Articles | Barrett-Jackson Auction Company - World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions

November 6, 2015

Posted By : Barrett-Jackson

A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE BARRIS: Truly the cinematic “King of Kustomizers”

November 6, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson with George Barris at the Barris Museum.

Many stars have been part of the Barrett-Jackson family for the past 45 years, and none have shined more brightly than George Barris. Sadly, that light dimmed when Barris passed away on November 5th.

Barris was part of the Barrett-Jackson family and was a fixture at the auctions, reveling in the energy and excitement that permeates the automotive lifestyle events. He rarely missed an event and was especially proud that many of his creations fetched big dollars across the Barrett-Jackson auction block.

“You cannot overstate George Barris’ importance to the automotive world,” said Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson. “Barris stood at the intersection of cars, cinema and culture. He earned his celebrity status by making cars so cool that they became part of pop culture through the celebrity of TV shows and movies. Not only was George an icon in the car world, but he was a friend and part of the auction family. We spent many great moments with George, on and off the auction block.”

George Barris’ influence extended to every layer of the car world. From the silver screen to the most prestigious hot rod shows, Barris cars have been prolific during the past 60 years. In fact, a Barris creation even graced the famous Pebble Beach Concours field in a special class this year.

“George’s creations not only represent iconic, over-the-top design and innovation, but also inspired some of the top customizers of today,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Vehicles like the Batmobile, the Beverly Hillbillies truck and the Munster Koach became ubiquitous symbols of George’s customizing genius and continue to be as popular today as they were in the 1960s.”

But to define Barris’ life by the vehicles he built would be a serious mistake. He was far more than an automotive genius, he was everyone’s favorite friend once they met him.

“Everyone who came in contact with George was impressed with him,” noted Gary Bennett, vice president of Barrett-Jackson. “He was so kind and gracious, always giving of his time and talents. George had ready smile that was genuine because he deeply loved his craft and those who shared his passion for the custom car culture. George’s imagination challenged us all to dream big and his work ethic inspired custom car builders to achieve. Generations will continue to be influenced by this wonderful man.”

Barrett-Jackson is committed to keeping the memory of George Barris alive, because Barris had such a personal connection with everyone at Barrett-Jackson. The auction company is working on several ways to honor and extend his influence far into the future.

“Like many others, I dreamed of being George Barris as a kid while learning to shape sheet metal and pin stripe,” explained Craig Jackson. “Fortunately, George became a member of the ‘Barrett-Jackson family’ in every way over the years. We had the opportunity to get to really know him, from attending his legendary birthday parties to having George sign autographs in our SEMA booth and be on stage in 2013 when the first Batmobile sold for $4.6 million. He was a special person who will be dearly missed.”

Barris’ unique talent touched many of the cars that crossed the Barrett-Jackson block, and his frequent presence at the auctions made him a much-loved member of the Barrett-Jackson family. The roster of Barris cars that have shined in the spotlight on our block are a great snapshot of the man’s career. These have included: