Freeing the spirit

Longtime fans, like Jay Leno, and lookie-loos assembled at Community Chevrolet on Saturday to meet George Barris, auto customizer to the stars and movie directors, and his latest creations — the first two Barris Kustom 2010 Chevrolet Camaro “Spirits.”

Barris drove the red customized Camaro 2SS RS earlier that day in Burbank on Parade. But at the dealership, the yellow model with purple detailing was taking center stage as Barris posed for photographers with VIPs.

A few feet away was the Batmobile with neon orange trim used in the 1966 “Batman” TV series.

Burbank High School freshman Arnold Atakhanian said he preferred the earlier version of the Batmobile.

“The newer one looks like a tank,” he said.

But he loves Camaros, he added.

“I like the body of the ’68.”

A Camaro Berlinetta was the first car Upland resident Mimi Groszewski bought herself, she said. It was black with a T-top.

“It was fun — lots of fun,” she said.

The idea for the Spirit partnership between Barris Kustom and Community Chevrolet was born when dealership owner Fred Bell Sr. walked into the North Hollywood customizer shop and presented Barris, a longtime friend, with the idea.

The custom changes include painting the hood, fender and door with deep pearl and metallic accents and adding foil “hand swirled” striping and pin-striping to the outlines. The Spirit badging and Barris Kustom logo were also added.

Customers receive a certificate of authenticity, Fred Bell Jr. said.

“George is an icon in the car-customizing business,” he said. “He’s really having fun with it, and mainly it’s for fun.”

Barris said Fred Bell Sr. told him he wanted to do something for the Camaro like Ford did with the Mustang Shelby, he said.

“When a car manufacturer comes up with a new style — like the retro Camaro — that’s the time to do a special styling marketing program with them,” Barris said. “We wanted to accomplish two things with the program, make it affordable and make it in the USA.”

Fred Bell Jr. said the car would be priced in the middle-market range. There are only two made so far, and pricing will be based on demand.

It takes Barris one month to complete the package.

Paul Hefti of Toluca Lake came out to see the new Spirit with his wife, Denise. His father, Neal Hefti, wrote the theme music for the 1960s “Batman” TV series.

“My wife wants the red one, and I like the Lakers, so I’ll take the yellow-and-purple Camaro,” he said. “They’re gorgeous!”