car tv & movie by BARRIS KUSTOM

"BLUE DANUBE"



The top was chopped 3 inches in front but this tapered to 6 inches at the rear. Side trim was fitted to the body line and wrapped down under the body crease and along the rear fender. It had Kolor Khrome hubcaps with 1954 Mercury taillights that were turned upside down and frenched.
The nose featured a Barris frenched eyebrow headlight accessory kit which was pressed out of metal so that it could be welded onto the top edge of the fender. This meant the original headlights were retained and a simple kustom touch resulted.
A modified Cadillac bumper was added with gold door pull mesh grill. The main body color was pearl blue while the top was sky blue metallic and the bottom and ocean blue mist. Dean Jeffries handled the white and copper striping. The rear scoops were functional and featured two chrome teeth. The fender skirts were later removed.

THE "MODERN GRECIAN"



This was one of the most radical 4 door Barris Kustoms. Built out of a 1948 Studebaker, it was chopped, channeled, canted and the headlights were frenched then covered with frosted covers. It was painted in wild Lemon Pearl with Green Pearl side spear. It had a low silhouette hood and featured a floating grille with custom bumpers and Barris’ own cast aluminum hub caps.

"FRED ROWE’S MERC"



Fred Rowe’s ’51 convertible was another one of those customs which was modified as styles changed. The car appeared on the cover of the August O53 edition of Rod & Custom. Then in 1955 it appeared in the Universal picture "Running Wild". A mild but clean custom convertible painted Burgundy Mist. The windshield was chopped 4 inches and fitted with a one piece top by Carson. A tarpaulin was used to cover the rear seats when the top was removed. The headlights were frenched ’52 Ford units. The car was lowered and we shaved and peaked the hood and put a small radius on its corners. The handles were also removed. The operating button was installed in the chrome rub strip which we accented with more chrome trim running along the bottom of the car. The ends of the grille bar are stock, but retained the parking lights, but the center section we rolled from sheet metal and fitted with teeth.

"BUGAZZI ’74"



This is the winning American $40,000 charisma of coach built vehicles by Barris. It received the "Car of the Year" award by Motor Trend magazine. This uniquely styled motor car was created for the person who has everything and can afford the luxuries it has to offer. Some of the various owners are Danny Thomas, Mr. Enzo Stuarti, Mr. Jack Hennesey and Ms. Pia Maria.
Exterior features included full extended hand formed brass radiator and dual floating oversized square brass headlights. The frontal area is six inches longer than the normal production car with sculptured curved fade away front fenders. With lowered contoured silhouetted line dipped in the door panels and full front to rear flowing and blend running boards. Radius characteristic rolled wheel well openings and canted door windows with matched smoke glass.
A unique landau air foam padded top covered in coco alligator skin with deep impressened concaved trunk panel to house the tire insert. Push button electric Barris original sun-top with air deflector. Opera styled reduced semi curved rear windows and authentic radio laced wire wheels with brass knock offs and hubs. Full nostalgic formula white side-wall tires and super penetrating road and fog lights in front. Interior features included brushed striped four tone crushed velvet seat inserts. Two toned coco pearl leather and rust suede seat panels and decorative onyx Italian marble panels.
Digital time clock with quadrasonic cassette radio with record and playback. Computerized engine mileage analyzer and rally kit consisting of altimeter, temperature and compass gauges. Imported Italian gold and marble door inner handles, mouton carpets with leather inserts on all flooring and right and left rear upper top vanity cases and mirrors. Finished with 30 coats of hand sprayed laquer hand rubbed to a perfect shine.

"DREAM TRUCK"



A most popular pick up that was built in the fifties by a group of top kustomizers for Spencer Murry of Rod & Kustom magazine. Barris contributed chopping the top and sculpting the frontal shade, complete front grill shell tubing grill inserts with plastic molded parking lights extending into a upper hood scoop. Also, quad shaded head lights and frenched in front fenders. Full rear kustom bed section with rolled pan cavity with matching grill inserts and kustom tail lights and rear fenders. Final color scheme entails sprayed multi colored purple/violet/lavender tones of scallops following headlights, top scoop,hood rear fenders and pan, plus outlined in pin stripping. Main body color was pearl/porclein white, 25 coats lacquer hand rubbed to a high luster. After completion during the World of Wheels show tours, Spence was hit on a highway which destroyed the Dream Truck. Twenty one years later the new owner, Bruce Glacock had the complete truck restored for the enjoyment of all buffs and collectors.

