Early Kustom Kulture

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George Barris is the King of the Kustomizers, renowned for his phenomenal kustom car building. This collection showcases stunning photographs of early hot rods and custom cars taken by Barris during the 1950s to early '60s. As a sculptor of cars, he expertly captured the angles and lighting that highlighted the beauty of these creations, both his own and those of others. The images reflect the early kustom culture movement, where individuals sought to stylize their cars, making them sleek, unique, powerful, and personal. Featuring hundreds of photographs, this volume includes notable customizers from across the country, alongside Barris' own masterpieces, many of which are previously unseen. Barris also documented the personalities of this iconic era, capturing builders, owners, pinups, and models. His work illustrates the diverse styles of the early customs and hot rods, showcasing trends from both the East and West Coasts. Beginning in the early 1940s with his brother Sam, Barris used a Rolleiflex camera to promote his business and educate fellow kustomizers. He recorded techniques and shared his knowledge through how-to stories, preserving thousands of moments that highlighted the beauty and outrageousness of automobiles. His documentation serves as a vital chronicle of custom car history, coinciding with the rise of auto enthusiast magazines. While famous for his kustom cars, Barris' photography is equally significant in h