Modesto Century Toppers

A Century Toppers plaque from 1948.

In Defense of Hot Rodders, a 1949 Letter from Gene Winfield. In March of 1949, Gene Winfield, then President of the Century Toppers Auto Club, wrote a letter to the Tracy Press in response to accusations made during a Tracy City Council meeting. The letter defends the Modesto Century Toppers and clarifies that hot rodders were not involved in the alleged reckless racing at the Jerusalem Airport. Winfield emphasized that the club maintained order and did not participate in the March 6th incident, which he described as a misunderstanding involving non-club members. His letter stands as an early example of organized hot rodders advocating for responsible use of racing spaces and fighting negative stereotypes.

On April 30, 1949, The Modesto Bee reported that the Century Toppers Auto Club, led by Gene Winfield, was partnering with the Highway Patrol to host an educational evening focused on traffic safety. Held at Modesto Junior College, the event featured safety films, discussions, and refreshments, reflecting the club’s commitment to responsible driving and its effort to improve the public image of hot rodders during a time of growing scrutiny.

In October of 1949, the Century Toppers Auto Club held a special safety session featuring Highway Patrolman Ezra Earhart and Captain Don Halterman, who screened a film and emphasized the importance of responsible driving. The Stockton Auto Club and the Sacramento Thunderbolts also attended the meeting. Published in The Modesto Bee, Tue, Oct 18, 1949, the article highlights the club’s growing efforts to promote traffic safety, organize public events, and prepare for upcoming car shows and road runs. Patrolman Earhart praised the group for integrating safety into their activities and announced plans to help the club incorporate for business purposes. The next meeting was scheduled to be held at Gene Winfield’s auto shop on October 31st, with the public invited to attend.

On April 20, 1950, The Modesto Bee announced the official incorporation of the Century Toppers Auto Club. With headquarters in Modesto, the club’s stated mission included promoting sportsmanship and safety in the “sport of automobiling,” while also providing entertainment for its members. Officers listed in the filing included Robert Winfield as president, Orvel Reichert as secretary, Al Serpa as treasurer, and directors Hughson, Frank Winfield, and Raymond Rosson. The move marked a major step in the club’s efforts to organize and legitimize hot rod culture in California’s Central Valley.

Roy Dyson's 1934 Ford Sedan, Guy Mencaccy's 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe and Jon Enberg's 1940 Ford Coupe as they appeared in late 1954. Photo from the Jon Enberg collection, provided by Steve Corgiat.

Gene Winfield's 1927 Ford Model T Roadster of Modesto, California. Gene was a member of the Modesto Century Toppers when he bought the car. After buying it, he rebuilt it using a Z-ed Model A frame. The build was completed in time for the 1950 National Roadster Show in Oakland, California.

Gene Winfield's 1927 Ford Model T Coupe - The Thing

Eugene Pereira's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster, was finished in 1949.

Dean McLaughlin's 1929 Ford Model A Pickup

Orvel Reichert's 1931 Ford Model A Roadster

Orvel Reichert's 1934 Ford Coupe

Joe Barnett's 1941 Ford Pickup

Ted Williams' 1934 Ford 5-Window Coupe. After returning from WWII, Ted moved to Modesto. Shortly thereafter he joined the Modesto Century Toppers car club.

Lew Thompson's 1932 Ford Roadster of Modesto, California. Lew's roadster was originally hot rodded in the Los Angeles area in the 1940s. In 1948 Gene Winfield reworked the car at Winfield Custom Shop for current owner Joe Cardoza. Joe sold the car to Modesto Century Toppers member Lew Thompson. Circa 1960 Joe sold the roadster to fellow Modesto Century Toppers member Peter Hischier, who gave it a Candy Apple Red paint job. Circa 1963 Peter had Gene Winfield rework the car and give it a black paint job. This incarnation did also feature a fully chromed undercarriage.

Jon Enberg's 1957 Ford

The Official Kustomrama Modesto Supporter Shirt - Click here to check price and availability.

The Modesto Century Toppers is a car club formed in Modesto, California in 1946. In 1946 Charlie Bell got together with some friends to form a club. After kicking around some names, someone suggested Century Toppers as the name for the club. As most of the club members were bringing their cars to Gene Winfield for custom work, Gene was voted the first president of the Century Toppers. The Century Toppers held their meetings at Gene Winfield's Windy's Custom Shop. According to Orvel Reichert you didn't have to own a hot rod, custom, or car in order to join the club.^[1] The Century Toppers had their own club jackets that were white with Kelly-Green trim and a top hat logo on the back. Often when riding their cars, members of the club would put on a cheap black top hat as symbol.^[1]