Hotrod Road Show

The George Barris Road Show Series

Hollywood Dream Car Designer: George Barris "The Car’s The Star!" In a country with more cars than registered drivers, it’s no surprise that America is an automobile culture. America loves its cars, and they are as much a part of pop culture as the bikini or the beach ball. And the some of the most memorable cars in pop culture history were designed by one man – George Barris.

Over the past four decades Hollywood has turned to master customizer George Barris again and again for film and television “dream cars”. George’s creations are pop culture legend and as famous as the movies themselves. "We're on a mission from God…It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses." With that line, the Blues Brothers sped off in the George Barris designed Bluesmobile for a memorable ride through the Dixieland Mall, southeast of Chicago. Wait a minute, Doc. Ah … Are you telling me you built a time machine … out of a DeLorean? Michael J. Fox- Back to the Future George’s work extends to cars for the stars as well. How can you say you like Frank Sinatra over Dean Martin or Dean Martin over Elvis Presley or Zsa Zsa Gabor? Everybody had their own impression of what they wanted: Zsa Zsa Gabor wanted a Rolls Royce with a lot of jewelry. John Travolta wanted a wild performance Pontiac Trans-Am Firebird ("Firebird Fever"). Farrah Fawcett wanted a Foxy ’Vette. Everybody has their own individuality, because a car is really an extension of the person." -George Barris From the original Batmobile to the latest James Bond car, the custom creations of George Barris have become an integral part of American culture. Come on, Robin, to the Batmobile! There's not a moment to lose! -Adam West, Batman TV Show

George Barris History

George Barris is a true icon in the custom car industry. From the early days of his career in the forties through the heyday of film and television cars to his present work in designing one-off customs for major car manufacturers, his designs remain timeless. He is a major influence on some of today's most popular customizers including Jesse James and Chip Foose to name a few.