In his teen years, George Barris, legendary Kustom car builder from California, formed a local car club named " Kustom Car Club". In the mid '40s, it became "Kustoms of Los Angeles". Again in 1949 George changed the name to "Kustoms of America". He advertised in all the small car books and at one time it was reported to have over 20,000 members.
As the '60s rolled around with the muscle car era beginning, trends changed to performance style Kustoms. The '70s arrived and saw "Street Rods" growing in large numbers. In the '80s Kustoms began showing up again at car shows.
On the 15th of February, 1994, the club known as "Kustoms of America" was turned over to Jim Hibbs from Nashville, Tennessee and Paul Spillman from Clarksville, Indiana.
On February 7th, 1997, due to illness, Paul Spillman sold all rights to "Kustoms of America" to his partner, Jim Hibbs, who is totally dedicated to Kustoms of America’s growth for all automobile enthusiast.
In September 1997, George Barris did, in fact, give to Jim, in writing, his complete approval for the organization to be run by him.
And as of today Kustoms of America has officially been turned over to Jeff and Pam Wortman by Jim and Joan Hibbs. This was made official on October 15th, 2006. Keep an eye out for lots of new things to come in the near future for our members.
Kustoms of America has grown in just the few years, since 1994, to over 4300 members world wide. And has been recognized by the national automotive magazines as being one of the best clubs in the U.S.A.
Kustoms Of America
4427 Ginger Drive * Gastonia, NC 28056
Phone and FAX 704-810-7559
email: Jeff at cutup50Ford@AOL.com
Kustoms Of America in an international Automotive organization similar to NSRA or GOODGUYS with these exceptions.
1. We are open to all years of modified, restyled or restored vehicles, including the new contemporary cars and trucks.
2. We believe that the hobby we love should not be restricted to certain years. That just wasn't the way it was in the '50s. (when this all started)
3. Kustoms of America produces "styleline" a quality Bi Monthly magazine for the members, with a Free buy/sell column for them.
4. Kustoms Of America produces great events throughout the U.S.A., where members and potential memebers can gather for a weekend of fun with their cars.
