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King of Kustoms George Barris hits Sydney for MotorEx 2015


The man who put the motoring mayhem into a generation of the world's most-loved television series is in Sydney this weekend with some of his classic creations.

George Barris is nearly 90 but still fired up about cars he created, including the original Batmobile, the Munstermobile and the family truck from the Beverley Hillbillies.

He is now working on a hybrid hotrod and intends to share details with visitors to the Meguiar's MotorEx at the Sydney Olympic Park, today and tomorrow, where he is the guest of honour.

"I get more people from Australia who come and visit my studio location in North Hollywood than from any other country in the world," Barris tells CarsGuide.

"They bring their families with them … and they love to see the Batman car and all the others.

"Have you ever heard of a hybrid hotrod? No gasoline or oil or anything? I'm going to show them pictures and tell them about it."

Barris has created more than 1000 custom cars during his career but says, despite the impressive lineup at the show, he can't pick a favourite.

They kicked me out [of school] because I wanted to build cars, hotrods and custom cars

"They are all favourites. It's just like the film industry, with all the celebrities. It's like having kids, you cannot pick your favourite."

Barris can't remember a time when he wasn't interested in cars and his advancing years aren't holding him back.

"The only way I can tell how old I am is because my family is taking me on a boat cruise in November to celebrate turning 90. I went to school until I was about seven years old and they kicked me out because I wanted to build cars, hotrods and custom cars."

Apart from his television and movie work he created custom cars for numerous showbiz and music celebrities, including Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and the Beach Boys.

More than 450 cars will be on display at the 15th running of MotorEx with the focus on a 30-strong "Movie Car Mania" lineup that includes the Batmobile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the DeLorean from Back to the Future, Herbie the Love Bug, the General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard, and Mad Max machines.

Barris will also play a big part when he picks his favourite from the local creations, a role he is already planning to repeat in 2016.

"I'm looking forward to making my award. And they are not going to be stuck with me this year, but also next year. I'm coming back and I'm going to be bringing more cars," he says.

MotorEx is discounting tickets with a "buy one, get one free" deal after 3pm on both days, at the gate only.