Evidently this Barris creation came to life in 1971 from a 1/25th scale model, and features a triple blown "500hp" Chrysler Hemi engine, hand made headers, Cragar wheels, and 15" rear Goodyear slicks. The front has a working fork lift mounted ahead of the front axle.
it was up on Ebay in 2014 for about 10 thou http://oppositelock.kinja.com/found-on-ebay-george-barris-hard-hat-hauler-1503880108
somewhat changed and not kept up to it's original show car looks
This unique hot rod concept was brought to life size by Bob Larivee of Promotions Incorporated and Barris Kustom Industries.
Designed by Harry Bradly, this originated as a 1⁄25th scale model kit and then duplicated in replica to a full size operable car. The concept of the American Hard Hat worker was incorporated into a combo T bucket - forklift.
Race Car Specialties of Tarzana, were commissioned to perform the machine work and construction of the chassis and torsion bar suspension. Carrera coiled 50/50 shocks were used on the rear frame center mount, and dual air shocks were installed on the front end.
A 23-T Roadster fiberglass lightweight body and turtle deck were channeled over the frame 4 inches in front and three inches in the rear. Vertical steering was installed with a Corvair box and Ansen red metal flake steering wheel.
Three 671 blowers with Cragar drives are stacked on the engine with an Enderly Fuel injection air scoop. All engine accessories and decorative chrome ornaments are provided by Cal Custom Accessories. Stewart Warner dials and gauges were used in the embossed aluminum firewall.
A lunch box case houses a Moon gas tank and battery. Extra wide reversed front and rear wheels were engineered by Cragar, then face plates have character artist renditions of Kennedy, Muskey, Agnew and Reagan mounted as hubcaps.
http://www.automobilemag.com/news/wildest-rides-from-galpins-hall-of-customs-in-l-a
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/4962401/