Summary

Highly authentic re-creation of George Barris' "Munster Koach" as seen in "The Munsters" TV series, aired 1964-66. Built from 1923 Ford Model T. Equipped with features and details closely matching the TV car. From The Dr. Stewart A. Berkowitz Collection.

Details

This is a replica of the George Barris "Munster Koach" as seen in "The Munsters" television series that aired from 1964 to 1966. It is built on a modified 1923 Ford Model T chassis. Aired on CBS from 1964 to 1966, "The Munsters" was a sitcom focused on the home life of a benign family of monsters that provided Barris Kustoms the opportunity to provide wild show rods worthy of the kooky TV characters. Universal Studios initiated the project to generate additional public interest in the show for Season 2. Given Barris' already busy docket of projects and commissions, he had Tom Daniel design the "Munster Koach." By some accounts, Tex Smith started the build and Dick Dean finished it; however, in the book "Barris Kustoms of the 1960s," co-authored by George Barris and David Featherston, Les Tompkins and Bud Kunz built the TV car, beginning by fabricating an extended 133-inch wheelbase chassis and using several Model T bodies and a Hansom Cab-style center section for the bodywork. A highly detailed 289ci Ford V8 engine was sourced from a Mustang GT, according to Barris' still-active website, and equipped with high-performance internal components. The intake system included 10 carburetors and individual chromed intake stacks, with a factory-type induction setup hidden underneath. Bobby Barr fabricated the "Zoomie" dragster-style exhaust pipes. A 4-speed manual transmission and Ford 9-inch rear end delivered the power. Hot rod underpinnings included a dropped front axle, split radius rods and Model T springs. The brass radiator and fenders were hand-formed. Appropriately creepy details included Gloss Black Pearl paint, a blood-red velvet interior, huge front carriage lamps with spider webs, coffin handles, a bulb horn, family crests, landau irons and a footman's seat to the rear for little Eddie Munster. Mag wheels mounting "big and little" tires, including huge rear drag slicks, finished off the nearly 20-foot-long "Munster Koach." According to TV car enthusiasts, George Barris chose the 10-carburetor setup with 10 air horns, plus the lantern-style headlights. Completed in just 21 days at a reported cost of $18,000, the "Munster Koach" appeared extensively throughout Season 2 of The Munsters and was also seen in "Munster, Go Home" using different wheels. Just one "Munster Koach" was made for the television series and feature film, followed by exacting replicas, including this example, built for Dr. Berkowitz by Advance Restorations in Sacramento, CA, the chosen subcontractor for these cars by Barris. Highly detailed and authentic throughout, this is a museum-quality and ready to show and display. From The Dr. Stewart A. Berkowitz Collection.