George Barris, Batmobile Designer And Vehicle Customizer, Dead At 89

If you’ve ever seen the original bat mobile, George Barris was the man behind that vehicle and so much more.

It’s fitting that Barris passed away during one of the largest automobile customization shows in the world, SEMA 2015. According to Brett Barris, George’s son (Nov. 5, 2015) legendary car customizer and Batmobile designer George Barris passed away in his sleep earlier yesterday at the ripe old age of 89. His resume list of cars is extensive and included such vehicles as the Beverley Hillbillies hot rod, Bonnie and Clyde’s movie car, the Munster Koach and most importantly, the BatMobile. We’ve posted what his son said on Facebook below.

"“Sorry to have to post that my father, legendary kustom car king George Barris, has moved to the bigger garage in the sky. He passed on peacefully in his sleep at 2:45 am. He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home. He lived his life they way he wanted til the end. He would want everyone celebrate the passion he had for life and for what he created for all to enjoy. Thank you all for the posts and calls, your love is deeply appreciated. Peace”."

George Barris’ love for automobiles started at an early age. By the time Barris was seven, he was already making model cars from pieces of balsa wood. His family had a 1925 Buick which George and his brother brought back to tip-top shape. And while Barris was in Highschool, he would do his best sweeping floors at a local auto body show.

After he was discharged from the Navy, George and his brother Sam started building “Kustom Kars” for clients and the rest is pretty much history.

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For a car designer, for building cars for some of the most prestigious movie studios in the 60’s, his designs fit right in and cemented himself as a movie prop icon. We’re pretty sure many a glass will be raised tonight as people head to dinner in Las Vegas at SEMA.