February 28, 2009
Barris Kustom Ind. |
Group group |
Group photo |
Group photo |
Group photo |
Group photo |
Bill, George & Erik Estrada |
Bill and George |
Eric & Bill Shrewsberry |
George & Joji Barris |
Some fans |
The #1 with fans |
Some fans |
The #1 and fans |
Some fans |
Some fans |
The #1 and fans |
Bill, George & Korky |
Bill Shrewsberry in 1967 |
Bill Shrewsberry |
"Korky" Korkes |
"Korky" Korkes in the late 60's |
During the Q&A |
During the Q&A |
During the Q&A |
During the Q&A |
During the giveaway |
The winner of our giveaway |
Replica Batmobile |
Tom & George |
Replica Batmobile |
Other famous cars |
Replica Batmobile |
Replica Batmobile |
Tom's replica Batmobile |
On February 28, 2009, I put together a
meet & greet event at Barris Kustom Industries in North Hollywood, CA. It
gave fans an opportunity to meet George "King of Kustomizers" Barris
and see the original #1 Batmobile. Barris and his family were gracious
enough to open-up their "shop" to 40+ '66 Batmobile fans from around
the country. People came-in from all over the U.S. and Canada, including:
Arizona, North & South Carolina, Iowa, Indiana, and Texas.
In attendance we had "Wild Bill" Shrewsberry, who drag raced the
Batmobile in 1967 at various events around the country. Also, former
customizer and Barris employee Richard "Korky" Korkes. Korky
worked for George Barris for many years and had a hand in building the
Batmobile, Munster Koach, Batcycle, the Corvette Summer car and the
Parisienne just to mention a few. Both of them were very happy to meet their
fans in-person and participate in the Q&A panel.
Tom Woodruff was there with his fabulous replica Batmobile. Also, a representative from Hot Wheels who handles the '66 Batmobile product line was there. And last but not least, Erik "CHiPs" Estrada was there to enjoy the day too. Congratulations to Jeff who won a 1:18th scale Hot Wheels Batmobile signed by Barris, Estrada, Korkes, & Shrewsberry.
Due to the overwhelming response, I'm hoping this turns into an annual event!
My thanks & appreciation goes out to: George Barris, Joji Barris, Brett Barris, Tony Wood, Bill Shrewsberry, Korky Korkes, Tom Woodruff & Chris DeFalco