"KOPPER KART"



Started out as a 1956 Chevy partly customized with a 5 ½ inch chop top. Then the top panel was covered with pleated rust and white naugahyde. The body was sectioned 4 inches throughout upper panel with a hand formed pancake hood. Front and rear panels had been molded and sculptured with full cavities and grill inserts mounted in rubber to absorb shock. Quad headlights and bottom directional signal are shaded and frenched in.
Center grill has electronic eye to control head lite operations. Rear fenders and bed had been extended forty inches, with matching shapes and canted rear panel. The bed was covered in the same style as the top. Bullet appeleton spotlights installed with vents on front and rear window. Side molding was hand made half round steel that housed expanded metal paneling. Triple ripple side pipes with flared ends. Hubcaps are old base with flippers and bullet centers and wide white wall Firestone tires. The interior had full seat inpleates roll⁄two tone white pearl and copper naugahyde with mouton carpet. The dash equipped with padding and beads of pearl and copper paint. Also a portable TV and stereo with loud speakers for parties and cruises.
To finish it off, the suspension had been lowered fourteen inches and all interior and exterior metal accessories were copper plated. A six cylinder engine also plated and painted. Paint was white pearl with blends of cooper scallops and hand pin stripping.

"COSMA RAY"



A 1968 Corvette custom styling concept by Barris Kustom City. After extensive coverage in most recognized automotive publications, due to a long list of honors and awards bestowed by the more competitive auto shows from coast to coast, the Cosma Ray attained the title of "Grand National Sweepstakes Winner". Cosma Ray then became a television star car features in the TV Dupont special "Wonderful World of Wheels" with Lloyd Bridges produced by Robert E. Petersen.
Underneath the immaculate exterior lies a fully chromed undercarriage and a 327 cubic inch Corvette engine which gleams with chrome and polished alloys. Modifications were not extensive by competition class standards, but the addition of a pair of four barrel carburetor¹s and Dupree fuel pumps indicate that it is no longer in the "strictly stock category". The body, although extensively reworked, retains more than a hint of its original Stingray styling. To provide clearance for larger tires, the wheels are radiused and a flange added to their outer edges. The nose was drawn to a sharp peak and the retractable headlights relocated behind translucent panels in the grille opening. Engine cooling air is inducted through aluminum mesh covered openings just under the hood peak, while carburetor air enters the engine compartment through a wide hood scoop extending rear-ward into the cowl area and conforms with the center crease, then follow through into a double streamline plastic bubble push-button operated top. The air flow follows through to the air-spoiler at the rear of the deck maintaining the stable handling characteristics at high speed. Unique refinements in detail have always been the mark of the most successful show cars and one contributing factor in this case has been the use of Brazilian walnut as a trim material. The heat guards over the side exhaust stacks are metal channel sections containing walnut inlays.
A highly unusual touch was added to the Rader wheels deep reversed in a wire casted form and knock-off type spinners. the further use of walnut can be seen in the butterfly type wrist spinner steering wheel. Thin panels are applied to the headrests, seat divider, dash and the metal band which separates the forward and aft portions of the bubble top. More than 300 walnut buttons were used on the tufted white pearl Masland Duran vinyl with air foam padding. For added comfort in accessories are a 7 inch TV, telephone and Muntz stereo cartridge tape unit with six speakers. It is also equipped with a VHF aircraft to vehicle two way radio system. The exterior is finished with a multi-color blend of apricot pearl, essence of platinum pearl and tangerine metalflake blended into a tinted peach pearlescence over a white pearl underbase. All paint materials were metalflake products which offer the best possible completed finish. Over 200 man hours were expended in applying the various opaque bases and transparent color overlays.

THE EMPEROR: WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROADSTER



Built for Charles Kirkorian and now owned by Blackie Gejian. Kirkorian engineered and constructed the engine and undercarriage. He then contacted Barris who designed and built the complete body and painted it with forty coats of translucent Kandy Burgundy over pure pearl of essence imported from Sweden with added actual crushed diamond dust. The complete frame and undercarriage is chrome plated plus all the accessories on the 550 horse powered Cadillac Eldorado engine. Racing headers extend from the side of the engine with a hidden street exhaust system.
Grill shell is hand made with oval headlights and double reversed inserts plus an added oval center tube. Seats are swivel type made from unbreakable fiberglass and covered in air foam contoured to fit your body curve. Wheels are reversed with wide base tires with triple size chrome plated hard spun wheel centers. Body is basically a O29 Ford Roadster and is built arouond the chrome frame and has a unitized body support structure.

