Dennis Gage, a well-known car enthusiast, recently took his viewers on an exciting adventure to Mojave, California, to visit a living legend in the world of hot rods and custom cars—Gene Winfield. Gene is celebrated for his incredible custom builds, and Dennis was eager to explore the magic behind Winfield’s creations.
Upon arriving at Gene’s workshop, Dennis was immediately struck by the sheer number of projects in progress. Gene greeted Dennis warmly and began to walk him through some of the fascinating vehicles currently in his shop.
One of the standout projects was a 1953 Chevy that was being customized for a client in Japan. Gene explained how he had rounded the corners of the bed, changed the stake holes, and even crafted custom taillights featuring the iconic Chevy bowtie. The attention to detail was astonishing, and Dennis couldn’t help but admire Gene’s craftsmanship.
Next, Gene introduced Dennis to a Mercury convertible undergoing a major transformation. Originally a four-door, Gene had converted it into a two-door, completely overhauling the bodywork and installing a new windshield. The car, sitting on a Cadillac chassis, showcased the versatility and ingenuity that Gene brings to every build.
Gene’s shop wasn’t just about restoration and customization, though. Dennis was intrigued by a small, flathead-powered car that Gene had recreated a few years ago, lovingly referred to as “The Thing.” Gene proudly mentioned that he was preparing to race it at El Mirage, aiming to hit 141 mph.
The tour continued with a 1939 Chevy, another land speed car, currently in for some bodywork. Gene shared an interesting find with Dennis—actual Bonneville salt trapped inside the rear fender, a testament to the car’s racing heritage.
Gene’s illustrious career isn’t limited to hot rods and custom cars. He has a rich history in Hollywood, having worked on some of the most iconic movie and television vehicles. Gene took Dennis on a nostalgic journey through his personal scrapbook, showcasing his work on films like The Last Starfighter, Bonnie and Clyde, Blade Runner, and Back to the Future 2. From designing cars for science fiction films to creating vehicles that have become cultural icons, Gene’s influence on Hollywood’s automotive scene is unparalleled.
One of the highlights of the visit was Gene’s 1961 Cadillac, affectionately named “Maybelline.” Gene had customized the car with a roof from a 1960 four-door model, falling in love with its panoramic rear window. The car featured a Northstar engine, a custom-made steering wheel, and electronically controlled pop-up mirrors. The trunk, with its neon lighting and tray for amplifiers, was another example of Gene’s attention to both aesthetics and functionality.
As the tour continued, Dennis was eager to see some of Gene’s more radical builds from the 1960s. They first looked at the “Strip Star,” an aluminum-bodied, asymmetrical hot rod with a 427 Ford engine. This car, designed as a showpiece, had also been raced at Bonneville. Gene recounted his experience running the car at Bonneville in 1964, where he managed to hit 127 mph despite some mechanical issues.
The final car on the tour was the “Reactor,” another all-aluminum custom build. This car had appeared in the original Star Trek series and Bewitched, cementing its place in television history. Gene demonstrated the car’s unique features, including headlights that automatically emerge from the body and a front-wheel-drive setup on a Citroën chassis.
Dennis was clearly impressed by the breadth of Gene’s work, both in custom cars and in Hollywood. As the day came to an end, Dennis and Gene took the Strip Star out for a spin, giving Dennis a taste of the power and speed that Gene’s creations are known for.
Reflecting on the day, Dennis couldn’t help but marvel at Gene’s talent, creativity, and the incredible history behind each of his builds. The visit to Gene Winfield’s workshop was not just a look into the world of custom cars, but a journey through decades of automotive history, innovation, and passion.
