Kustoms of America

Keith Christensen's Kustoms of America membership card from 1955. "In January of 1955, after a few visits to Barris' shop on Atlantic Blvd., I was let into the back room of their facility. There was Sam Barris working on an old Mercury. He was cutting the top off. Now, in later thought, I realize he was chopping the roof of the car. In the middle of meandering, I was stopped short by George. He said something like, "Hey kid, what are you doing in here?" I told him that I had been there the previous week and that he had lowered my 1955 Buick, and he replied, "Oh yeah, I remember you." He said, "Come on into my office. I want to show you something." After we entered, he went over to his desk and pulled out a card, and said, "Do you want to join my elite club, 'Kustoms of America'?" I said, "Sure." So, he sat down and typed my name onto the card. He then explained that I would get certain benefits at no charge. I don't remember what they were, something about a newsletter and notices about upcoming shows." Photo from The Keith Christensen Collection.

Kustoms of America, an iconic car club, was founded by George Barris in the 1950s, becoming a nationwide sensation. Members received a package including a membership card, a decal, and a special discount catalog. The club offered various items like custom grille bars, electric door kits, and club jackets. It focused on promoting Barris's automotive restylings and customizing techniques. Membership was initially exclusive, with privileges like discounted parts and a newsletter featuring member cars and customizing ideas. The club planned annual trophies for the best custom automobile in each state, aiming for a national competition.

Keith Christensen Joins Kustoms of America

"In January of 1955, after a few visits to Barris' shop on Atlantic Blvd., I was let into the back room of their facility," Keith Christensen told Sondre Kvipt in December of 2023. "There was Sam Barris working on an old Mercury. He was cutting the top off. Now, in later thought, I realize he was chopping the roof of the car. In the middle of meandering, I was stopped short by George. He said something like, "Hey kid, what are you doing in here?" I told him that I had been there the previous week and that he had lowered my 1955 Buick, and he replied, "Oh yeah, I remember you." He said, "Come on into my office. I want to show you something." After we entered, he went over to his desk and pulled out a card, and said, "Do you want to join my elite club, 'Kustoms of America'?" I said, "Sure." So, he sat down and typed my name onto the card. He then explained that I would get certain benefits at no charge. I don't remember what they were, something about a newsletter and notices about upcoming shows."

Members:

• Keith Christensen