'66 George Barris Kustom

[Mac2Night]

Okay, I also posted this on my recent thread of vintage EB ads and articles I got in a collection of old Four Wheeler magazines, I wanted to make certain others who didn't read that thread got this cool vintage Bronco info.

While we have seen this totally custom, wood paneled 60's one-of-a kind EB in a variety of historical articles or books about classic Broncos, little has ever been told of its creation. From what I have found through researching the web and old issues of 4x4 mags, this '66 was a Kustom Creation of the world famous George Barris (60's Batmobile, Beverly Hillbillys truck, Gone in 60 Seconds, Elvis customs) called the "Dune Buster". In a retrospect of Barris' work, it only mentions this creation (here is the link to the page online):
http://books.google.com/books?id=eKQ...esult#PPA12,M1

The reference is on page 12, in the far right column, third paragraph. This is what I have found out, and it could be wrong, but the work looks like his genius and vision.

I JUST EDITED THIS POST, I FOUND A PAGE CONFIRMING THAT THIS IS A BARRIS CREATION (photo 3)!

I would think that someone out in CA might know more (he worked out of that area) and the Bronco might still be in a collection of his vehicles.

Anyone know more, have other photos or details on this EB or can refute my research?

BTW, the black and white photo of the same EB with it's soft half top came from another website (JBG's I think), but it is NOT mentioned of featured in the Four Wheeler Magazine it graces the cover of (March 1966).

 

[toddz69]

Okay, I also posted this on my recent thread of vintage EB ads and articles I got in a collection of old Four Wheeler magazines, I wanted to make certain others who didn't read that thread got this cool vintage Bronco info.

While we have seen this totally custom, wood paneled 60's one-of-a kind EB in a variety of historical articles or books about classic Broncos, little has ever been told of its creation. From what I have found through researching the web and old issues of 4x4 mags, this '66 was a Kustom Creation of the world famous George Barris (60's Batmobile, Beverly Hillbillys truck, Gone in 60 Seconds, Elvis customs) called the "Dune Buster". In a retrospect of Barris' work, it only mentions this creation (here is the link to the page online):
http://books.google.com/books?id=eKQ...esult#PPA12,M1

The reference is on page 12, in the far right column, third paragraph. This is what I have found out, and it could be wrong, but the work looks like his genius and vision.

I JUST EDITED THIS POST, I FOUND A PAGE CONFIRMING THAT THIS IS A BARRIS CREATION (photo 3)!

I would think that someone out in CA might know more (he worked out of that area) and the Bronco might still be in a collection of his vehicles.

Anyone know more, have other photos or details on this EB or can refute my research?

BTW, the black and white photo of the same EB with it's soft half top came from another website (JBG's I think), but it is NOT mentioned of featured in the Four Wheeler Magazine it graces the cover of (March 1966).

Mac: What magazine is the page from that shows the three photos of the truck? I don't remember seeing those shots anywhere else before (particularly the "under construction" shot).

I asked Barris about the truck a couple of years ago and he remembered it but had no idea whatever happened to it.

Todd Z.

 

[Mac2Night]

Todd,

It's pretty cool seeing it under construction. I had this photo page saved in my EB photos and don't recall where it came from. I will let you know if I find the source.

Too bad George doesn't know where it is........

Mac

 

[Bitch'nBronco]

5 exhaust tips... sweet! Love that Bronco

 

[peteacher]

It looks like there is a nice little jump seat in the back... facing the center of the bed. Might have to copy that.

 

[sprdv1]

Definitely Unique..

 

[Heus33]

Check out the windshield frame - thats definetly unique.

And good to know that even back in the 60's old dudes were using broncos to get girls. ;D

 

[72_EB]

This shot is fantastic. I like the seat padding on top of the roll bar.
The perfect skeet shooting setup.
Someone needs to track this truck down.

 

[malcolmzilla]

From the article:

There's no denying the appearance improvement

ROFL. Ummm. Ok.

 

[FerrumCampitor]

This shot is fantastic. I like the seat padding on top of the roll bar.

Hmm.. I assumed those were offroad lights in slim package. But I guess back then they didn't come that slim did they?

 

[Mac2Night]

I'm actually thinking how cool it might be to recreate this ride with one of my EBs. Snoop doors (slightly modified), bulkhead, brown carpet and seats, older J#$% windshield frame with curved top, woodgrain tape, chrome FORD letters (some vendors currently sell), side rails, mag wheels (wonder what they come off of... look sort of like the Batmobile's with that red stripe on the sidewalls, etc. Would that be cool or crazy to do?

I have found a full feature article on this ride, the "Dune Buster" in a vintage hot rod magazine and just "Buy It Now"ed it of ebay. Once I get it in hand, I will scan more photos for this post. Hopefully it will have some front shots of the rig.

 

[72_EB]

Definitely so crazy it would be cool. What I love about this rig is it is the perfect mix of the Vacation movie "Family Truckster" and a '78 Scout SSII.

Would that be cool or crazy to do?

 

[66Bronco]

I too contacted the folks at Barris several years ago asking about the whereabouts of the Dune Buster but they didn't have a clue. That would certainly be a cool Bronco to have.


-Terry

 

[73stallion]

OMG!!! i've seen pics of that bronco but didn't know he did it. i can't believe when he saw my bronco he didn't tell me he customized one! i met him at cruisin' for a cure in cali, and a few other occasions. super nice guy, and funny!!!

 

[broncojack]

Here is a picture of the Dune Duster on a turn table from the 1966 Chicago Auto Show.

 

[BroncoJAK]

Here's another shot of it from a different angle. I bought the picture years ago. Didn't know it was a Barris but suspected that it was.