LOKEY’S T



Before George got the car, it started as a husband and wife project, Don and Millie Lokey. They brought it to Barris Kustom to have a complete koach built, redesigned hot rod to win the National Roadster Award. It already had a tube chassis, early model Ford front and rear end, 57 Corvette engine and Lincoln transmission. All full suspension and frame was chrome plated. Barris sculptured finn styled pick up bed and taillights. Grille sheel housed an all brass 1915 Model T radiator, with molded headlights and chrome louvers on top. A matching air scoop was made to fit the multi carbs and outside header and exhausts. Wheels are Astro, with Mickey Thompson tires with tri-pod knock offs. Brass lanterns are mounted on the windshield posts. Top is unique styled with port holes on right and left sides, with a Big T back window stitched into the white vinyl panel... Interior is in red velvet and white pearl naugahyde with gold buttons and huge rolls. The final color was thirtyfive coats of translucent Kandy red lacquer color blended into white pearl of essence, then hand rubbed to a high luster. The complete underbody and inner panels were also painted and upholstered the same as the viable top side. Dash was chrome plated with Stewart Warner dials.

"LES PO PO ’40 FORD COUPE"



Bob Crespo had done most of the major construction of his coupe by Hal Hutchins before he brought it to Barris. We raised all four fenders by taking an 8 inch section out of the body and then molding them off flush to the bottom of the body. We built the hood, frenched in the grille shell, and canted the quad headlights with tubing trim backed up by mesh. The center grille used a tubing outline with a mesh insert and it had three scoops in the hood. The rear matched the front-end styling and nerf bars. It was painted in Skyline Blue metalflake blended with Kandy Blue outlining.

XR-6



Designed by George, finished in 1962, the XR-6 was to investigate the uses of modern ideas in Hot Rod design. It won the "America’s Most Beautiful Hot Rod". Made from the metal body from the model T Ford. The floor plan was removed and the body cut lengthwise then widened five inches. The rear section was hand formed in steel then grafted to the original back panel. All four fenders were sculptured from sheet stock and matching the Firestone tires and Crager wheels. Tony Nancy crafted all the interior from natural pure USA hyde leather. Gene Winfield constructed the aluminum hood, side panels and Gordon Vann fitted the full belly pan. Auto Electric did all the wiring, while the six cylinder engine was installed with multiple Weber carbs. A Hurst shifter was attached to the Torque Flight transmission with Stewart Warners gages. 40 coats of Kandy Tangerine were applied.

"THE INVADER"

"SURF WOODY"



Designed to haul a a motorized surfboard on the roof, it has a 105 inch wheel base and a super wide tread – 66 inches in the front, 87 inches inches on the rear where there are dual Mickey Thompson drag racing slicks which will enable the car to plow through deep sand into the best surfing areas. Astro steel wheels have dual spool plates with walnut covered spokes.
The frame is special constructed of two-inch diameter 4130 chrome moly tubing and is surrounded by a supporting network of ⅝ inch tubes shaped to the body’s contour. Fastened to the floor pan with eight quick remove bolts, the eye catching steel body carries a large number of technical ideas. The doors operate electrically to fold out to become entrance steps and are lighted with fluorescent tubes. Headlights are horizontal fluorescents while the entire rear section is a huge tail-lamp. Square chromed tubes support the naugahyde covered top and there are Philippine walnut inserts where rear side window would normally be and is also converted into an open roadster with Reynolds Aluminum extrusions. The interior is finished with custom design oil painted surfing complete wall scene. Body contoured airfoam seats are electrically actuated into a gentle wave-like rocking motion. Topping the luxury features, there are two Sony TV sets plus a Muntz six speaker stereo tape music system.
Equipped with a Ford Cobra engine has its power increased by two Paxton super chargers mounted on a MT ram thrust manifold with a Dupree chrome dome fuel pump and finned air cooled valve covers. There is no steering wheel, it turns by push buttons on a single uni-control-stick, that also operates the accelerator and disc brakes.
Other components are an automatic transmission with a Hurst Dual-Gate floor control, independent traction master torsion bar suspension that incorporates a Mercedes 300 swing axle in the rear and Airheart disc brakes on the two front wheels. One of the more unusual features is the fuel tank – a 10 gallon beer keg converted to a new purpose and completely triple chrome plated.

TURBO-SONIC



Built in the early 60’s, the Turbo-Sonic was designed as the 25th century three-wheel racing car to develop speeds of 300 mph in a quarter mile racing strip powered by a 50 pound fuel burning turbine engine that can reach 1,000 horsepower.
This car was engineered in a combination of monacoque and crossframe construction using alloy tube frame plus a lunamite sheet stock also fiberglass fireproof light weight wings. Controls are operated on a four stage solenoid electrical system for safety, with inner-cockpit fuel mixture switches, and can be operated with a remote control unit for testing stages 50 feet away from the automobile. Driver sits in a complete safety fireproof cockpit and encased in a unitized cross tube frame roll bar. Two-way radio will be used to transmit dial readings and car controlling effects between driver and pit crew. Total weight of the car dry is 850 pounds with a wing span of 7 feet 9 inches and a v-shaped length of 17 feet encased in a spear-headed delta v-shaped aero-dynamic design fuselage and streamlined wing tip wheel covered pads.
Engine operates through a v-drive gear reduction unit and directly into a reversed ring and pinion rear end which drives each wheel independently turning 92,000 revolutions per minute and reduced 16 to 1 developing 8,000 revolutions per minute at the wheels. For stopping the vehicle, a combination of an offset blown parachute plus four stabilizer wing flaps are used, and for low speed stopping are Airheart spot disc brakes. To finish off this ultra sonic design, the color is 40 coats of transformation in a turbine fire effect flame of pearl and fire frost flakes from a white pearl nose into a translucent yellow into an after-burning orange finishing off into fire red. Designed and built by Barris Kustom City, co-owned by Mr. R. E. Barrett. Engineering and styling contributions are by Mr. Les Tompkins, Mr. Dick Dean and Mr. Tom Daniels. Test driver was Mr. S. P. Torgeson.

