George Barris
Celebrity cars

George Barris' most famous creation - Batmobile.

Simultaneously with getting into the movies, Barris and his crew found way into Hollywood garages. After all, stars were constantly under observation, they were brands and wanted to make the best possible impression. Naturally, it transferred to their vehicles. They all used cars, after all!

Elvis Presley / Cadillac Fleetwood

Presley's cadillac parked on the lawn in front of the house.
Finished version of Elvis Presley's car

One of the most important orders in Barris' career came from Elvis Presley himself. The legendary singer was a cadillac lover, having acquired more than a 100 different models throughout his years (and rumor has it that he secretly continues to do so on a remote island).

After returning from the military, the singer's career continued to grow rapidly and he delved deeper into the world of Hollywood (a direction taken just before service). While making Follow That Dream, he met George Barris. Presley's heart must have started beating faster. Here is a super-talented man that could make one of his favorite babies even prettier!

Elvis chose the 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 as the machine that would go under the master's hammer. A cleaned up version of the 1959 model, it could benefit from some spicing up. By itself this was one of the most prestigious cars on the market at the time, but Barris Kustom City work would soon increase its value from initial $10.000 to $100.000.

The paint itself was worth a small fortune. Custom gold murano pearl, special imported fish scale and diamonds crushed to dust and spread across the surface gave new meanings to the world 'splendor'.

The body was changed to some extent. One most visible difference between the original model and George's version is the small circle-shaped window on the back, which replaced a normal, third side window. Inside, it was covered by a plug with a handle, which could be put away at any time to enable discreet observation.

As was always the case, George's products weren't just for show and their insides impressed at least as much as the exteriors. This time, it was no different. TV set decorated with gold, cocktail bar, ice chest-refrigerator, tape recorder, record player, mini-dresser consisting of hair clipper, razor (golden, of course) and shoe buffer, microphone were only some of the gadgets equipped. Truly a car worthy of the King.

Ironically, the star wasn't destined to use it much. In 1963, it started an Australian tour to raise money for charity. After years of touring the country extensively, it raised more than it costed. Most people would probably bet against it when the tour started.

Today, the vehicle is still in one piece and on display in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

Frank Sinatra / Zebra Mustang

An old color photograph of Sinatra and Barris leaning on the Zebra Mustang in the sun.
Sinatra and Barris by the Mustang Zebra

In 1965, a movie Marriage on the Rocks with Frank Sinatra was being made. The iconic singer did much better on big screen than Presley did, with movies like The Manchurian Candidate offering quality you won't find anywhere in the catalog of Presley's film appearances. This one was lackluster though, with Joi Lansing's beautiful body the only part of it worth watching (a mormon girl, by the way!).

Barris couldn't care less about the details of course, as for him it was just another piece of business to be done. This time, Dean Martin got him the gig and the hot rod wizard was expected to deliver two customized cars: Ford Mustang and Ford Thunderbird.

The first one was particularly interesting. The front end was changed, roof became an option (targa top) and cup holder was installed, which was a still a rarity in those times. However, the most obvious addition are the zebra stripes added to the sides. They made it look rapacious and played nicely with the overall theme of the car.

Frank Sinatra was so impressed by George's work that he decided to buy the automobile. His daughter Nancy was playing a supporting role in the movie, so when a big party was thrown to celebrate its finishing close to Nancy's birthday date, he gave it to her as a birthday present.

Dean Martin / The Casa de Eldorado

Dean Martin's modified orange car on a parking with a ruined building in the back.
The Casa del Eldorado

One of many famous actors George befriended was Dean Martin. Their relationship was much about cars of course, and throughout the years Barris modified many for the celebrity.

One particular model that got some publicity among car enthusiasts (mainly because the auto customizer borrowed it for display on numerous car shows) was The Casa de Eldorado.

As the name suggests, it was based on the 1970 Cadillac Eldorado. The initial sketches drawn were presaging a prettier and more elegant car than it turned out to be in the end, but Martin enjoyed the result and cherished it for years.

Elvis Presley's cadillac modified by George Barris
 
Frank Sinatra and George Barris standing by the Zebra Mustang