Batmobile designer George Barris dies aged 89

Known as the 'King of Kustomisers' Barris counted John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Cher and Elton John among his clients

In this 2007 photo, George Barris stands by the 1966 Batmobile that he designed at Barris Kustom Studios in North Hollywood, Calif. Barris, who created television's original Batmobile, along with scores of other beautifully customized, instantly recognizable vehicles that helped define California car culture, has died at age 89 (AP)

The designer of one of the most iconic vehicles ever seen on screen, the Batmobile, has died aged 89.

George Barris “has moved to a bigger garage in the sky” he son Brett wrote on Facebook, adding that “he was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home.”

"He lived his life the way he wanted til the end,” Brett wrote. “He would want everyone celebrate the passion he had for life and for what he created for all to enjoy."

Known as the “King of Kustomisers” Barris counted John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Cher and Elton John among his clients. Screen legend James Dean also called upon him to customise the Porsche which featured in his classic Rebel Without a Cause.

But Barris is probably best known for the Batmobile which featured in the classic 1960s TV series and movie starring Adam West, who now features in animated show Family Guy.

With gadgets including a Batphone, Bat-Ray projector and an automatic tyre inflating system, the car captured the imagination of children around the world. Just two years ago it sold at auction for $5 million (£3 million).

"He started the culture of custom cars here,” said Barris’s agent Edward Lozzi. “Even Nasa contacted us to ask permission to use the design of one of his fun toy cars, which was a moon rover, for one of their own space vehicles."

He added that Barris had been his first client and that “in the old days he'd let me drive the Batmobile out on dates to impress the girls.”

Even in his 70s, Barris was still hard at work designing cars for films such as Gone in 60 Seconds and Charlie's Angels. All of his cars, including the foot-pedalled Flintstones vehicle had to be drivable.

"He leaves behind a beautiful family and two children who are all part of Barris Kustom," Lozzi said.