1982 George Barris "Barrister"

350ci OHV Corvette V8
Cross-Fire Fuel Injection
200bhp at 4,200bhp
4-Speed 700-R4 Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Ventilated Disc Brakes

*One of only about a dozen 'Barristers' built
*Crafted from an '82 Corvette
*Purported to have been owned by Liberace
*Built by the King of Kustomizers

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Among the world of hot rodders and car customizers, few have reached the fame and recognition of George Barris. Born in Chicago in 1925, he moved with his brother, Sam, to the Sacramento area as a toddler shortly after the death of his mother. Growing up he became enamored with California car culture and moved with Sam to Los Angeles after WWII. Initially getting his start doing private commissions, modifying cars for individuals, his work soon got recognized by folks both in the car community—such as the budding, young publisher Robert E. Petersen—as well as movie studio executive as stars. From his Barris Kustom Industries, George Barris would go to define not only Kustom Kulture, but also build numerous famous movie cars, and outrageous Kustoms for famous stars and millionaires alike.

The Corvette was a personal favorite of Barris's and he would go on to customize a variety of them over his career. This 1982 Chevrolet Corvette-based "Barrister" is one such example. Part of a run of about a dozen cars, one parts of the interior design of the 'Vette was retained. Stripped to frame, which was lengthened several inches, an outlandish and unique retro-chic body was fitted. The new coachwork combined many of the best bits of pre-WWII cars—such as a long hood, [faux] external exhaust pipes, v-windscreen, and a bold radiator shell—with modern design elements including a tapered tail and fastback humps behind the headrests. A velour interior with tufted buckets seats and wood paneling topped it all off.

Ordered new by celebrities such as Bo Derek and James Caan, this example was believed to have been delivered to one of the most famous ivory tickler's of all time—Liberace. Purchased by the collection from an auction is Scottsdale, Arizona in 1993, it was described at the time as having belonged to Liberace (the only evidence of that assertion) and had 19,000 original miles.

Complete with a candelabra between the seats, in a nod to its supposed-former owner, this impossible to miss Kustom is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Barris machine.