A piece of automotive history
Where the craziness began.
The craziness started in the early ’80s, when Adam West—the original Batman—actually worked for me as my loan company’s spokesman. Around the office, we naturally called our product “Bat Loans.” How could we not?
I held an investor party, and Adam arrived with the original Batmobile—and George Barris, the King of the Custom Car Makers who created it. It was not exactly a quiet entrance. From that moment, history—and a certain amount of harmless trouble—began.
George, his wife Shirley, my wife Emily and I soon became inseparable. At the time, I owned a Ferrari Boxer, so George gave me my first automotive nickname: “Mr. Boxer.” Then he convinced me to paint it candy pearlescent ruby wine—a color guaranteed to make Ferrari purists reach for their medication. Because the paint apparently wasn’t outrageous enough, George added a real Knight Rider-style scanning light to the grille.
My Ferrari was the perfect companion to George’s “Barris Gold” Ferrari 308, which had more flashing lights than a Las Vegas casino. Together, we took over Hollywood—or at least made enough noise that people thought we had.
George taught me how to create more than a party, event or drive. He taught me how to create an experience: bring interesting people together, stir up a little good-natured mischief, get the best seats, secure the parking spot right out front and never be afraid to make a little noise.
That philosophy became my lifestyle. The drives, parties, dinners, friendships, world travel, Formula One and rallies—including Gumball 3000—eventually led to Zuma Exotic Car Events.
Thank you, George. You will always hold a very special place in Emily’s heart and mine.