"MOONSCOPE"



The first functional exhibited moon vehicle was engineered and constructed by Barris Kustom. After many hours of research and development, George Barris designed and built his first concept of an all terrain moon mobile unit. The Moonscope is a moon crawler that will enable astronauts to maneuver around the moon surface.
Since the moon surface is dusty and soft, craters deep and some hollow, the moon crawler is equipped with special shocks from Carrera to enable it to adapt itself to maneuvering like a spider. Since the moon has no air, gas combustion engines can¹t be used so Cushman engineered and provided a basic electric platform and chassis with General Electric motors. Drive gears are in forward and reverse movement with foot pedals controls and speeds up to 45 mph. The braking foot control has a locking emergency brake pedal. The chassis has six spider type wheels that will function in all direction to compensate for movement over the craters. The vehicle is a 4 wheel drive recticle unit with power to the front and rear wheels. Th U joint slip tubes are mounted on pillar bearings that slide in the drive shaft. Upper control arms are adjustable, spring loaded and the Carrera socks move with the axle and U joints. Air craft spherical rod ends stabilize the bars and assist in guiding the wheels and axles from bending into a contortional situation. The center wheels are used as stability support moving on shocks and bearing surfaces with chrome alloy tubing axles. The body is a monque constructed tube frame, plus twenty gauge special heat treated U.S. steel panels are formed to follow the body configurations. The panels are treated with a special formula to stand maximum fahrenheit at different atmospheres. The body is securely attached to a special unitized frame that housed the complete electrical and suspension system. A front roll bar is attached around the windshield to function in alignment with the rear section roll bar. In the seating area there are body contoured seats with foam padding that fully encases the astronauts figure. There are compartments in the rear behind the astronauts for carrying all the items they might pick up on a moon excursion and take back to the space module.
Behind the storage compartment are extra oxygen bottles with high pressure nozzles provided by MOON Equipment. All lubricants for astronautical maintenance is provided by the STP Corporation. George was contacted by NASA because they were interested in the wheel design. NASA requested detailed background information on the design of the vehicle. Barris gave NASA permission to utilize any of the advanced designs for the Mars missions.

"VOXMOBILE"



George was approached by VOX with an idea to build them a wild customized two-placed roadster which would be completely functional as a car and as a VOX amplifier. This vehicle was to be used for promotion purposes but could not lose the identity of the VOX product. This two-fold problem was taken over and solved by Barris.
The vehicle was to resemble a VOX guitar in silhouette and would create its own high-fidelity audio through the use of self-contained VOX sound equipment. Besides being a beautiful $30,000 show-stopping roadster, the Voxmobile is a completely functional unit in every respect. Its primary purpose is to project this new concept exposing the VOX guitar. This giant amplifier, the Voxmobile, can facilitate no less than 32 compatible VOX guitars with input jacks located along the top of the side body panel and has a VOX dual manual Continental organ mounted in the rear deck area. Power is transformed from the primary source of supply, a 12 volt auto-lite automotive battery, to 110 AC through two 450 watt inverters. The wild guitar sounds are powered by three powerful VOX Beatle amplifiers, complete with reverb, treble/bass boost and mid-range boost. There is an array of speakers hidden in the framework. In all, there are 2 main drive speakers mounted atop the intake manifold, five 12" speakers, one 18" bass speaker and four tweeters. As though this wouldn't suffice a Muntz stereo cartridge tape deck was installed. It houses 6 speakers and modulators and will be used to produce music when you happen not to have a band handy.
In order that the Voxmobile might be utilized to the fullest, special chrome steps were mounted astride the body and along the bottom of the rear deck compartment. These steps make it possible for three guitarists and an organist to belt out appropriate music while the car is being driven in a parade. It sure beats a marching band!

