GENE WINFIELD IS A ROD & CUSTOM LEGEND with a body of work that spans more than 60 years .
He's had his own shop in various California locations over the years, and in the mid-60's the AMT Model Corporation offered Gene a contract to head their "Speed & Custom Division" in Phoenix, Arizona.
So, in 1965, Gene closed his then-current shop in Modesto, moved to Phoenix, and proceeded to build some of the most fantastic Specialty/Concept vehicles that have ever been seen !
Close on the heels of the Ford Custom Caravan, The AMT Speed & Custom Division, was set-up to specialize in vehicles that were used in TV Shows & Films, and Gene's output included such stellar rides as: The "Get Smart" Car, The "Man From U.N.C.L.E." Car, and, the fabulous, full-size "Star Trek" Shuttlecraft ! Those vehicles could then be turned into AMT Models.
(Above Left: The "Star Trek" Shuttlecraft ! Photo from the Gene Winfield Collection; Above Right: The "Man From U.N.C.L.E." Car "The Piranha")
(Above: The "Get Smart" Car...based on a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. Photo courtesy of TV Land)
(Above Left: The 1996 AMT Version of the "Star Trek" Enterprise Model Kit; Above Right: SAM FOOSE (l) & myself (r) at Darryl Starbird's. Sam helped Gene on many of his projects while they were with the AMT Speed & Custom Division.)
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SO IT WAS THAT WHEN GENE & I GOT TOGETHER for this Interview, I wanted to ask him about that AMT Experience and, also, have him give me some insight on the other Projects he's got on the way.
Well, as usual, he didn't disappoint me ! Gene's current "to do" list included cars he's preparing for the 2011 SEMA Show, as well as some Personal Projects he's got underway...which include a re-creation of the "Pacifica" (shown here) that he did for the Ford Caravan, and, "The Winfield Wild Rod",
"THE WINFIELD WILD ROD", is based on a '51 Ford Pick-Up Cab, which will be chopped 7" inches, sectioned 6" inches, channeled 3" inches, run a Ford Cammer Engine, and, will sit ONE-INCH off the floor ! AND, it will be driveable with that 1"Inch clearance !!
With a travel schedule that takes him to Canada, Australia, Sweden, Japan, and, many other Countries around-the-world, GENE WINFIELD, with 60-years-plus of building, painting, and desigining Rods & Customs, and holding seminars & classes on those same subjects WorldWide, is still one of the most in-demand & sought-out Legends & Pioneers of all-time !
He's also a friend who I hold in the highest regard...and wish continued success for decades to come ! JK
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GENE WINFIELD'S Biography by, David Grant, a Motorbooks, Pub., is an excellent look at Gene's life,cars, and, career. Read my Full Review in the "HOT OFF THE PRESS" Section...just click-on here to get there !
