Holy Joey Ramone!

I got a few chances to see one of the BM's up close. If I am right I do believe 4 were made. Kevin I am sure can clear this part up. George used to keep one sometimes in his garage when he had the house on Encino Hill's Drive. I was about 12 or 13 years old then. All the neighborhood kids would just go nuts over it. I do know as George liked to "esplain things" that the copies also served different purposes. One was used for closeup interior shots (had better detailing inside like the gauges and control plaques) which I think is the one pictured a few posts ago. This one was the cleanest in detail of the bunch or known as the publicity car. That same car had working effects, It had the propane thrust nozzle effect on the back and the rocket launcher which I think ran on compressed C02 actually worked. Another was used for driving shots with a rough interior and had a mat finish.

Last time I saw George was in 1993. He was renting space at his shop to a guy named Sako and I dropped in to say hello. A little short on stature but big on everything else. If you have about an hour to spare ask him what happened to Deans Spider. It's a long story.

Kevin that picture is a "Klassic"

I always like reading the "old school" stories, but I never have anything to add, because I wasn't here. Finally! A co-worker of mine's wife worked at Hot Wheels and met with George Barris a few times. One day he came in with this autograph for me, fitting to the story at hand:http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193694426.jpg

This thread never ceases to amaze and entertain.



Thanks guys!

I've heard a couple over the years. Just not sure where it REALLY ended up. We'll talk next time we meet.

Two Batmobiles in color with autograph....that'll be $40.00 Thank You.
Priceless Jim.

All I got was a T-shirt! Actually it's the last of a dozen.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193700481.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193700517.jpg

Not sure if your talking 'bout George or Sako so let me share a story about George that should put to rest any doubt as to the mans stature.
A co-worker by the name of Dennis Braid had invited a few of us to his place in Hollywood to play a little poker. Funny how that allways happened when the rent was due. Dennis had cleaned me out early and I headed home empty pockets and all. I had to pass the shop on Riverside to get home. As I passed the shop I noticed a very large tow truck was backed up to Georges motorhome sitting next to the shop. It's around 1:00 AM and I don't have Georges home number but I know Dennis does so I call him from a pay phone across the street. Dennis says stay there, don't let him leave as he calls George at home. Now keep in mind George lives in Encino (you know the house up on the hill) I'd guess at least 15 miles away. George gets the call, gets dressed and gets to North Hollywood in what seemed like ten minutes. Remember the Gold and Brown Stutz he used to drive? This car comes flying across Lankershim airborne I swear, broadslides into the shop driveway and George is out of the car before the sparks in the roadway have lost thier glow.
George proceeds to the back of this heavy duty wrecker and grabs a pair of feet sticking out from under the front of the motorhome and literally drags this guy, chains in hand, out from under it. This was before the driveway was paved so this all takes place on the gravel surface. Can you say road rash?? The guy that these feet were attached to stands up and up and up, towering at least two feet above George. You'd think a man of George's size would at least take a step back......Not even close! George is on his toes dressing this guy down nose to nose. In the meantime the woman who was partners with George in the motorhome has been across the street watching all this. Turns out there was dissagreement as to ownership and she had hired this tow truck to pick it up. She comes screaming across the street telling George to let this poor fool go and that she's called the police. Which is true 'cause just about then L.A.s finest rolls up on the scene. Mayhem ensues. Everyone is telling thier side of the story at the top of thier lungs all at the same time. These poor cops don't know who to listen to. The tow truck driver decides he's had enough and say's "F this I'm leaving". George without hesitation bolts between the two cops, grabs this fool by the back of his collar and drags him backwards onto the ground yelling "your not going anywhere, I want him arrested for trying to steal my coach." It took around an hour for everyone to calm down, the cops took names, explained why no one was going to be arrested and even got an autographed picture of the "Adam 12" black and white.
Working for George was never dull thats for sure. He may not be a man of great physical stature but he towers about all when it comes to class, courage and style.
Love Ya George SmileWavy

So when is George going to pop up on this thread? ;)

His daughter Joji, has been known to attend the Friday night gathering at Bob's. Maybe you should ask her!

Just for the record. The Monkeemobile was designed and built by Dean Jeffries with backing from Jim Wangers at Pontiac and the MPC model company. Two were built, but it's unclear to me whether the one Barris has is one of those two or a third.

Now, does anybody know where Kookie's T-Bucket from 77 Sunset Strip is? There's a really nice replica around but I wonder what happened to the original.

Couple quick items, ran into Dave Wolin yesterday at a nice little car show in PV. He is, in fact, taller than me. Dave says hi to the Muholland crew. Also heard that Phil Hill is in very poor health, so you may want to keep him in your thoughts.

Cheers,
Kurt O.

There are more than a couple cars that were constructed by others,Dean Jefferies, Dick Dean,Jim Stephenson, Dennis Braid, Dale Gould to name a few, but didn't get the attention they deserved untill George became involved with them. I think this is a silent testiment to how good George was at his trade. He was a designer and promoter more than a hands on builder.

Just found this on youtube. Thought you might find it interesting
Retro rick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIwYnqiAm0

I'll gladly trade a fire near miss picture for night driving Burt Reynold's Daytona. That was freaking awesome Kevin!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193092513.jpg

Happy to provide a little disctraction David. Hope everything turned out OK for you.

Kevin and Dave thanks for the first hand stories about the Batmobile and Barris.

I have never met Barris, I have met Jeffries and his wife. They are really nice folks, were very gracious about showing their facility. I recall for years seeing the large all-terrain vehicle from the movie Damnation Alley parked in their lot. The "Landmaster" was pretty much the best thing in the movie.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1193762494.jpg

Brillo,

Is that Landmaster still sitting in a lot on the side of the road off of Ventura Blvd over by Universal City? Having grown up in the area, I remember passing by it almost daily during my childhood.

I remember that thing. It was parked forever at Jeffries' place around Cahuenga and Barham in Studio City.

Noah,

It's been gone for a couple of years now.

So have I. :D

Just moved back to the neighborhood, though.

it was sitting at dean jeffries place on cahuega pass. It was made out of two trucks! it is finally gone . He still has his manta ray in there and a 4 cam GT40