George Barris has passed.......

[TsgtRet]

An icon to many of us that built the AMT kits in the 60s, George Barris was most remembered for building the Batmobile out of an old Lincoln concept car. He did a lot more than that, including the Hirohata Mercury (what think of as the original California "lead sled"), the Munsters Koach and Dragula, the Ala Kart and many more. He will be missed and we won't see his like again.

[chappy]

Truly one of a kind, he will be missed, but leaves a fabulous legacy as you have mentioned.
Bob

[waaytoomuchintothis]

So many cars he did, and redid even better than the first time. It seems like so many of the old guys are passing away, and its very good that they are remembered.

[Z-carfan]

It is very sad to hear this, great mind and beautiful cars to remember from my childhood.

[gaborart]

R.I.P. Mr. Barris.

[waaytoomuchintothis]

I went googling for George Barris and Ed Roth. Its amazing how many cars I had mixed up from my 1966 memories. It turns out my favorites were Barris and Dean Jeffries, but I was a kid and gave Big Daddy Rat Fink the credit for a lot of cars they did!

[BIG E]

Yeah, another automotive icon gone. Just saved the half page article from yesterday's Newsday here on Long Island. Met him a few times, the last was a few years ago at a car show which included some of his more famous cars here at the Cradle of Aviation Museum (yes, they hold car shows there, too). He was happy to speak one on one with many people there, we just waited our turn while we looked over the featured cars in the main atrium. Didn't bring any model kits to be signed, but I got the Hot Wheels "Purple Passion" Custom Merc in the package signed at a show years before. Just think of how many model car kits we glued together with his name printed on the box. Another part of our automotive history moves on. RIP, Mr. George Barris...
-- Ernie