George Barris. Photo from wikipedia.org

Legendary custom car builder George Barris has passed away at 89. Credited with building some of the most iconic cars of the early television era, Barris helped define custom car culture in California with creations like the Batmobile.

Barris, who had been in declining health recently, died in his Los Angeles home with his family near. Barris’ publicist broke the news of the builder’s passing but no cause of death was given.

Barris leaves a legacy of custom cars built for TV shows, movies, celebrities and heads of state. He was a pioneer in developing scale-sized, plastic models of his full-sized customized cars.

Barris worked out of a small shop in North Hollywood, near Universal Studios. Known for building cars like the Batmobile, the Munster’s Koach and the Black Beauty car used in the Green Hornet TV series, Barris specialized in creating custom cars for private collectors as well.

The stunned Kustom car community will likely feel this loss for some time to come. Rod Authority expresses our deepest sympathy for the friends, family and fans of George Barris. Godspeed and farewell.