Gene Winfield Death and Obituary – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gene Winfield, the legendary American automobile designer, fabricator, and customizer. Gene Winfield, a pioneer in the world of automotive customization, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his innovative designs and remarkable craftsmanship.
Born on June 16, 1927, in Missouri, Gene Winfield grew up with a deep passion for automobiles. His journey into the world of car customization began in the post-war era when he started modifying cars in his mother’s garage. He was largely self-taught, relying on his artistic vision and mechanical expertise to transform ordinary vehicles into extraordinary works of art. His unrelenting passion for automobiles propelled him to become one of the most celebrated figures in the automotive world.
In the 1950s, Winfield gained recognition for his signature custom paint jobs and groundbreaking metal fabrication techniques. His “fade-away” paint job style, which featured smooth color transitions, became a hallmark of his work. His ability to blend colors seamlessly set him apart from his contemporaries in the competitive world of custom car building. Winfield’s talent for creating unique designs made him a go-to figure in the automotive world, and he became synonymous with innovative, high-quality customizations.
Throughout his career, Gene Winfield built numerous award-winning custom cars that captured the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide. His work ranged from iconic hot rods to conceptual vehicles, all of which demonstrated his unparalleled creativity and technical skill. His shop, Winfield’s Custom Shop, became a sanctuary for aspiring designers and a beacon of innovation in automotive design.
In addition to his impressive work in the car customization world, Winfield’s influence reached far beyond the traditional automotive scene. In the 1960s, he worked with AMT, a model car company, to build full-scale promotional cars based on their plastic model kits. This collaboration further solidified his standing as a leader in automotive design, contributing to the public’s fascination with custom cars and models.
One of the most significant aspects of Gene Winfield’s career was his work in Hollywood. Winfield’s groundbreaking designs caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to collaborations on some of the most famous futuristic vehicles seen on screen. Perhaps his most notable cinematic creation is the “Spinner” police car from the 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner. The sleek, futuristic design of the Spinner became an iconic symbol of the film’s cyberpunk aesthetic. His influence extended to other iconic films, such as RoboCop, The Last Starfighter, and Back to the Future II, where his innovative approach to vehicle design helped shape the visual language of the science fiction genre.
Winfield’s contribution to automotive design extended beyond the movies as well. He worked with major manufacturers like Ford and Chrysler on experimental vehicles and concept cars that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and styling.
Gene Winfield never truly retired from his craft. Well into his 90s, he continued to travel the country, conducting workshops and teaching metalworking and painting techniques to aspiring customizers. His passion for cars and dedication to passing on his knowledge made him a beloved figure within the car community. Winfield’s ability to adapt to evolving trends and technologies ensured his relevance for more than seven decades.
Gene Winfield’s passing marks the end of an era in automotive design, but his legacy will continue through his work, his mentorship, and the countless people he inspired. His contributions to the automotive world, from custom cars to cinematic vehicles, have solidified his place in history as one of the greatest custom car builders of all time. Rest in peace, Gene Winfield. Your innovative spirit and craftsmanship will never be forgotten.