Return of George Barris’ Munster Koach

I was pleased to see that Autoworld, Round 2 Models’ retail outlet, is reintroducing its excellent 1:18 scale die-cast model of the famous Munster Koach. Built by George Barris to a Tom Daniels design in 1964 for the comedy show The Munsters, it was assembled from three Ford Model Ts to resemble a crazy hearse, powered by a 289cu in Mustang V8, with 10 Carter carburettors, an Isky cam and Jahns pistons.

Measuring 18ft long with a handmade frame and brass radiator, despite hundreds of hours of work, it was completed in just three weeks, meeting the studio’s deadline. It appeared in 20 episodes and the followup film, Munsters Go Home. Curiously, given the damage that can occur to vehicles when filming, only one was made.

An unofficial replica was fabricated afterwards and offered to Barris, who declined it, but later his Barris Custom Industries did produce a second, authorised, Koach. All three still exist, the latter two now fully restored, while the original remains in unrestored condition.

The car has been the subject of an AMT 1:25 scale kit and die-casts in 1:64 and 1:18 scales. First issued by Ertl in its American Muscle series, I have one dating from 2002 which has all the Munsters-related photos and spiel. This latest incarnation is advertised as ‘The Barris Koach’ with no mention of the TV show that spawned it, so presumably it was not possible, or maybe too expensive, to renew the licensing agreement with whoever holds the rights to the show.

The model is the same however, with black paint, contrasting red flocked interior, opening doors, a detailed engine, steerable wheels and lots of spooky references. A perennial favourite, it can be found for around £120.