While Hollywood may have declared its intent to go green loudly and proudly at the 2007 Academy Awards, other parts of the show business industry have been less enthusiastic. 

The ongoing success of reality shows such as Monster Garage, Pimp My Ride, and West Coast Choppers continues to emphasize the glamour of a flashy vehicle over the  efficiency of a clean one. But footage captured by celebrity gossip institution TMZ may show that the green trend is working its way in to the car modifying set after all. 

The website recently caught up with George Barris, who created the original Batmobile, along with KITT from Knight Rider, General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, and other classic showbiz cars. After the interview, Barris can clearly be seen climbing into a heavily customized Toyota Prius before driving off.

Though I doubt this will prompt Toyota to break out a new, sportier trim line to help broaden the appeal of the already wildly popular hybrid, it’s nice to see interest in cleaner vehicles spread out past Hollywood’s long-established coterie of eco-friendly actors.