Their work gained popularity, and after George’s brother returned from a stint in the Navy, the two began customizing cars in earnest, creating custom vehicles for private buyers, and then for film and television productions. George Barris also wrote a column on customization for Hot Rod and Motor Trend magazines. He is most widely recognized for three high profile customizations – Ala Kart, which was used in multiple movies, The Batmobile from the original television series, which was recently auctioned off for $4.6 million, and the custom vehicle that put him on the map internationally, the Hirohata Merc. He continues to customize cars to this day.