Barris Cars of the Stars - Hardcover

Barris, George; Fetherston, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0760332223 ISBN 13: 9780760332221

Publisher: Motorbooks Intl, 2008

Synopsis

Since the 1960s, George Barris has been one of the world’s most famous car customizers, creating countless one-of-a-kind custom rides out of his North Hollywood shop. Given Barris’s proximity to Tinseltown, it was only natural that when the world’s most famous Hollywood celebrities wanted to have their cars customized, they turned to George. Barris Cars of the Stars features rare images of Barris with his celebrity clients and the custom cars he built for them, along with commentary and stories from the King of Kustomizers himself. Featured celebrities include such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, John Travolta, Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett, Bo Derek, Ann-Margret, Neil Diamond, the Beach Boys, and many others.

About this title

About the Author

The one name, the one man, who epitomizes kustom cars is George Barris. A man who started working on cars during World War II, George is still promoting shows, handing out trophies and still kissing the trophy girls. In the 1950s, George and his brother Sam developed what came to be known as the “Barris look.” All of the cars to come out of their shop in southern California exhibited a certain cleanliness of line and sophistication that had more in common with sophisticated coach-built European cars than American hot rods of the same period.  At the same time that George and Sam were building some very famous cars like the Hirohata Merc and the Polynesian, George started to photograph their cars and write stories for magazines like Rod&Custom.  Not only does George Barris write as an expert on custom cars, in many cases he was the builder of the car he’s describing.

Review

 “Barris Cars of the Stars and pairs the famous custom car builder with his A-list clients, everyone from the Beach Boys to Barry White.” - John Neff, autoblog.com

“Seeing Sonny and Cher clowning around their new custom Mustangs, John Travolta in full Disco regalia and Farrah Fawcett lounging on the hood of her custom Corvette, big hair and all, brings a twinge to the gut and a fondness and longing for things that used to be. This will affect anyone who lived though those times even if they aren’t car lovers. It is quite well written and full of George’s reminiscences which make it far more than just a picture book, although it certainly does not fall down in that respect either. Barris, Cars of the Stars is a must have for anyone who enjoys custom cars, movie stars, Hollywood or just plain George. Four out of five stars, no pun intended.” - David Grainger, guildclassiccars.com

“The book features mostly two-page layouts with period photos for 62 celebs. It is easy reading with as much text or more about the star rather than the car that he or she worked with Barris to create.” – Mark Maynard, San Diego Union Tribune “What’s especially charming about this book are Barris’ personal recollections of the people concerned. In fact, there’s no shortage of great stories told between the covers of this 160-page hardback.” - Classic Car Mart “From silly golf carts for Bing and Bob to Farrah Fawcett’s Foxy Vette, most are contenders for tasteless corner, but it’s a surprisingly captivating gallery complemented by revealing personal notes from Barris.” -  Classic and Sports Car

“Barris, Cars of the Stars is a must have for anyone who enjoys custom cars, movie stars, Hollywood or just plain George. Four out of five stars, no pun intended.” – David Granger, guildclassiccars.com

“From the day that Barris was approached by the star to the day the car was finished, this book highlights the entire collaboration between each star and Barris, as well as the friendships that developed.” – Hotrod & Restoration

Edition details

• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0760332223
• ISBN 13: 9780760332221
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160