Gene Winfield, one of the most renowned hot-rod builders in history, has passed away at the age of 97.

      Gene Winfield

      Few individuals have the opportunity to live for 97 years, but Gene Winfield did. Born in 1927, the renowned hot rod and Kustom icon passed away on Tuesday after spending time in a professional care facility. He leaves behind not only cars and innovations, but also the profound influence he had on the generations of builders who came after him.

      Winfield dedicated much of his life to crafting cars that earned him the title “King of Kustoms.” His creations often surpassed the work of others, even during the creatively rich ’60s. Several of his designs made their way into Hollywood, and many can be found in The Autopian's heartfelt tribute to the man who began by modifying cars behind his mother’s chicken coop in Modesto, California.

      Even individuals unfamiliar with Gene's shop, Winfield’s Rod and Custom in Mojave, California, are likely to recognize his work. The Reactor, built in 1965, appeared on popular television shows of that era, including Bewitched, Star Trek, Batman, and Mission: Impossible. Many of his most famous projects were so unique that they didn't even resemble traditional cars, showcasing his innovative style that was often imitated, yet never truly replicated.

      The Reactor. Winfield’s Rod and Custom

      Moreover, Winfield had a fondness for chopped-top Mercuries, as highlighted in Autoweek's tribute. This piece includes numerous quotes from Gene’s friends and admirers, such as David Steele, executive director of the American Hot Rod Foundation:

      “We all know Gene Winfield as the brilliant custom car builder and designer that he was, but his generosity and concern for the future of the hobby were always at the forefront of his thoughts. He demonstrated this through his fantastic fabrication master classes, where he taught younger builders techniques like chop topping, leading, paint fading, and other skills he had perfected, continuously promoting his beloved craft to the younger generation.”

      This sentiment encapsulates much of what people cherished about Winfield. The comments on the social media post announcing his passing are filled with heartfelt messages from individuals who learned directly from him, including automotive TV stars like Richard Rawlings from Fast ‘N Loud, as well as grassroots builders whose names might not be widely known, but who Gene certainly recognized.

      Tributes in the form of posts, articles, and videos honoring Winfield will continue to emerge, and like many, I will be absorbing them to gain a deeper understanding of how he influenced the hobby that we have all intertwined our lives with in our own ways.

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