[Editor’s Note: An introduction to the 11th annual George Barris Cruisin’ Back to the ‘50s Culver City Car Show, Saturday, May 9, in Downtown.]
You don’t have to be a baby boomer to remember them.
It’s been a half century since The Munsters first appeared on black and white television sets across America.
Though many a schoolyard critic carped that Herman, Lily and their ghoulish parody of the family Cleaver – Beaver not Eldridge — was a goofy rip-off from a competing network — the silly sweetness of this short-lived sitcom (1964-66) has made The Munsters an enduring fan favorite.
Like other television shows of its era, cars were integral to the look and feel of The Munsters.
Not surprisingly, Cruisin’s George Barris designed and built The Munster Koach and its companion dragster, aptly named “Dragula.”
By the time the series canned its last episode, the Barris creations were nearly as popular as the family Munster.
From the first time they appeared on tiny screen, the Koach and Dragula were must holiday gifts for boys from 9 to 90.
They a were in demand by event organizers across America including the Hollywood Christmas Parade where they were nearly as big of a hit as the big guy in the red suit. Even today, nearly 50 years after they first debuted, scale models of the two cars are still in demand worldwide.
To commemorate its 50th anniversary on the television scene, this year’s Culver City car show has adopted an all-Munsters theme.
The Grand Marshal for the Saturday, May 9, show will be Butch Eddie Patrick, who played Eddie Munster, one of two surviving cast members.
Mr. Barris’s Munster Koach will be on hand. In keeping with the macabre motif, the show’s pin-up competition will be a Munster-themed fashion homage to Herman’s gruesomely stylish vampire bride Lily. There may even be fan participation Munster costume contest. Neck bolts and widow’s peaks are a must.
Cruisin’ Back to the ‘50s starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, in Downtown the day before Mother’s Day.
Mr. Cohen may be contacted at john@thejungle.biz