THE "SIDEWINDER"



From the studios of famous Hollywood auto stylist George Barris, comes this motorcycle which offers something more creative and interesting for the public. Barris designed and built this bike at his North Hollywood plant, starting with a 400 horsepower all aluminum highly polished Buick engine.
An automatic transmission transfers power through a double chain and sprocket set up to the three inch free floating rear axle. The tri-pod frame construction acts as the brace cradle for the engine which is mounted sideways is; the name "Sidewinder". The unique chopper forks were engineered and built by George Barton of Randy Enterprises creators of many famous motorcycle parts. The engine is equipped with an Isky cam, Jahn racing pistons, fuel injection and trans action by Ansen posi-shift. The body is designed in a boomerang shape, built of 20-gauge USS steel with dual lift high-speed spoiler blades. The rear wheels of magnesium and tires were borrowed from a DC-6 aircraft while the front is a 20 inch laced spoke cycle wheel. Hundred-octane gas is carried by the new spill proof spun aluminum MOON tank.
For braking at low speed there are dual Hurst/Air Heart disc brakes but at high speed two Dietz braking parachutes assist. For wheelie artists who like to swing up on their rear wheels, twin Goodyear fat tires and wheels are installed on spring tubing wheelie bars. Eight single tune headers were contoured to fit the side-mounted engine and extends to the rear of the body. The interior trim by Jack Weimer, is done in Rhino grain wet look vinyl of Sun Ray Yellow sewn in a diamond shape outline with an Orange Glo pattern pattern perimeter. The glass-mirror like exterior finish was accomplished by Von Sol of North Hollywood, California on Golden Yellow metal flake and shades of Tangerine sprayed in various coats of revolutionary epoxy paint. Unique pin striping and Italian variegated gold leaf letters were performed by Dino.

"CALICO SURFER"



This vehicle was designed and built exclusively for Mr. Calvin Clark of Palos Verdes, Calif., publisher of International Surfing magazine and contractor, for $22,000 in the 60's. The car was designed for street use plus exhibitions throughout the nation.
Complete body was formed in a wooden buck and then shaped in 20 gauge steel fitted to the design contours. The complete sectional side panels were formed of ash wood and dyed in a royal blue organic toner. The outlining sections were bleached in white to completely accentuate the long surfboard style silhouette. The top is a cosmopolitan design cantilevered section with the rear half installed permanently, plus a removable front half panel that can be fitted into place in case of rain. The grille is concaved and formed to fit into the grille shell assembly in a perforated vented chromed metal insert. The radiator ornament is spun in brass with the emblem taken from a sculptured gold plated champion surfer. The headlights operate electrically from each side of the shell panel by pushing a button from the dash.
Imported from France, Cibie rectangular beams are encased in a chrome bezel and formed to fit the unique light doors. Fenders are rolled from 20 gauge steel and attached to the front and rear panels with fore and aft design extension. The rear body panel has a complete full taillight with a chrome concave insert panel plus an overlay of grille material matching the front. Tail directional lights are on a sequential right and left system utilizing fourteen bulbs. For a unique touch the front directional lights are made from brushed bronze lanterns, antique designed and attached to the windshields post. The windshields is blue tinted semi-curve with a complete steel frame and white ash wood inserts. Wheels are deep dished chrome plated steel rims with blue anodized Reynolds Aluminum centers and ribbed sections with brushed edges by Rader. Tires are Goodyear blue streaks super sport racing tread on front and eleven inch slicks on the rear. The chassis is made of rectangular 3" x 2" steel tubing and supported for added safety strength with the front and assembly re-engineered from a Corvair using independent coils and A-frame assemblies.
Steering is taken from an Econoline Ford pickup with an added U joint in case of direct impact to eliminate pushing steering shaft into driver. Rear end is from Fairlane Ford with a 327 gear ratio. Engine is taken from 289 Hi-performance Mustang and equipped with a Paxton supercharger and ISKY cam for added horsepower and cubic inches. Complete engine compartment is chrome plated and trimmed in Kandy blue heat resistant porcelain enamel. The dash was the latest safety design with a complete air foam panel and all dials counter sunk one inch. Plus, the horn button center hub is made of solid foam all made from striped crushed red velvet. The seats are reclining head high body contoured aircraft made of crushed red velvet and hand embroidered red and white center sections.
Complete back section is made of mouton fur trimmed in crushed striped red velvet. For the ultimate in music, Muntz StereopPak has installed a complete tape deck system with 6 speakers. A powder blue dial General Electric telephone system is used. Body and fender color is Ocean Blue pearl of essence imported from the Orient, finished in forty coats of hand rubbed lacquer. This body pearl color is a contrast in the vivid high lustrous dye wood grain coloring in blue and white.

