George Barris. Since the mid-1960s, the name has always sent a shiver down my spine. The Beverly Hillbillies truck, the Batmobile, the Munsters’ Coach, and Drag-U-La are the popular TV show creations we loved back then. But the Barris Kustoms list goes on and on, featuring some of the most amazing show cars we have ever seen. This 1965 Plymouth Barracuda Kustom was built for the 1966 film Fireball 500, starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Acquired by the Boeckmann collection in 2023, it is among the collection’s cars being auctioned here on Sotheby’s and is offered without reserve. It is believed to be the only Barris-built “Fireball 500” in existence today. Thanks to Roger for this amazing tip.
A Chrysler Commando 273 V8 with a 4-barrel is in the engine bay, and I am only guessing it has an A904 TorqueFlite automatic. Again, it is a guess, because I am not a Mopar guy and Sotheby’s doesn’t list drivetrain specs. It appears that the performance aspect of this creation takes a back seat to the star appeal it holds. And I couldn’t agree more! There is also a shot of the odometer showing only 6,254 miles, from what I can tell. The paint is so custom and gorgeous that words cannot express it. Pictures tell the story.
The customization included the dual-cockpit open roadster form with headrests that fade into the rear deck. Barris extended the rear fenders and added tall vertical taillights and ornamental decorations to the rear fascia. The flush door handles are custom and fit into the door contours. The car available here, said to be the only “Fireball 500” remaining in existence, shows numerous differences from the film car, including the shape of its windows and the design of the dual cockpit and divided bucket seats. No information is available on whether Barris made these modifications. He often made second and subsequent vehicles for marketing and promotional purposes.
Owning a piece of movie/TV history always seemed out of reach. The auction site shows this piece should command between $100,000 and $150,000, but it is at NO reserve. I have always wanted a Munster Coach, and owning Drag-U-La would be a dream come true. Maybe you have a spot for this movie star in your garage? Please check out this 1960s Barris Kustom!
Cool, not sure what you would do with it. Many Munster replicas out there. The estimate is $100K to $125k.