George Barris, the creator of the Batmobile and other TV and movie vehicles, died Thursday, his son, Brett, announced on Facebook. He was 89.
"Sorry to have to post that my father, legendary kustom car king George Barris, has moved to the bigger garage in the sky," his son wrote. "He passed on peacefully in his sleep at 2:45 am. He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home. He lived his life they way he wanted til the end."
Along with designing the Batmobile driven in the '60s "Batman" TV show, Barris also designed the Green Hornet's car, the "Beverly Hillbillies" jalopy, the Munster Koach and K.I.T.T. from "Knight Rider."
The car customizer's first shop was Barris Kustom Shop located on Imperial Highway in Bell, Calif. It was later moved to Lynwood, Calif., but Barris continued his association with North Hollywood, Calif. Barris Kustom Industries remains there.
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