Hey guys, I know there are alot of mixed feelings on the board regarding Barris, but I just wanted to share something special to me and greatly inspiring. Somewhere between the Ages of 13 and 16 I entered a model contest at the Houston Auto Rama as I had done many times before. I always brought home a plaque in my respected cl***. That year I got first place with a highly custom model I had built. After that I was told that there was a surprise for me and we headed off to see the first Barris Batmobile that was in the show. I was introduced to Mr. George Barris and come to find out he was acquaintances with my father's good buddy and Co-founder of the Wolves car club in Houston. He gave me an autographed pic of him in front of the batmobile, and everyone made plans to go out for brunch later. Mr. Barris told me to bring my model because he wanted to talk about it. I felt soooo cool! It was an awesome experience for such a young kid who was into customs and art as much as I. Well my family had a booth in the swap meet every year and my dad was selling all of his old Rod & custom mags. He pulled this one out to bring along to Brunch at Shoney's. The next year I got to meet Roth, I didnt get alot of one on one time with him, but he was super cool and he signed my mag as well. Check it out.
it is scary how much plowboy looks like roth ( specially the older photos), even crazier considering the similar stlye of cars. i mean thats a rare combination looking like a guy and loving his style. plowboy could of easily went into musclecars.
Wow! What a great story and memento to have, I would have loved to have opportunities like that growing up. Think I was born in the wrong era and country. Did barris tell you he built that model car? J/kidding, what a legend
My very first 1934 5 Ford window coupe was built by Barris. I purchased it in 1957 and was one of the best street rods I ever owned barr none. Workman ship and detail was awesome by today's standards and all lead work. After about 3 years of driving I had cause to remove the window molding on the drivers side. I couldn't believe that they had finished the inside of the molding and I couldn't see where it had been chopped. I have had many street rods since the 50's and although very nice nothing I have has since could compare to Barris workmanship. That's my 2 cents!
I remember this Autorama well and I am very glad it has fond memories for my son, Standaman. I have talked to a lot of people in recent years who do not have good things to say about George Barris, but I can tell you that he was great with us at the show and was quite willing to go to brunch and share stories and tips. His interest in the model and talking with my son was over the top and I am grateful for the memories that were created. I still have all of our models that we entered in the shows but they are boxed up since we just moved. We talked to Roth the following year but his booth was covered up with visitors; got a Ratfink Edsel print autographed though. Also met Boyd Coddington years later. I had sold some parts to some of his good friends who did not have cash and he forked it over for them. Around $2k as I remember it. He was nice to us too. My son has a nice autographed poster in his garage. Don't get too many of these kinds of opportunities in Houston. Really glad these guys made an impression on my son. Good impressions, that is. Lotsaprojx
I've known and spent time with George for many years, and he is always a cl*** act. One of the most considerate Pros around, always obliges the "fans", and has great rapport and fun with his peers. Congrats, Stan...you were in the presence of two R&C Legends at a very early age. AND you have the mag to prove it ! Jonnie King www.legends.thewwbc.net
I got to meet Mr. Barris at a world of wheels show when I was 14 or 15. He was a very nice guy. He even had some suggestions on mods to do to a 55 F-100 that I had at the time.
I have that same mag, except mine is not signed, and I really don't have that issue. But I have a rod and custom mag.
To go along with lotsaprojx's post. Here's the signature of Boyd. I know He was not exactly a traditional cutom guy. But I always spent alot of time at Boyd's booth gawking at a beautiful flamed chevy station wagon he did. I think thats when I realized how cool wagon customs could be. These AutoRama weekends were highly anticipated for me as a young custom admirer! I could not wait for Thanksgiving weekend every year. Those 3 days of setting up, selling at the swap meet, running parts for my dad and wandering around awe inspired (drooling) were just fantastic! All of this is what I hope to p*** on to my son. My mom would never admit it, but My Dad's Love for the car hobby brought us all closer together as a family and introduced me to a few of my heroes. good memories.
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