was originally a 1966 Chrysler Imperial that has been an initial work of Hollywood customizer Dean Jeffries and it was eventually sent to Barris for some final touch ups. According to Barris' website, the Black Beauty is true to its name "with 30 coats of metal flake pure black green pearl of essence lacquer, hand rubbed to a high brilliant gloss."
Original Batmobile
The Batmobile has been exclusively created for the 1966 TV series "Batman" starring Adam West and Burt Ward. The iconic custom ride was reportedly priced then at $250,000 and it was originally a 1955 Ford Lincoln Futura concept car.
"The Beverly Hillbillies" Hot Rod
Created for the character Jethro, played by Max Baer, this jalopy was customized to have more style and speed than the original jalopy. Hot Rod is originally a 1921 Olds Roadster.
The ZZR from "Out of Sight"
Barris created this ride for the 60s movie spoof featuring a teenage James Bond. The King of Kustomizers had only worked in this masterpiece for a span of three weeks.
For more of Barris' masterpieces, visit his website.
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