REDD FOXX’S "L’IL RED WRECKER"



Made for Redd Foxx star of "Sanford & Son." This all hand built body is made of metal and sculptured with the tilt styled front cab tinted sky top window and all. The oval tunneled grille shell housed quad rectangular English headlights and a chrome mesh inserts. The midship engine and design is powered by a Super charged 392 cubic inch Chrysler and all chrome plated. Another unusual feature is the Center Steering with right hand power braking plus left hand hydraulic gas pedal. A square foam styled crushed blue velvet interior was created by Joe Perez plus trimmed in a wet look antique vinyl. The rear wrench is electric push button power operated and completely chrome plated. Dual MOON gas tanks are installed on each side of the body panels and finished in a machine groove. Extra wide deep chrome reversed wheels are mounted on Formula Super Stock tires. Unique pin stripe and gold leafing with Redd's character image was performed by the artistic talents of Ralph Stiers. The finishing touches are in 30 coats of fine sprayed Kandy Redd over a Sungleam platinum underbase.

"HARD HAT HAULER"



The hot rod enthusiasts version of a vehicle for the famous Hard Hat workers of America, created by Model Products Corporation in hobby kit form. This unique hot rod concept was immediately brought to life size by Mr. Bob Larivee of Promotions Incorporated and Hollywood auto stylist Mr. George Barris of Barris Kustom Industries. Designed by Harry Bradly, this 1⁄25th scale model kit was first engineered and then duplicated in replica to a full size operable car. The image of the American Hard Hat worker was incorporated in its concept. Race Car Specialties of Tarzana, California were commissioned to perform the machine work and construction of the chassis and torsion bar suspension. Carrera coiled 50/50 shocks were used on the rear frame center mount, and dual air shocks were installed on the front end.
A 23-T Roadster fiberglass lightweight body and turtle deck were channeled over the frame 4 inches in front and three inches in the rear. Vertical steering was installed with a Corvair box and Ansen red metal flake steering wheel. The front forklift is mounted over Ube front axle on sliding channels. A 500 horsepower Chrysler Hemi engine was used with a torque converter transmission with an Ansen Posi-shifter. Three G.M.C. 671 blowers with Cragar drives are stacked on the engine with an Enderly Fuel injection air scoop. All engine accessories and decorative chrome ornaments are provided by Cal Custom Accessories. Stewart Warner dials and gauges were used in the embossed aluminum firewall. Quad tuned headers were hand formed to fit the engine parts and deliver the exhaust into a. relief collector box.
Four vertical pipes are mounted to the upper pan assembly of the turtle deck, as is a unique feature, the lunch box case that houses a Moon gas tank and battery. Extra wide reversed front and rear wheels were engineered by Cragar Industries, then face plates have character artist renditions of Kennedy, Muskey, Agnew and Reagan mounted as hubcaps. Fifteen inch Goodyear slick tires enhance the Cragar wheels in the rear as do the 10" tires of the front. The most unique feature that draws the interest of spectators is the all chromed four foot Hard Hat. The Barris plant in North Hollywood hand-formed the hat from sheet aluminum, then highly polished same to perfection. A total of 300 hours were needed to complete the sculptured piece of art that is bolted to an "X" shaped girder.
The interior being very simple includes the traditional bench mounted on diamond embossed designed aluminum flooring. The lustrous exterior finish is done in red, white and blue with stars and stripes in 30 coats of Kandy lacquer then coated with clear epoxy. The complete under carriage is plated in triple chrome and polished to perfection by Father and Son Plating of Glendale, California. This car was on tour with the International Championship Auto Shows circuit in the 70’s.

"X.P.A.C. 400 AIR CAR"



