Barris Tribute

Volo Auto Museum Posted on 2015-11-07

 

Museum to honor the legendary George Barris

 

VOLO — Officials of the Volo Auto Museum express their condolences to the family, friends and legions of fans of George Barris, who died Thursday, Nov. 5, at the age of 89.

 

The Grams family, owners of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road, had longstanding ties with Barris, creator of the original Batmobile from the 1960s “Batman” TV series as well as numerous other custom creations.

 

Barris, who founded Barris Kustom Industries in California, drew thousands of fans to the museum at his annual Firecracker Fourth of July weekend charity custom car shows between 2000 and 2013. The shows benefited NorthPointe Resources.

 

In honor of Barris, a wall display is planned of hundreds of never-before-seen photos taken during the shows. Those who’d like to share their Barris memories are encouraged to do so; museum officials invite the public to submit their favorite Firecracker show photos to be a part of the temporary exhibit.

 

Museum founder Greg Grams recalled Friday how he first met Barris during car shows and auctions across the country back in the 1990s.

 

“I always knew who he was from the time I started in this business 55 years ago,” Grams said. “But I never dreamt of the day I’d be talking to him, let alone him approaching me and saying 'How about we do a show?'”

 

Greg Grams and son Brian Grams, museum director, said the museum boasts seven Barris cars, including an exhibition model Batmobile, Drag-U-La, Greased Lightning and more. All are signed by Barris.

 

Greg and Brian Grams said they will remember Barris not only for his talent, but also for his unassuming nature, never-ending stories and love of mingling with other car enthusiasts.

 

“He didn’t do these shows for the money,” Greg Grams said. “He loved these shows.”

 

To submit a photo for the exhibit, drop it off during business hours — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily — or mail it to the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, IL, 60073, attention “Firecracker.” Depending on the number of photos received, submissions may be rotated. Due to the volume anticipated, photos should be duplicates, as they will not be returned. For other information, visit volocars.com, call 815-385-3644 or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.