Kustom Kollection
By Dave Wallace

When Kurt and Amy McCormick take a ride around their Webster Groves, Mo., neighborhood, we want to go with them. We don't care which of their six cars they take, 'cause five are Barris kustoms; the sixth being an extremely rare, genuine Harry Westergard creation!

Since 1960, when Kurt got his first car, there have been 90-odd vehicles. McCormick began his Barris collection with the Parisienne '54 Caddy, purchased out of Hemmings. He's never stopped. A diehard traditionalist, he even refuses to replace those authentic bias-ply tires with more cush radials. And trailering is out of the question. He's hardcore!

The Rod & Custom Dream Truck (1) was a nine-year project. Reportedly the subject of 170 magazine articles, this was the very first vehicle to receive a small-block-Chevy engine swap. The Sam Barris '50 Buick (2), after 45 years, remains in perfect taste and style. Sam sold the car in '54 to finance his son's eye operation. Kurt and Amy put 1000 miles a year on it.

The Merc of Zaro (3) is one of twin '40 Merc kustoms built by the Barris brothers in 1948. Original-owner Johnny Zaro, who still lives in Downey, Calif., generously gave McCormick the Barris Kustoms of Los Angeles plaque from this car — starting Kurt on a plaque collection that now numbers nearly 200.

The '41 Buick (4) was Barris-built in '55. (Taildraggers rule!) Even by 1954 standards, the El Dorado (5) convertible was a yacht, measuring 19-1/2 feet; Barris lengthened it another 20 inches. Super-rare '41 Caddy (6) is the latest addition. It was built in the late '40s by the pioneer customizer, Harry Westergard, who inspired the Barris boys. This car was stored in the San Francisco Bay area until 1997. What a kollection of kustoms!

Nuts For Nashes