One of the original customizers from the Golden Age of hot rodding, Gene Winfield, has passed away.
Gene was an early pioneer in custom car culture and, if you’ve been to a classic car show anytime, anywhere in the past few decades, you’ve no doubt seen the impact of the trends he helped set.
But more importantly, Gene was a teacher, mentor, and an ambassador to the gearhead community. Even in his later years, he travelled around the world doing demonstrations and holding live hot rod clinics to teach the up-and-coming hot rod generation vital fabricating skills and customizing techniques.
Born in 1927, Gene Winfield was around for the early days of hotrodding, and helped both the gearhead community—and custom car industry—grow to become an integral part of pop culture.
And he never stopped pursuing his passion, offering his talents across a spectrum of industries—from major films and TV shows, to toy makers and model manufacturers.
Winfield earned the well-deserved nickname “King of Kustoms” and was crowned Builder of the Year for the 2008 Detroit Autorama. In addition to his well-documented fabricating skills, Winfield was a passionate race car driver and talented photographer.
Gene Winfield had been battling health issues for some time; our condolences to his family and friends.
Godspeed, Mr. Winfield.
You can read more about his life and talents in these OnAllCylinders articles:
- Interview: A Few Minutes with Hot Rodding Legend Gene Winfield
- Gene Winfield Puts His Fab Skills on Display
One of the greatest custom car builders of all time. A true legend! His work is that of a true artist. I know his work has inspired many, and he touched many lives. He surely was loved, and he surely will be missed.
My wife and I met Gene at Blackie Gejeians last Automama (51st); Gene had Jade Idol ll next to us at the show. What a character! Over the next few days we got to know Gene and the sparkling personality he had. Always wanted to answer any of the fans questions, photo’s and autographs. Gene asked us to come to his show in Mojave CA, so we did; we brought our ’61 Comet that was next to him at Blackie’s show. The man walks right up to me and says “ that’s one bitchin’ car” ! His place was amazing, chopped cars everywhere!
A true gentleman, and loved by so many.
Rest in Peace Gene, you will be missed !
Growing up in Calif we knew Gene Windfields work and also Barris customs because both guys had shops close to where I lived and i had a few buddies that owned Barris cars and Genes work was all over the place . Yes he was an Icon and a good guy willing to share his secrets with anybody that would want to learn the trade. I learned leading and some welding techniques from Gene and he could use a torch where most guys would burn up a car with one. The Custom world will miss him and his unique ways that he approached his work. His paint won several awards for special effect and if you seen one you would see why . If he would have had the paint they have today back then who knows what he would have come up with . May he rest in peace with the LORD .
Used to live just down the road from Gene’s shop in Rosamond Ca. and used to stop in to catch him working on one project or another.I would go by his shop alot sometimes just pulling off to get a glimpse of something cool he’d be working on we he wasn’t there. Getting to cruise by and visit with him was really a big deal and especially now when he’s gone. God’s got one cool customizer with him and can’t wait to see him again one day.