George Barris

George Barris has been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame recognizing his iconic and legendary status within the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

George has been at the foremost of the customizing industry since he opened his first shop, the ‘Barris Brother’s Custom Shop’, in 1944 with his brother Sam Barris. His iconic creations include the Batmobile, Munster’s Koach, KITT from Nightrider and the Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee. In addition to his kustoms, George is recognized for his presence and contribution throughout the media and in numerous car shows.

Wade Kawasaki

George’s induction to the SEMA Hall of Fame is accompanied by Eric Grant, Wade Kawasaki and Joe Schubeck.

Eric Grant was a strong advocate for the SEMA industry and was appointed as SEMA’s executive director helping to solve a number of industry compliance issues.

During Wade Kawasaki’s 30 year career, he served several terms on the SEMA’s board of directors and was instrumental in the creation of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN).

Joe Schubeck

Successful racer, Joe Schubeck, made his biggest contribution to the industry with the creation of Lakewood Industries, manufacturer of life-saving race products including the bell housing many refer to as the ‘Lakewood.’

The SEMA Hall of Fame award was set up two years after SEMA (Special Equipment Market Association) formed in 1969. It is the most prestigious award to receive from the association, highlighting and honoring those who have enhanced or significantly contributed to the industry.

We’ll be cruising back to the ’50s on May 11, 2013 from 9am-3pm with some of George Barris‘ kustom creations, along with hundreds of hot rods and classic cars from all across California. The show will get into full swing with music from The Blasters, The Dynotones and Lynda Kay.

With only a limited number of open spots for vehicle registrations, you better get yours in quick! We welcome all Rods, Customs, Classic & Muscle Cars, Trucks, Specialty Vehicles, Cobras, Mustangs, Corvettes and Motorcycles. To register your vehicle please click here. Check out the trophy winners from last year’s Culver City Car Show.

Proceeds from the event will benefit local children’s charities.

First George extended the nose and repositioned the headlamps behind the grille. Then he added headers that sprouted from the front fenders, and painted the body in metallic copper. The the custom pearl white Naugahyde interior was stitched by Don Ferrara. Finally the small-block V-8 sprouted six Stromberg carburetors.

This custom Barris design was featured in several magazines including Hot Rod. The Asteroid was also used on the album cover of the 1963 Jan and Dean “Drag City” Album.

Head to the annual Corvettes at Carlisle, world’s largest Corvette event, to see the newly restored Asteroid. The event will run from August 23 through August 25 and will feature more than 5,000 Corvettes representing all generations of America’s classic sports cars.

The foundation formed with the purpose of bringing together like-minded organizations that share a passion for educating America’s youth in a unique and useful way. Fostering a new generation of aftermarket industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, enthusiasts and more.

Join us from 10am – 4pm at Vic’s Garage, 510 Madrid Ave, Torrance, CA. 90501. There will be live filming at the event by the PowerBlock’s Horsepower TV show on Spike.

For more information on the event click here.

George will be presenting the ‘Custom Car of the Year’ Award at the show. George will also be sharing some of his greatest memories at the event.

The show will feature a wide range of cars from ‘street rods’ to classic cars and trucks. This year the show is also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the iconic George Lucas film ‘American Graffiti’.

The show will be open during the following times:

• April 19th – 5pm – 10pm
• April 20th -  10am – 10pm
• April 21st – 10am – 5pm

The show will air on April 9th at 5:30pm PST & 8:30pm PST and April 14th at 6:00am PST on the Velocity channel.

The Car Crazy TV show, radio show and now the Car Crazy Central web site are the result of 100 years of Meguiar’s family passion for great looking cars. Their roots go back to 1901 when Barry Meguiar’s grandfather started a polish company when the car hobby was in its earliest stages.

You can watch the ad for the episode featuring George Barris here: http://www.carcrazycentral.com/Info.aspx?VideoID=91

Batman star Adam West was reunited with Batmobile creator George Barris at TV series product line launch on Friday

The original ‘Batmobile’ creator, George Barris, was one of the stars of the show at the launch for the new line of memorabilia based on the original ‘Batman’ show at Meltdown Comics.

Reunited with ‘Batman’, Adam West, from the 1960s TV show, Barris rubbed shoulders with fans including Katherine Webb, Rumer Willis and Booboo Stewart.

The line is two years in the making and marks the first major merchandising push by DC, owned by Warner Bros., involving that particular Bat-world.

The line is geared toward adults, but the company, counting on Batman’s rich mythology and broad appeal, is expecting crossover to younger demographics, especially the hip, artsy crowd who will be drawn by the retro appeal.

Among the figures is a Batman in swimming trunks and surfboard, a Comic-Con exclusive box of the Batusi, and a Ken and Barbie in Batman and Catwoman form from Mattel.

Read more from the Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2297810/Batman-star-Adam-West-reunited-Batmobile-maker-George-Barris-TV-party.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Read more from the Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/1960s-batman-tv-show-returning-430545

George Barris has customized many cars over the years, however this Del Caballero, a customized ’67 Cadillac Eldorado, holds a special place in George’s son’s, Brett Barris, heart.

“Ever since I’ve seen the photo of my dad and mom posing with the Del Cab, I’ve always wanted to be that cool.” While in the process of finding a stock 67′ Elderado to make into the Del Cab, he found an actual one for sale on Ebay. “It was an actual Del Caballero!” Brett exclaimed. “This car has so much of my mum in it, owning one is a memory to her.”

Shirley Barris, Brett’s mother, passed away on July 30, 2001.

The Del Caballero will be debuted at the George Barris’ Culver City Car Show on May 11th 2013. Find out more here: http://www.barriskustomnews.com/2013/03/07/10th-annual-george-barris-culver-city-car-show/

George talks about his childhood, his first car, his incredible career and of course all the celebrities he’s met and worked with over the years. Talking about family leads George to talk about what he and his family are doing now with Barris Kustom Industries. Hear about his inspirations, his history and the highlights of his life.

You can download and listen to the interview here: http://barriskustomnews.com/AmericanDream-Ep62-GeorgeBarris-30MinuteMaster.mp3

On May 11th, we’ll be making history. Come and celebrate our 10th annual George Barris’ Culver City Car Show with us from 9am-3pm. Featuring George’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners ‘The Emperor’ and ‘Lokey’s T’, you know it’ll be a day to remember. We will also have The Blasters, Lynda Kay Parker, with her gold Barris Cadillac and The Dynotones to groove to as we cruise back to the 50s.