Gene Winfield, a legendary figure in the custom car design world, has passed away at the age of 97, according to a report from Deadline.
On March 4, the auto customization world lost an iconic craftsman, Gene Winfield, who was renowned for his influential work in cinema and television.
Born on June 16, 1927, in Springfield, Missouri, Gene Winfield moved with his family to Modesto, California, where he was raised.
His interest in vehicles began at an early age, starting his journey with cars at just ten years old. Winfield's early exposure to automotive engineering set the stage for a significant career in custom car design and construction.
Fueled by a passion ignited in his youth, Gene Winfield engaged in auto racing following his military service in the Army. His experiences in racing complemented his skills in car construction, propelling him into a prominent role within the automotive community.
Gene quickly earned recognition for his unique designs and superior craftsmanship, gaining the nickname "The King of Kustoms."
His innovative approach to car customization caught the eye of Hollywood, leading to a prolific career in film and television.
During the 1960s, Winfield's expertise was highly sought after by various TV shows and movies. He crafted and designed memorable vehicles like the Catmobile for the Batman TV series, cars for Get Smart! and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., showcasing his versatility and creative vision.
Winfield's impact extended beyond television into major cinematic projects. Most notably, he was responsible for creating the "spinners" seen in the 1982 sci-fi classic Blade Runner and the Galileo shuttlecraft and the Jupiter 8 for the original Star Trek series.
His creations were not limited to these projects, as his custom vehicles featured in films like Back to the Future II, the original RoboCop, and The Last Starfighter. Each project showcased Winfield's ability to blend artistic design with functional engineering.
Additionally, his work appeared in Woody Allen's Sleeper and Magnum Force. Even popular TV shows such as Bewitched and Mission: Impossible included vehicles that bore the unmistakable stamp of Winfield's design genius.
Winfield's contributions to car culture extended into his later years, with participation in DVD series like The King of Kustoms, which highlighted his career and craftsmanship.
His legacy was further cemented in the 2008 book "The Legendary Custom Cars and Hot Rods of Gene Winfield," penned by David Grant, which chronicled his extensive contributions to the industry.
The auto customization sector honored Winfield with numerous awards, including the National Hot Rod Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. His collaborations with major Detroit automakers were particularly noted, recognizing his influence beyond the niche of custom car design.
He was also celebrated by his induction into several halls of fame, underscoring his status as a pioneer in the industry. The news of his passing was met with tributes from across the automotive and entertainment industries, reflecting the broad impact of his work.
The world of custom cars and cinematic vehicle design has lost a pioneer, but Gene Winfield's legacy will drive on, inspiring innovation and creativity in the automotive industry for decades to come.