IN THIS FEATURE The humble hybrid Barris kustom cars From green to mean A hybrid hotrod?

Barris, best known for creating TV's original Batmobile, has been in the custom business for more than 60 years. At his workshop in North Hollywood, Barris has built countless star cars including such classics as The Munsters' Koach, The Dukes of Hazzard's General Lee, Starsky and Hutch's Gran Torino and Knight Rider's KITT.

Barris Kustom cars - you have to spell it with a K, says George - are part of Hollywood history and, thanks to his latest project, he's a part of Hollywood's future as well.

Barris explains: 'The New York Times contacted me and asked me what I thought of the Prius and I thought that style-wise it could be a nice project for Kustomizing.'

George's most famous creation: the Batmobile

Toyota USA provided the car, with the caveat that Barris wouldn't chop the Prius up in his trademark style or mess with the complex electronics.

'They told us to go ahead and do some character work on the car without affecting the warranty.'

On a budget of US$10,000 and in just nine days, Barris and his team transformed the unassuming Prius into a major head-turner.