Gene Winfield’s Coolest Custom Cars
Celebrating A Hot Rodding Legend
Even if the name Gene Winfield doesn’t ring a bell, we can bet you’ve seen one of his creations on the big screen. Winfield is one of America’s greatest custom car creators, and we just couldn’t resist taking a deeper look at his life and insanely cool designs. From his first shop in his mother’s chicken coop to the heights of Hollywood, Gene Winfield’s life has been one wild ride—and he’s still going strong at 97 years old.
Humble Beginnings
Gene Winfield grew up in Modesto, California. He first fell in love with cars after seeing all the vehicles at his older brother Glen’s wrecking yard.
His First Car
In 1942, Winfield shelled out $75 for his first car, a 1928 Ford Model A coupe. The car didn’t have a radio, but Winfield made it look cool by giving it a foxtail radio antenna.
His First Custom
Winfield did his first big custom job on a 1930 Model A. He swapped out the engine for a 1937 flathead and designed and welded a custom intake manifold.
He also filled the grille shell—it took him three attempts, but the final result was a sweet looking hot rod.
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