Vehicle Description
From the king of customs. It's a one of a kind Corvette special
built by the legendary George Barris. Lee Sims of Accessories
International commissioned George to build a unique custom car to
create publicity for their company. George started with a brand new
1958 Corvette, the car was finished in 1959.
EXTERIOR: Influence for the nose was from Bill Mitchell's XP 700
show car. Resemblance stops there, other features include a hood
scoop, tailfins and molded in Buick taillights. A factory hardtop
was modified with a pair of fake vents and two creases running the
length of the roof, typical of a Barris creation of that era.
Barris also removed the factory twin chrome strips and the Corvette
emblem from the truck. Front and rear bumpers and the side moldings
around the coves. The car was restored about 25 years and George
Barris was quoted as saying "Whoever restored the car looks like he
did a nice job". Even today it looks great. The paint has a few
minor blemishes but presents like a show car. Body fits great, the
modifications held up with no issues. The wheels are vintage AAE
(Anson Auto Eng) mag style with spinners on polyester whitewalls.
The white convertible top is in very good shape, no tears.
INTERIOR: It looks great. The only modifications are the walnut
steering wheel and Hurst shifter. Later a stereo was put in the
factory hole. The seats, door panels, dash pad, carpet are in
excellent shape. The instrument area is gloss black, sparkling
chrome, nice clear lenses. There are seat belts.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: The original 283 was upgraded with a 1964
Corvette 327-340 hp motor. Everything is very tidy and good
looking. Dressed up with finned aluminum valve covers.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Clean black compartment. Has spare tire and the
board that covers it.
UNDERSIDE: Underneath is good, solid original condition. The rear
end was upgraded to a 12 bolt.
This car won at the Los Angeles Arena show back in the early 60s
and then went on the show circuit. It was seen in several
magazines. The goal to create a attention for Accessories
International was accomplished.
This car has lived on the west coast for most of it's life. When it
was restored in the 90s it hit the show circuit again attending
several concourse events. This car does include a picture board
with the magazine article blown up. Corvettes are collectable,
Barris customs are collectable. Own a car from the creator of the
Batmobile!
Convertible top
Removable hardtop
Seat belts
Magazine article