R.I.P. to The Great George Barris, Vehicle Customization Legend

If you had a favorite TV show's car when you were growing up, you already know George Barris. He basically created the genre of "Star Cars" when ABC asked him to create a signature vehicle for their TV series of Batman back in 1966.

Barris and his brother Sam began customizing vehicles when they were still in High School, and were the first to use the letter "K" in the word 'Kustom' which helped set their work apart.  Their designs were highly sought after and gaining renown amongst Detroit designers, and model kit designers as well.

Sam left the business before Hollywood came calling, so George and his wife retooled the business.  Barris' vision never disappointed audiences, as he always produced from a working concept--so that the end product would be flashy and functional.

Barris kept the original Batmobile he designed back in '66, and at times owned and sold most of the other vehicles he helped design after.  He finally parted with Batmobile number 1 in 2013, where it sold at auction for roughly $4.5 million.

When your creations take on a life of their own, you are a lucky S.O.B.  When those lives become a generation of Kustom lovers, it's way better than luck.