This car is a ground effects machine and rides on a five inch cushion of air and can run on land or water, has no wheels, transmission or rear end. Plus, no frictional moving parts. Air is drawn in through the front and rear openings into the open plenum chamber with outlets through a combination of peripheral jet inserts. Four inch polyethylene circular skirt is installed on the lower portion of the body. Frame construction is of 3/4 inch alloy round tubing and the dimensions are 12′ long, 6′ wide, and 30″ high. Stabilizer fins has an 8' 7" wingspan, plus 53" high. All panels are hand formed from 040 half hard aluminum, by Jack Sutton.
Power is two jet aircraft starter motors 24 volt D.C., 4 horse power that turns 40,000 rpm at 300 amps. This is reduced 8 to 1 to absorb the amount of load combination of horsepower. Balanced 20 inches cast aluminum fans push 11,800 C.I.M. free flow & under ₖ″ static water pressure has 7,600 C.I.M., dry weight of the car is 422 pounds including all the accessories. Movement is obtained by a revolving jet nozzle which has an air thrust to the right, left, forward, reverse and stop. Top is vacuum formed by plastic dynamics over a male mold using 100,000 butyrate tinted plastic scoop on the top houses a penta prism rear view mirror which can be seen from the inside of the cab. The headlight is a curved reflective flourescent triple tubes which throws out a clear even light over 100 feet in the front and has no glare on the approaching vehicles. Frys plastic of LA has ⅛″ red translucent plastic with a reflective backing insert, in the complete rear fin taillight assembly. Twelve mill ruby red neon lights heated blown to fit the contour in each fin and lites up the complete area. Frosted white plastic is fitted into the front headlight for protection with a hand formed chrome rim and grille combination. White circular suction cups are installed on the sides of the body for steps plates.
Gold checkered plastic covers are used over the openings of the large tunnels to the blower for protection from the blades. Air stream indicators are mounted into the grille to register the amount of speed while going through the air since there are no wheels or rear end. contoured curved body formed unbreakable fiberglass bucket seat is installed in the cockpit with a waist high safety belt. Air foam is used by Roy Gilbreth to fill the inside white pearl naugahyde covered seat and white plush rugs.
There is an impact adjustable air foam headrest on a gold coil spring. The phono-vision, new dial telephone with a vision screen which enables you to see who you are talking to when dialed in with the double transfer T.V. camera and microphone. Six square inch television screen is mounted into the dash and is operated on any wave length from a transformer. Radar screen is also mounted on the dash and sends waves to pick up size of obstruction on the highway. Complete car is operated by sound waves and will demonstrate the controls by a small push button box unit 50 feet away from the car. Start, stop, right, left, and on, off of the neon lighting system is all done by wireless remote control. All electronics are on circuit breakers, racheted relays and solanoids engineered by Earl Wilson.
Body paint of nitro cellulose lacquer 35 coats of imported swedish pearl of essence which is made of crushed fish scales and added crushed diamond dust, then colored in Kandy translucent red, white and blue. This car was designed and built to be demonstrated for the public showing how an air operates and is mounted on a guide rail for safety. All exterior trim has been gold plated for added attraction. All engineering and styling on this car has been used for today's vehicles.

"MAIL TRUCK"



Have you ever had the desire to be a mailman? How about Hot Rod Style? This ZIP CODE MAIL TRUCK was created by Hollywood automotive creator George Barris for the MPC model company to match their 1⁄25 scale hobby kit. In this case, the full size vehicle is wild, cute, and original plus completely driveable. Starting with a Model A frame adding an updated but yet early model 59-A flat head engine. A consultant from the Postal Department stipulated the flat head engine to offer relief to the flat feet of the postman.
The power plant is equipped with an Isky cam, Jahns Pistons, Sharp Heads, and Weiand Dual intake manifold. Backing up the old but faithful engine is the old faithful three-speed gearbox matched to a 411 rear end. Front axle is of Dago origin and the braking system has been converted to hydraulic. All four fenders are fiberglass and bobbed to follow design concept. The grille shell is a chopped modified 36 Ford Truck with an egg crate center topped off with a mailman riding a winged horse emblem. Headlights are antique modified to facilitate the sealed beam inserts.
On the very top is mounted the postal lighting rack, wind meter, and directional arrow, all to prevent the mail man from breaking the motto of the department, "Through rain, sleet, and storm the mail must go through!" For assist in final delivery or Special Delivery mail a Custom Built Stelber Unicycle design by Barris with boomerang seat, and mag wheel is provided. In the wheel department Cragar SS mag type support the super stock Firestone tires. To insure the safety of the mails from theft a huge, heart shaped lock prevents the loss of love letters.
The cowl lights are traditional Model T gas lamps with today’s l2-volt conversion. The body is of 1923 Model T vintage built of marine plywood that has been plastic coated. All decorative crossbeams are made of Pine and painted Kandy Blue. The interior is equipped with two wire formed bucket seats fully trimmed to accent the acrylic fur carpeting. Musak is provided as necessary by postal department regulations; therefore Muntz Stereo handles the job with a six-speaker tape system. The undercarriage is painted red, white, and blue in solid toners and pin striped for effect. As for the exterior finish, what could be more appropriate than traditional Red, White, and Blue in Metal Flake, Kandies and Pearls.

BARBER CAR



The $45,000 Barber Shop on Wheels.
Built in the early 70’s, it was the ultimate in a mobile hair cutting vehicle of yesteryear combined with the blown dry look. Twin collector antique barber chairs that costs $6,000.00 were used in a humorous design concept to create the Barber Car.
Power is by a big 400 horse Corvette engine and can mark speeds up to 150 mph, only if you want a "quick cut". Dual side and turning lights are original barber lights shop candy poles. The curved body is hand formed in U.S.S. steel and sculptured to fit the big Formula 1 Super Stock tires.
Interior craftsman Joe Perez stitched the formed diamond tufted upholstery throughout the interior in red velvet an gold buttons. The squatty radiator was formed in brass with matching high polished 1914 Cadillac headlights. A swinging axle rear end plus the torsion bar front end suspension, are equipped with disc brakes and all components are chrome plated.
The end results were finished in a glamorous lustrous metalflake pearl of essence sprayed with 25 coats of translucent lacquer and meticulous pin stripes. Naturally, music is a necessity while cutting your hair or driving, so Car Tapes included a Quadrasonic sound stereo system to sooth your temperments.

