Gene Winfield ranks his top 3 favorite builds

Gene Winfield is a legendary customizer, painter and hot rod racer. Born June 16, 1927, Gene has been restyling cars since 1945, and he is one of the best known and most recognized builders in the world. Photo by Sondre Kvipt.

3. The Reactor

2. The Solar Scene

1. The Jade Idol

Kustomrama Top Lists

They say choosing your favourite build is like choosing your favourite child! We asked Gene Winfield what his top 3 favourite builds are:

3. The Reactor

A futuristic aluminum show-car featuring a semi bubble windshield and top, a turbo charged Corvair front wheel drive on a Citroen chassis and twist wrist steering. Completed in 1965, the car was originally built for Connecticut show promoter Joe Kizis.

2. The Solar Scene

A chopped and channeled 1950 Mercury that featured four sculpted wheel wells with stainless inserts. Push buttons opened the doors all the way, and the front seats pivoted outside of the car. Powered by a Buick Nailhead engine, the build was completed in 1963.

1. The Jade Idol

Leroy Kemmerer’s 1956 Mercury. This was Gene’s claim to fame. Featuring a 4 inch sectioned body and Gene’s until then most radical paint job, the car put Gene on the map nationwide! The build was completed in 1959.