RICKSHAW



George created his version of the 1970 World’s Fair Osaka Rickshaw Taxi for M.P.C. Model Company. Fully operational and functional, Osaka Rickshaw is a three wheeled high powered vehicle. The hand built chassis of rectangular tubing incorporates a swinging third yoke for the front wheel steering apparatus. The steering tiller is a Simitar sword that operates the power assist unit for steering. Shock absorbers are spring loaded with adjustments to absorb the weight distribution. The frame is a "Z" design to incorporate spring loaded special shocks to the Chevrolet rear end. Machined torsion bars bore and aft handle balance distribution as the car maneuvers.
The engine is a 400 cubic inch Chevrolet with a power glide transmission complete and a Hurst shifter. The radiator shell is designed as a coolie hat cover while the exhaust headers are simulated Oriental chop suey type with full funnel bells. The air cleaner is made out of a two headed fiberglass Japanese dragon. The grille itself simulated the face of an Oriental driver as the headlights act as ears. The body is made completely of U.S. Steel and formed to fit the cab compartment on the frame. The rear fenders flow over the tires and have Oriental authentic taillights in plastic hung with special chains. Each taillight has a revolving insert of amber and red for stopping and turning. At the rear of the body is the sacred Buddha watching over the vehicle as it is being exhibited. Under the Buddha is a custom made Moon gas tank that is spun aluminum and carries saki fuel for the high powered engine. The interior is made of woven matt vinyl with air foam diamond tufts jeweled inserts. The floor is rust carpeted cut pile 1″ thick. All S.W. instruments and dials are in bullet shape and installed in the front cowl roll bar. The authentic looking top is made of steel bows and flowered imprinted vinyl sporting impressions n both inside and outside. Stereo music is provided for the customers by a Muntz tape unit with six speakers.
The unique color scheme on the chassis in Tokyo purple Metalflake trimmed in Nikko green Metalflake and outlined in Nagasaki gold. The body and fender concepts are in Kyoto orange Metalflake and Nikko green as an accent. The complete grille, dragon and Buddha are basic Metalflake with mirror glass insert reflections and hand pin stripped throughout. The Cragar wheels with a wire spoke overlay to simulate the buggy effect sporting Goodyear racing rear slicks with a Firestone wide oval in the front. Valued a $15,000 (back then), this hand built Rickshaw took over 5 months to construct.

ICE CREAM TRUCK



Built in the early 70’s for the Model Products Company. The rectangular chassis rails are kicked up in the rear, leaf springs fore and aft with assist fro torsion bars. Braking is accomplished through a converted hydraulic system. A '69 Chevrolet 396 engine with four barrel carburetion supplies the power to the rear axle. An air cleaner collector box with twin Air Ram injector scoops are mounted atop the engine. All accessories have been chrome plated for effect. The hand built fiberglass cowl has been channeled over the frame rails, while the cab, bed, and rear body compartment is done in laminated marine plywood finished in press-tec then painted in Kandy Persimmon and Diamond Gold Murano Pearl of Essence. A hand formed grille assembly includes adjustable louver vents to assist cooling the 4″ core radiator. The shell is chrome plated and sports a flying ice cream cone as the radiator ornament. Headlights are taken from Chrysler Imperial. Bugatti type curved fenders were hand made from 18 gauge steel. All mouldings are hand formed and fitted, then chrome plated. Over the cab, a string of brass bells and krazy daisies were added to accent the plastic daisies fitted into the decorative wood trim. The finishing touch of hand pin striping is followed throughout in contrasting coordinated colors. The interior includes custom air foam cushioned seats covered in Masland Duran Yellow and Persimmon antique grain vinyl. Carpeting is 3″ rust fur. Dash panel of grain walnut includes undated luminated dials and gauges. A Hurst automatic floor shifter activated the power transfer. The steering wheel is specially built including a cone shaped housing to fit the Chevrolet components. Fuel tank is a Moon with flip type gas lid. Musical sounds can be attributed to the Muntz Stereo Pak, eight balanced speakers, and musicolor light bars for sight as well as sound effect. The rear compartment features simulated gallon buckets of ice cream, a hand churner - not to mention the soda fountain bar. Wheels are SS Cragar reversed chrome with wide base rims on which Gold Line Firestone Super Sport tires are mounted.